Bajaj launched the Platina ComforTec with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) at Rs 46,656 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The entry-level commuter from the Pune-based manufacturer competes against the Honda CD 110 Dream, Mahindra Centuro, Hero Splendor Plus, Suzuki Hayate EP and the TVS Star City Plus. All motorcycles in this segment aim to be a convenient and hassle-free commuter. We check out the new Platina’s competitors.
Features
Bajaj has now revamped the cosmetics of the Platina ComforTec. Apart from the LED DRLs, the bike also gets new graphics and a basic yet redesigned instrument cluster. The Platina has three variants along with the new LED DRL version- the ComforTec with alloy wheels and ComforTec with spoke wheels.
The Honda CD110 Dream is the Japanese manufacturer’s entry-level commuter offering. It is the most affordable of Honda’s Dream series motorcycles consisting of the Dream Neo and Dream Yuga. The motorcycle offers a long saddle, stylish graphics and silver and black tone alloy wheels. The CD110 Dream has four variants- kick, kick with carrier, self-start and self-start with carrier.
The Star City Plus is an updated version of the manufacturer’s popular Star City. The bike features honeycomb-like side panel grills, alloy wheels, and five-step adjustable shock absorbers. The instrument cluster on the bike has an analogue speedometer with digital information display.
The Splendor Plus is one of the many variants of the Hero Splendor. The ‘Splendor’ moniker has been around since the Hero-Honda collaboration and Hero has continued to update the bike. The Splendor Plus offers standard features like optional alloy wheels and a stylish instrument console. It is available in three variants- kick with spoke and alloy and self with alloy.
Mahindra has tried to get the Centuro to stand out in the crowded entry-level commuter segment. The bike sports certain features that are not found on its rivals, like the flip-key with 96-bit secure access, anti-theft alarm, engine immobilizer, DTE (distance to empty), find-me-lamps and LED parking lights. The manufacturer has also added a premium feel to the Centuro with the golden twin bars under the tank. The Centuro has five different versions - Centuro NXT, Centuro Disc Brake, Centuro XT, Centuro Rockstar and Centuro Rockstar Kick Alloy.
The Hayate EP is a successor to the Hayate. The bike has features like preload adjustable rear springs, tubeless tyres and a maintenance free battery, although these features are not unique to the Hayate. The bike uses a diamond frame and has a longer wheelbase as compared to the previous model.
Engine
The Platina ComforTec continues to use the 102cc air-cooled engine that delivers 8.10bhp and 8.60Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The engine returns a fuel efficiency of 90kmpl.
Honda has given the CD110 Dream a 110cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 8.25bhp of power and 8.63Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a four-speed gearbox. The bike returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 74kmpl and is available with Honda’s Eco Technology.
The Splendor Plus uses the 97cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine found on many of Hero’s bikes. This unit produces 7.4bhp 7.95Nm of torque and is mated to a four-speed gearbox. The Splendor Plus returns a 81kmpl of fuel efficiency.
The Suzuki Hayate EP sports a 112cc single-cylinder engine producing 8.7bhp and 9.3Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a four-speed gearbox and returns an average of 65kmpl.
The Centuro is powered by an 106.7cc single-cylinder engine which produces 8.4bhp of power and 8.5Nm torque. This engine is also mated to a four-speed . The bike returns a fuel efficiency of 60kmpl.
The Star City Plus uses a 'Ecothrust' 110cc engine which produces 8.3bhp and 8.7Nm of torque. Mated to a four-speed gearbox, the engine can return a fuel efficiency of 86kmpl.
Pricing
The Mahindra Centuro, given the number of features is the most affordable with the prices starting at Rs 43,250. The Bajaj Platina ComforTec DRL comes in second with a starting price of Rs 46,656 and the Honda CD110 Dream follows closely at Rs 46,959. The Star City Plus costs begin at Rs 47,130. The Hero Splendor Plus price tag starts at Rs 47,365, while the Suzuki Hayate EP is the most expensive and starts at Rs 52,307.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
