Vespa, the subsidiary of Italian manufacturer Piaggio have taken a bold step and launched the first scooters with 150cc capacity engines in India. The launch event in Mumbai saw the presence of the famous Italian footballer, Alessandro Del Piero, the new global brand ambassador for Vespa. Vespa currently sells around 2,000 units of its premium scooters per month in India. In view of expanding its market share in the premium scooter segment, Vespa India has increased its product portfolio by launching two new models, Vespa SXL 150 & Vespa VXL 150. These two models will also be available in the 125 cc variants with the engine taken from the earlier model, Vespa VX 125.
The Vespa SXL 150 and the Vespa VXL 150 are powered by the newly developed 150 cc engine with 3-valves, featuring an aluminium cylinder head for weight reduction. The engine produces a class leading maximum power of 11.6 PS @ 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 10.06 Nm @ 6000 rpm. The power from the engine is transmitted to the wheels through a continuous variable transmission. The two new models feature a full monocoque steel body construction which is also a first for the Indian scooter market. At the front, the suspension is an aircraft derived single sided arm with anti-dive characteristics with 200 mm ventilated discs for braking. And, at the rear the suspension is handled with a dual-effect hydraulic shock absorber and drum brakes. The new Vespa’s sport wide-profile tubeless tyres from Maxxis, 110-70/11 at the front and 120-70/10 at the rear, which should provide more than sufficient grip keeping in mind that the vehicle is powered by a 150 cc engine. The frame, suspension and tyres are designed keeping in mind low speed balance, accurate steering and high speed stability.
Coming to the styling of the scooters, the Vespa SXL 150 & Vespa VXL 150 have a chic characteristic but yet a modern Italian scooter feel with the only significant visual difference between the SXL and VXL being the shape of the headlights. The Vespa SXL 150 sports a squared headlight whereas the VXL has a round headlight. The console is a combination of analogue speedometer with a digital display for the odometer and fuel level indicator. The contoured seat is designed not only to offer a comfortable ride but also to look elegant. The SXL version also features an additional contrasting trim for the seat. And, the 5-spoke alloy wheels add to the whole styling package.
The Vespa SXL 150 is priced at INR 88,696 and the Vespa VXL 150 at INR 84,641 (Ex-showroom Pune). The smaller capacity Vespa SXL 125 and Vespa VXL 125 has a price tag of INR 81,967 and INR 77,308 respectively. The scooters will be available in five vibrant colours. Overall, the Vespa SXL 150 & Vespa VXL 150 is a great package but the pricing would be the only element that would be a thorn in the foot for Vespa considering that the next priciest scooter in the market is cheaper by a whooping INR 25,000.
Vespa venturing into this new market segment opens the doors for the other manufacturers to step up their game. Only time can tell if this move by Vespa would really be the game-changer for the scooter segment in India.