The CT 100 has been revived after almost a decade and is targeted at rural India while the new Platina 100 ES is targeted at an urban population.
Having lost its market share in the 100cc commuter space, Bajaj Auto is going all out to ensure that the company reclaims considerable volumes in the segment once again and most recently also launched a highly revamped Platina to take on the Hero Splendor, TVS Start City+ and the likes. However, Bajaj is not stopping at just that, the automaker has revived its erstwhile 100cc budget offering, the CT 100 is a no-nonsense bike targeted at rural markets. But how does it fair against the competition? Bajaj did share a specification sheet comparing all 100cc bikes.
The Bajaj CT 100 is powered by a 99.3cc four-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled engine, which belts out 8.2 PS of power at 7500 RPM and 8.05 Nm of torque at 4500 RPM, mated to a 4-speed transmission. In comparison, power levels are quite similar on the competition with the Hero HF Deluxe using a 97.2cc engine with 8.3 PS and 8.5 Nm of torque, but power comes 500 RPM later than the CT 100. The other closest competitor is the TVS Star Sport that also uses a 99.7cc engine but belts out 7.5 PS at 7500 RPM and 7.5 Nm at 5000 RPM. Clearly, the CT 100 is at an advantage and weighing at 108 kgs, it is also considerably lighter than the HF Deluxe. The Star Sport is the lightest here at 97 kgs but also the least powerful.
In terms of fuel efficiency, Bajaj hit the sweet spot with the new Platina 100 ES that claims to return 96.9 km/l and the CT 100 follows on similar lines with a claimed fuel efficiency of 89.5 km/l. In comparison, the Hero HF Deluxe is said to have an average fuel economy of 68 km/l while the TVS Star Sport returns an average fuel efficiency figure of 66 km/l. In addition, Bajaj also states that the new CT 100 offers a wider 3-inch rear tyre for better road grip and extra stability, and a rugged build to take on all roads.
But clearly, it is the pricing that gives the Bajaj CT 100 an edge over its rivals. The most affordable bike in the country at present, the CT 100 is priced at Rs. 35,034/- for the no-frills spoke-wheel variant while the alloy wheels version is priced at Rs. 38,034/-. The closest rival to the CT 100 is the Hero HF Deluxe which is priced at Rs. 40,250/- while the TVS Star Sport is priced at Rs. 41,955/- (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi). For the rural market (or ‘Bharat’ as Bajaj calls it) that is in search for a bike with high fuel efficiency, low running costs and lower asking price, the CT 100 makes more sense than ever; whereas the Platina 100 ES makes its case as a tad bit premium offering for the urban population (or India).
