Piaggio has recognised the strong potential of the Indian scooter market where they are gradually making inroads, launching new variants. After the Vespa LX125 and VX (an LX125 with a front disc brake and new colour options), they have moved to bring in the Vespa S, first seen at the Auto Expo this year.
Apart from contemporary styling with a classic touch, typically Vespa, there’s a new riding saddle finished with a white border for a more upmarket look, while the most prominent styling highlight to the S is its classic, rectangular headlamp unit that harks back to scooters from the 1970s. The instrument cluster, likewise, matches the retro theme and comprises an analogue speedometer, fuel-gauge and digital-clock, apart from other warning lights.
On the mechanical front, the S houses a familiar four-stroke, 125cc, single-cylinder and air cooled engine as already seen on the LX125 and VX, with peak power output of 10.06bhp at 7500rpm, while maximum torque of 1.08kgm is made at 6000rpm. Similar to the LX125 and VX scooters already in India, the S also comes with a CVT transmission system, for hassle free riding in crowded urban conditions.
A Vespa-signature monocoque steel chassis, single-side hydraulic front shock absorber and rear monoshock are seen on this new scooter. Stopping power comes from a 200mm front disc and 140mm rear drum brake.
Like the other Vespas on sale in India, the S is also being sold at a premium price point, Rs 74,414 (ex-showroom, Pune) and the scooter is available at Piaggio dealerships across India.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
