[Tushar]

Piaggio has launched the Apé Xtra DLX in India at a price of Rs 1.74 Lakhs (ex-Maharashtra).

High Points:

• The Apé Xtra DLX is powered by a single pot, air-cooled, naturally aspirated diesel engine that displaces 436 cc. Max power = 7.3 BHP @ 3,600 rpm. Max torque = 18 Nm @ 2,200-2,400 rpm.
• Features include new headlamps, a new dashboard layout, improved driver / passenger comfort and space for luggage.
• The vehicle will come with a 2 year warranty.
• Around 19 Lakh units of the Apé have been sold in India.
• Piaggio exports vehicles to 35 countries worldwide from its facility in Baramati, Maharashtra. Their production plant has an annual capacity of over 3,00,000 three-wheelers and 80,000 four-wheelers.
• The company has a 33% market share in the 3-wheeler segment in India.
• The brand is analyzing the potential for quadricycles, but a product launch is still a while away.

The three-wheeler has been launched at Rs. 1.74 Lakh (ex-Maharashtra):


Piaggio claims the paintwork features better colour retention and rust prevention:




The look is familiarly Apé:


New headlamps:


Large sized mud-guard:


A closer look at the helical spring with hydraulic telescopic shock absorber suspension:


Side profile showcases the increased space:


240 mm ground clearance is good, but the side step sits rather high. Won't be easy to use for older people:


Fuel tank capacity is 10.5 litres:




More storage space. Note the straps to hold the seat back:


The whole rear seat flips forward. This increases storage space:


A look at the 436cc diesel engine:


Driver's seat and backrest are wide + padded:


Spare wheel under the driver's seat:


Overview of the basic dashboard:


Piaggio claims the clutch has been developed for longevity and reduces driver fatigue:


Switchgear on the handlebar:


Analogue speedometer, fuel gauge and odometer. Note the miles per hour marking on the speedo:


More switchgear on the dashboard (wiper & lights):


Lockable storage space for the driver:

[Aditya]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Commercial Vehicles in India Section. Thanks for sharing!

[raj_5004]

Why does a 3 wheeler cost almost as much as a Nano which is a proper 4 wheeler with doors, AC, Power steering, etc.?

[GTO]

Lovely report, Tushar! Always enjoy a close look at such vehicles.

For those interested in rickshaws, here are two awesome threads with loads of info:

1

2

Originally Posted by raj_5004

Why does a 3 wheeler cost almost as much as a Nano which is a proper 4 wheeler with doors, AC, Power steering, etc.?

My uninformed guess is that demand will anyway be limited due to a cap on new rickshaw licences. Thus, it's not like Bajaj, Piaggio etc. can sell all the rickshaws they can build.

Also, since nearly all rickshaws are revenue generators, they can get away with the steep pricing. Similar to how diesel engines usually cost a lakh more in passenger cars, but actually aren't that much more expensive to make.

[vinair]

Originally Posted by GTO

My uninformed guess is that demand will anyway be limited due to a cap on new rickshaw licences. Thus, it's not like Bajaj, Piaggio etc. can sell all the rickshaws they can build

I believe in tier two or three cities, a permit really doesn't matter And its in these tier cities the Apé rules! I have not found many Apés even on the outskirts of Bangalore but are a plenty in my home town in Kerala.

I have seen people vouching on the Apé when it comes to durability and reliability even though spares and service is on the higher side when compared to a Bajaj product.

[Dry Ice]

Originally Posted by Tushar

Piaggio has launched the Apé Xtra DLX in India at a price of Rs 1.74 Lakhs (ex-Maharashtra).

Would be really interested to know the manufacturer rated seating capacity.

I see these ferrying 10-15 ppl on average. I always used to wonder how these 10 seaters get past CMVR with non existant safety features for passenger. Seeing it in an 'unaltered form', now that doubt has been laid to rest.

Wide driver seat helps accommodate 3, sometimes 4. Then theres the section right behind the driver - 3 there, 4 on the seat, 4 at the back on another bench - seen as storage space/loading bay in the pics.