Bajaj working on an Avenger 400 to rival Royal Enfield - Report

11/03/2016 - 15:05 Bajaj Avenger, Bajaj Anjan Ravi

It could use the KTM 375cc engine.

According to a report on Autocar India, Bajaj Auto is working on a flagship Bajaj Avenger 400, to rival products from the Royal Enfield stable. The publication cites sources in stating that the project is under final stages of testing and validation.

Bajaj Avenger 220 Street in Chennai Phoenix Marketcity — Sales of the Bajaj Avenger nameplate touched 31,000 units last month.

Bajaj re-launched the Avenger nameplate in October 2015, increasing the number of offerings from one to three. The Avenger lineup now consists of the Avenger 150 Street, the Avenger 220 Cruise and Avenger 220 Street. Bajaj's decision to increase the Avenger portfolio paid off: The company was initially targeting volumes of 9,000 units, but ended up selling close to 31,000 units last month.

Riding this momentum, Bajaj aims to introduce a 375 cc version of the Avenger, reportedly badged the Avenger 400, for buyers seeking the added power and effortless cruising capabilities. This variant would target buyers who would otherwise opt for a Royal Enfield, reports the publication.

2016 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise body graphics launched — The Avenger 400 would target buyers seeking effortless cruising capability.

The 375 cc engine in question could be the KTM Duke 390's single-cylinder unit, which develops 43.5 PS at 9,000 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, and is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine could be retuned for the Avenger to aid its cruising ability.

Also read: Bajaj V bookings cross the 3,000 mark

Bajaj also plans on launching the Bajaj Pulsar CS400 in the market soon. A recent report indicates that the CS400 would be the next major launch for the company.