Bajaj is going to launch facelifts of the Avenger Cruise and the Street in January 2018. Both the models get several cosmetic upgrades, although the powertrain has remained unchanged.
We recently spotted two test mules of the Avenger Cruise and Street undergoing trials in Pune. The most significant upgrade on the new Avenger models is the digital instrument console. While it retains the round chrome-rimmed design, the clock is a fully digital unit. Even the fuel tank gets a digital display, just above the fuel cap. The Avenger Cruise gets a bigger windscreen, while the seat is now a two-piece unit. While the test mules were heavily camouflaged, we can safely expect new paint schemes and revised decals.
Contrary to the previous rumours, the DTS-i powertrain has remained unchanged. The 220cc single-cylinder unit develops 19bhp and 17.5Nm of torque, and is mated to a five-speed gearbox. It gets an oil-cooler, with fuelling taken care of by a carburettor. Although the test mule sported a single-channel ABS (the rear continues with a drum brake), it is unlikely that the safety feature will be introduced here before 2019, when the regulation making ABS mandatory on 125cc plus motorcycle kicks in. Despite the upgrades, we do not expect a significant jump in the prices.
