VERDICT:
This group test has been one of the closest comparos in a very long time. But there has to be a winner and the TVS Victor emerges victorious in this test. The superb engine gives you the best of all worlds, class-leading Performance with tremendous flexibility and Fuel Efficiency. Coupled with optimised suspension componentry, good handling and good ride quality, TVS has sussed out the competition well and has developed a bike capable of beating the best in all respects. All this at an ultra-competitive price that hits where it hurts the hardest.

Choosing the runner-up here was very tight with the Caliber Croma inching aheadon account of unbeatable pricing and very high equipment levels, being the only bike to offer a front disc brake. Allied to the best set of clothes and a good balance between Performance and efficiency, the Croma claims the runner-up sash, but only just.

Were it not for the pricing, the Hero Honda Passion would be joint runner-up with the Caliber Croma. The Passion scores very highly on refinement, Fuel Efficiency, while sporting real snazzy couture. Not to forget, Hero Honda commands brand loyalty like no other. But as things stand she rates third, partly due to being slower off the line but mainly on account of pricing.