During EICMA 2018, Piaggio confirmed that it would be updating its GTS 300 line-up and the new scooters have officially launched in international markets. The most significant change is the addition of what Vespa call its HPE (High Performance Engine). The updated GTS 300 portfolio consists of five scooters – the GTS, GTS Touring, GTS Super, GTS SuperSport, and the GTS SuperTech – all of which are equipped with the new motor.
The GTS 300 series continues to be powered by a 278.3cc engine. However, new cylinder and piston-head designs have resulted in a bump in performance. The motor now makes 23.8hp at 8,250 rpm and 26Nm of torque at 5,250rpm – a minor increase over the previous 21.2hp at 7,750rpm and 22Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. The GTS 300 models come with an 8.5-litre fuel tank, which combined with the claimed fuel efficiency of 31.2kmpl, should give a range in excess of 260km on a full tank. The bike is equipped with dual-channel ABS and gets traction control as well.
Vespa has also updated the bike with new headlights. Meanwhile, the seats are now covered in an anti-slip fabric. A small Bluetooth-enabled TFT display and an analogue meter, convey information to the rider.
India is one of the biggest scooter markets in the world but it mainly comprises of models below 125cc. However, the decent sales figures of performance-inclined scooters like the Aprilia SR150 go to show that the market is evolving and a scooter like the Vespa GTS 300 could work, if priced well.