In a bold move set to shake up the competitive scooter market, Hero MotoCorp has unveiled the latest iteration of its popular Pleasure Plus model.
This 2024 update marks a significant leap forward for the brand, as it seeks to cement its position as a leader in the urban mobility segment.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Hero Pleasure has been a familiar sight on Indian roads for over a decade, carving out a niche for itself as a stylish and reliable option for riders seeking an efficient and comfortable urban commute.
With this latest update, Hero MotoCorp aims to build on this legacy while pushing the boundaries of what riders can expect from a modern scooter.
“The new Pleasure Plus is more than just an update; it’s a reimagining of urban mobility,” says Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp.
“We’ve listened to our customers, studied market trends, and leveraged cutting-edge technology to create a scooter that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of today’s discerning riders.”
Design Evolution: Blending Style with Functionality
At first glance, the 2024 Pleasure Plus retains its iconic silhouette, a nod to its enduring design legacy. However, closer inspection reveals a host of subtle yet impactful changes that bring the scooter firmly into the modern era.
The front fascia now sports a sleeker LED headlamp cluster with integrated daytime running lights, lending the scooter a more premium and contemporary appearance.
The body panels have been resculpted to offer improved aerodynamics and a more muscular stance, while the rear section features a redesigned LED taillight that enhances both visibility and style.
Color options have been expanded to include a range of vibrant hues, with special edition graphics packages available for riders seeking to make a bolder statement on the road.
The new Pleasure Plus is available in eight color options, including three new additions: Nexus Blue, Fiery Red, and Matte Green.
Powerhouse Performance: Efficiency Meets Excitement
Under the skin, the 2024 Pleasure Plus houses a thoroughly revised powerplant.
The air-cooled, single-cylinder engine has been upgraded to 110.9cc, a move that Hero claims offers the perfect balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
The new engine churns out a respectable 8.1 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 8.7 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.
While these figures may seem modest, they represent a significant improvement over the outgoing model, especially in terms of low-end torque – a crucial factor for city riding.
Fuel efficiency, always a key consideration in this segment, has seen a notable improvement.
Hero boasts that the new Pleasure Plus can achieve up to 60 km/l under ideal conditions, a figure that, if realized in real-world riding, could set a new standard for the class.
Riding Dynamics: Comfort Meets Control
Recognizing that many Pleasure Plus owners use their scooters for daily commutes, Hero has paid special attention to ride quality and handling.
The chassis has been stiffened to improve stability at higher speeds, while the suspension setup – telescopic forks up front and a single hydraulic shock absorber at the rear – has been fine-tuned to offer a plush ride over India’s varied road conditions.
The scooter now rides on 12-inch wheels at the front and 10-inch at the rear, a combination that Hero claims offers the best balance between stability and maneuverability.
Braking duties are handled by a 190mm disc brake up front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear, with integrated braking system (IBS) as standard.
This setup ensures confident stopping power while complying with the latest safety regulations.
Technology Integration: Smart Features for the Modern Rider
Perhaps the most significant leap forward for the 2024 Pleasure Plus is in its technological offerings. Hero has equipped the scooter with a host of features previously unseen in this segment:
- A fully digital instrument cluster that provides essential information at a glance, including real-time fuel efficiency data and a side-stand indicator.
- Bluetooth connectivity that allows riders to pair their smartphones for call notifications and turn-by-turn navigation.
- USB charging port to keep devices powered on the go.
- Hero’s proprietary i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology, which automatically shuts off the engine at traffic stops to conserve fuel.
- A new feature called “Find My Scooter” that helps locate the vehicle in crowded parking areas.
These additions not only enhance the riding experience but also position the Pleasure Plus as a forward-thinking choice in a segment often criticized for being technologically stagnant.
Safety First: Prioritizing Rider Protection
In line with Hero’s commitment to safety, the new Pleasure Plus comes equipped with several features designed to protect riders:
- Anti-theft alarm system with remote key
- Side-stand engine cut-off function
- Vehicle immobilizer
- Emergency stop signal, which activates the hazard lights during sudden braking
These safety features, combined with the improved braking system and enhanced stability, make the Pleasure Plus one of the safest scooters in its class.
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
Hero MotoCorp has adopted a competitive pricing strategy for the 2024 Pleasure Plus, clearly aiming to offer superior value while maintaining its market position.
The base variant is priced at Rs. 72,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), with the fully-loaded model topping out at Rs. 78,000.
This pricing puts the Pleasure Plus in direct competition with established players like the Honda Activa and the TVS Jupiter, as well as newer entrants in the 110cc scooter segment.
However, Hero is banking on the Pleasure Plus’s brand recognition, updated features, and improved performance to give it an edge in this crowded market.
Production and Availability
To meet the anticipated demand, Hero has ramped up production at its Gurgaon and Haridwar plants.
The company expects to roll out over 100,000 units of the new Pleasure Plus in the first three months of launch, with plans to scale up further based on market response.
Dealerships across India have already begun accepting bookings, with deliveries slated to commence from February 1, 2024.
Hero has also hinted at plans to export the new Pleasure Plus to select international markets, particularly in South Asia and Africa, where the brand has a strong presence.
Environmental Considerations
In line with growing environmental concerns and stricter emission norms, the 2024 Pleasure Plus comes equipped with Hero’s advanced XSens technology, which optimizes fuel injection for reduced emissions without compromising on performance.
The scooter is fully compliant with BS6 Phase 2 norms and is E20 fuel ready, future-proofing it against upcoming regulatory changes.
Industry Reaction and Competitor Response
The launch of the new Pleasure Plus has sent competitors scrambling to reassess their strategies.
Industry analysts predict that we may see accelerated update cycles and more aggressive pricing from other manufacturers in the coming months.
“Hero has raised the bar with the new Pleasure Plus,” says Amit Kaushik, Managing Director at Urban Science, an automotive consulting firm.
“This launch could potentially reshape the entire 110cc scooter segment, forcing other players to innovate faster and offer more value to consumers.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Urban Mobility
The 2024 Hero Pleasure Plus represents more than just an update to a popular model; it signals a shift in how manufacturers approach the scooter segment.
By integrating advanced features, improving performance, and maintaining competitive pricing, Hero has set a new benchmark for what riders can expect from an entry-level scooter.
As India continues its march towards electrification, questions naturally arise about the long-term future of internal combustion engine (ICE) scooters like the Pleasure Plus.
Hero seems to have anticipated this, with rumors already circulating about an electric version of the Pleasure in development.
“While we’re committed to our ICE models, we’re also investing heavily in electric technology,” a senior Hero executive revealed on condition of anonymity.
“The lessons we learn from the new Pleasure Plus will undoubtedly influence our future electric offerings.”
Hero Pleasure Plus : A Pleasure Redefined
The 2024 Hero Pleasure Plus arrives at a crucial juncture for both the company and the Indian two-wheeler market.
As urban congestion increases and fuel prices remain volatile, the demand for efficient, reliable, and feature-rich scooters has never been higher.
With its blend of traditional strengths and modern innovations, the new Pleasure Plus seems well-positioned to meet these demands.
It represents a bold statement from Hero MotoCorp – a declaration that the scooter segment is not just about basic transportation, but can be a space for innovation, style, and performance.
As the first units of the 2024 Pleasure Plus begin to hit Indian roads, all eyes will be on Hero to see if this reimagined icon can live up to its promise and redefine the pleasure of riding for a new generation of urban commuters.
If successful, it may well set the template for the future of scooters in India and beyond.
In a market often driven by incremental changes, the 2024 Hero Pleasure Plus stands out as a leap forward.
It’s a reminder that even in the most established segments, there’s always room for innovation – and that sometimes, to move forward, you need to redefine what pleasure means on two wheels.