TVS is the least aggressive manufacturer in the Indian 2-wheeler market. Ever since Yamaha and Mahindra made its strong entry and threatened to dethrone TVS from their position in the market, the Hosur based outfit started working really hard. TVS made the splendid Phoenix 125cc motorcycle on a new platform which included a new engine and chassis. Let’s not forget the scooter, the award winning Jupiter which seems to win all accolades of last year in its category.
Now a new commuter based on the Phoenix has been spotted by our reader Vinoth Kumar Y on the Bangalore-Chennai highway. Vinoth also tells us that the speeds which they were doing was in the region of 100-110 km/hr. Which means this could be the 150cc variant. Adding fuel to this fire is the front disc brake which is there on the 125cc model as well. Previously when we spotted a Phoenix based commuter being tested some months back, it had drum brakes at the front. We can safely assume it was a 100/110cc motorcycle. This one though is a 150cc. The distinction is seen with the rear tyre size, which seems a tad bigger.
What makes it a Phoenix? The bold face, white rear springs, huge grab rail, petal disc brake, various cycle parts and curved tank which is easily visible. Expect this 150cc to come this year and challenge the faired or speculated naked version of the 150cc Bajaj Discover in terms of pricing and performance. Creating roughly around 13-14 BHP of power, 11-12 Nm of torque and with a kerb weight of under 130 kgs, these motorcycles should re-ignite the commuter segment war between the two domestic 2-wheeler giants.
