Piaggio has launched the new Vespa Notte 125 in India at a price of Rs 68,845 (ex-showroom, Pune). At this price, the Notte 125 is the most affordable Vespa scooter on sale in India, as it undercuts the Vespa 125 VXL by Rs 4,000 which, until now, was the cheapest model in the line-up.

‘Notte’ in Italian means night and the Vespa gets an all-black treatment, signifying its name. Apart from the matte black colour, the scooter features black mirrors, wheels and grab rails. As a cost-cutting measure, Vespa has replaced the front disc brake with a drum brake unit. Also, the latest Vespa is offering tube-type tyres instead of the tubeless tyres on its siblings.

Mechanically, the Notte is identical to the other Vespa 125 scooters on sale and is powered by a 125cc, air-cooled engine that puts out 9.6hp and 9.9Nm of torque.

The new scooter is the fourth variant in the Vespa's portfolio which includes the SXL, VXL and the Elegante.

Commenting on this launch, Diego Graffi, CEO and MD, Piaggio India said, “Piaggio is delighted to launch the special Vespa Notte 125 CC in India. This is an addition to the unique design and cutting-edge technology of Brand Vespa. The elegance of the brand is carried ahead by the all-black theme; it reflects and echoes the spirit of life and freedom and will win the hearts of Vespa fans.”

 The new Vespa is on sale at all dealerships across the country and is also being offered at a down payment of Rs 8,999.

The Notte 125 may be the most affordable Vespa on sale in the country but it is still just Rs 1,000 less than the Aprilia SR 150, and given the basic running gear, it really isn’t what you’d call value.