Bajaj Auto add a new model to the commuter segment and a new suffix to the Discover 100
Of the 8.35-lakh-unit market size of the commuter segment, a massive chunk of 45 per cent belongs to the mid-level commuters like the recently launched Bajaj Discover 100M. The newly employed ‘M’ suffix stands for mileage, the most important yardstick for most buyers, and Bajaj want to emphasise this attribute of the new bike.
Currently there are two Discover models in the 100-cc space: the basic and now ageing Discover 100, also known as the 4G (four gears), powered by the older 7.7 PS, 94.38-cc motor, and the more upscale Discover 100 T offered with a modern 102-cc DTS-i engine capable of producing a healthy 10.2 PS, priced from Rs 43,820 and Rs 52,000 respectively (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
The latest Discover, 100M, has been positioned between these two, making it the most affordable new-age 100-cc Bajaj, since it shares the 102-cc DTS-i powerplant with the 100T. The proven four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine is equipped with a four-valve technology, but in the ‘M’ is tuned to churn out identical 9.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 revolutions per minute and a slightly lesser power output of 9.3 PS at 8,000 RPM, which maxes out at 1,000 revs lower than the Discover 100T. Since the engine isn’t as stressed to churn out maximum power, it helps the mileage-driven Discover 100M to claim a high fuel efficiency of 84 km/l. It doesn’t get the five-speed gearbox of the ‘T’ model and comes with a four-speed ‘box that shifts in an all-up pattern. Both the heel-and-toe gear lever and foot brake lever come with a protective rubber top.
The refined motor feels spirited for its puny size and has a surprisingly throaty exhaust note. During our short test ride the throttle response seemed impressive with decent low-end and mid-range power. However, we didn’t have enough road to test the claimed top speed of 95 km/h. The standard bike comes with drum brakes, though you can improve braking power by opting for the 200-mm petal-type front disc brake.
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