In September 2014, Piaggio launched another stylish scooter Vespa Elegante in India. This limited edition scooter managed to attract several buyers during 2014’s festive season. But the company decided to manufacture only limited number of Elegante scooters.
Design
Scooter’s front bumper guard with all-round chrome guard kit, matching leather finished twin seats, and chrome grill in the front differentiate this scooter from Vespa’s standard version. Alloy wheels and tubeless tyres are good enough. The company also offers limited edition helmet as gift with the vehicle.
Elegante looks classy and sporty at the same time. Elegante badging on the scooter is good enough to prove that you are different from the crowd while on the road. Scooter’s instrument console is simple, and easy to understand.
Vespa Elegante is often tagged as Vespa VX’s enhanced version by critics. The scooter is perfect for young and the restless who wish to opt for premium products that can easily attract eyeballs.
Elegante’s seat height is 770 mm; this makes it comfortable for short height riders as well. The special edition scooter is available in two colors, clay and pearl white. Wonderful is the word that may come in your mind after looking at the scooter’s two-piece seat.
It offers kick start option as well as self-start option.
Engine
Vespa Elegante scooter is powered by 125cc three-valve engine that is fitted with variomatic transmission gearbox. The scooter can offer mileage or an average of 60KMPL. Its fuel tank capacity is 8.5 liters, and can reach top speed of around 84 KMPH.
Suspension and braking system
The scooter can be perfectly controlled with its disc brake in the rear and front. Anyway, this elegant scooter is meant to be used within city area rather than on highways. But the braking system has still managed to impress bike and car experts.
Hydraulic shock absorber manages the rear suspension, while single side arm type suspension system manages the front part.
Comparison with other scooters
Vespa Elegante is often compared with Suzuki Access and Honda Activa which also happens to be India’s best selling scooter.
All three scooters offer drum brake in the front and rear. Mileage-wise, Activa offers around 60 KMPL, Suzuki access offers around 47 KMPL, and Elegante offers around 50 to 60 KMPL depending on driving conditions.
Suspension, braking, and engine performance-wise, Elegante has everything to compete against Activa. However, Elegante comes with price tag of around Rs 79,000 plus taxes, while Activa and Suzuki Access are priced around Rs 52,000 and Rs 55,000 plus taxes.
Piaggio Online Store
Piaggio Vespa made it in headlines during May this year as the Italian scooter maker has joined hands with India’s online shopping portal Snapdeal.
The brand online store will target tech-savvy Vespa lovers and show them the exclusive range of scooters. The store was launched in May and allows scooter lovers to browse through complete information about Vespa’s range of scooters. Customers can also book their favorite scooter using the online store by making payment of Rs 5000 as booking amount.
Piaggio Vehicles executive VP for two wheeler business, Sanjeev Goyle interacted with journalists and shared his opinion about online store. He highlighted the point that Vespa scooters are considered the most stylish scooters in the world. Brand Vespa prefers to offer user-friendly buying options to customers. So, virtual store was necessary to offer fast experience.
Sanjeev Goyle also said that the company decided to join hands with Snapdeal as it is one of country’s best online shopping portals.
Vespa is world’s first premium scooter manufacturer to open online store.