The entry-level Suzuki commuter has been codenamed XF21 and is likely to feature a 100cc motor that will rival the Hero HF Dawn and Bajaj CT 100 in the low-cost commuter segment.
While Suzuki India persists that its main concentration over the next few years will be on 150cc and above products, recent export data suggests that the Japanese automaker is silently working on an entry-level motorcycle for the Indian market. Codenamed ‘XF21’, three units of the budget motorcycle have been shipped to the company’s headquarters in Japan for testing and evaluation purposes, and will be Suzuki’s most affordable offering in the country when it goes on sale in the future.
While details are extremely sketchy at the moment, Suzuki’s entry-level commuter motorcycle is expected to draw power from a 100cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, much like the competition; while the overall build quality will be basic with skinny tyres, all analog instrument cluster and an elongated seat to carry the rider and pillion in comfort. The low-cost commuter bike segment is witnessing limited competition at present with only the Bajaj CT100 and Hero HF Dawn plying in the market, but will soon see offerings from Honda as well as Yamaha making an entry soon.
With the Suzuki Gixxer 250 rumoured to make its debut next year, we do not expect the low-cost commuter to hit the market anytime soon. That said, the bike is likely to be introduced after a span of around 2-3 years, also once the company has a better presence in Tier-2 and 3 markets that will be contributing primarily to the sales. Meanwhile, expect Suzuki to silently continue work on the entry-level bike as it also develops other models in the premium space. Expect a price tag of under Rs. 40,000/- (ex-showroom) on the low-cost commuter.
Source – Zauba.com