The Gen 3 now comes with a ‘Smart Eco Mode’ that works on complex algorithms and learns and adapts according to your riding style. It also tells you how to ride via a small bar indicator at the side of the dashboard. It’s a bit of a learning curve as it allows you a bit of a boost that can let you ride at 60kmph for a certain time without compromising range, but once you push too hard, it automatically reduces the power output. It can be slightly frustrating if you’re an excited auto journo who wants to zip through without a care about charge times or range. In the real world (stop-start traffic) it could be quite useful since Ather claims a true range of 105Km in this mode.
The normal Ride mode churns out about an 85Km true range which is a healthy stepup. The battery capacity is now up at 3.7kWh, which is the major improvement here. However we don’t know the launch price at the time of writing, but we do expect at least a ₹5,000 bump up in price from the previous models (approx ₹1,50,000).
There’s hardly any noticeable difference between Sport and Warp modes, but both are quite fun and have no hesitations reaching the claimed top speed of 80 kph, and going beyond that thanks to the 6kW peak power and 24nm torque. 0-40 kph comes up in a cool 3.3s and the motor doesn’t struggle to climb uphill either. The new MRF tyres offer better grip too, especially in the rains and the move to a 100/80 configuration inspires more confidence and stability.
We did find the seat a tad bit uncomfortable and narrow, a wider seat would have been more supportive and comfier. The front suspension feels quite stiff too, adding slightly to the discomfort. While lowering the tyre pressure at the front may ease things, it’s not ideal as it may affect the range. But it’s not very noticeable if you’re riding at slower speeds in the city.