Honda could finally launch the CBR300R at the Auto Expo with the upgraded mechanicals and fresh styling while the PCX150 could provide a glimpse at the more powerful scooters to come.
You read it first on MotorBeam. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is planning an interesting 2016 as new and updated models are in the pipeline ready to go on sale. Having just launched the new CB Hornet 160R, the automaker is now gearing up for the upcoming Auto Expo scheduled in February and has promised a surprise offering that will be making an appearance at its pavilion. While the company has not divulged any details yet, we suspect this surprise two-wheeler could be the highly awaited CBR300R or the PCX150 performance scooter.
While Honda has been strengthening its mass market offerings, the performance space has been highly neglected especially in the quarter-litre segment. The facelifted and dramatically improved CBR300R arrived globally in 2013 replacing the CBR250R with the CBR1000R inspired styling, improved power output and lighter kerb weight, much to the happiness of Honda fans. However, the Indian arm has refrained from launching the facelifted CBR300R till now and is really lagging in terms of sales in the performance segment.
Power on the Honda CBR300R facelift comes from a 286cc single-cylinder motor producing 30.4 BHP and 27 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox while the kerb weight is lowered by 6.8 kgs over the outgoing model. The facelifted CBR could bring some respite to Honda India bringing it back in the race. The arrival of the CBR300R could be followed up with the launch of the CBR150R facelift later in the year.
The other offering likely to be showcased is the Honda PCX150 power scooter that is sold internationally and has been under consideration for some time now. The scooter market is growing exponentially in India and there is absolutely no doubt that Honda has been at the forefront of this growth. The Japanese auto giant showcased the PCX125 at the 2014 Auto Expo, which the PCX150 shares its design language with and went on to launch the Activa 125 at the biennial event. Could the PCX150 set the premise for a 150cc Honda scooter? Let’s hope.
