Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has questioned Hero MotoCorp on its claim of Splendor iSmart delivering 102.5kmpl. The Japanese manufacturer said that such claims are misleading and are far from reality.
A month after Bajaj Motorcycles called the new Platina as the world’s most fuel efficient with a figure of 96.9kmpl, Hero MotoCorp came out with the figure of 102.50kmpl for its Splendor iSmart. In its defence, Hero MotoCorp said that through its in-house research and development capabilities, the company has been able to improve fuel efficiency by using various techniques, including reducing the kerb weight of the bike, upgrading and optimising engines and adopting lean burn technology. Also, the start stop system has also helped the bike deliver maximum fuel efficiency.
However, Honda said that the base engine in question has been developed by them and they understand the realistic assessment on performance and capabilities. Hero MotoCorp has hit back saying its fuel efficiency figures were certified by iCAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology) and if Honda believes that the Splendor iSmart fuel efficiency figures are wrong then it is questioning the standards and regulations established by this esteemed organisation.
Usually, all the two-wheeler manufacturers exaggerate the fuel efficiency figures of their scooters and motorcycle to attract Indian consumers. However, most of the time it is next to impossible to achieve the claimed fuel efficiency figures in the real world conditions. While it is interesting to see an ex-partner going against Hero MotoCorp, it will be a tough situation for the former to get out of this bad PR.
