The BS6 Vespa VXL, Vespa SXL and Aprilia Storm 125 have been launched in India. The BS6 avatars of these scooters look exactly like the BS4 models with the only differences being that the new scooters are cleaner and greener.
Piaggio’s arms Vespa and Aprilia make some of the best vehicles in their own category. While Vespa targets its scooters at the premium end of the market, Aprilia targets the performance scooter market.
It is safe to say that these scooters have hit the right spot in their respective segments and therefore are very successful. In April 2020, BS-VI emissions norms were implemented in India, forcing manufacturers to go back to the drawing board. In most cases though, the vehicles remained the same aesthetically while only the engine was worked upon.
Vespa and Aprilia too have done just the same. The Storm 125 is the entry-level Aprilia in India. The BS6 version of the scooter has been launched at a starting price of Rs 85,000 for the drum brake variant (ex-showroom). The scooter comes in attractive colours and bold graphics. It rides on dual-purpose tyres, which also make the scooter look aggressive.
It is powered by the same 124.45cc engine as the Aprilia SR125. The air-cooled, single-cylinder engine has a maximum power output of 9.79bhp and a peak torque output of 9.60Nm. It features an analogue-digital instrument cluster.
Vespa on the other hand has launched the VXL 125, SXL 125, VXL 150, and SXL 150. The biggest differences between the VXL and the SXL is the headlamp design. The VXL scooters feature a circular headlamp while the SXL scooters feature a rectangular headlamp. In all other parameters, they remain the same.
Both the VXL and SXL and their variants feature a full-steel monocoque body and a three-coat paint job which gives it a paint finish only rivaled by premium cars and motorcycles. Other features include an LED headlamp with LED DRL, boot lamp for the under-seat storage, USB charging port, etc.
The Vespa VXL and SXL 125 are powered by an air-cooled, 124.45cc, single-cylinder, 3-valve engine with a maximum power output of 9.79bhp and a peak torque output of 9.60Nm. The 125cc scooters also feature a combined braking system.
Its 150cc avatars meanwhile are powered by an air-cooled, 149.5cc, single-cylinder, 3-valve engine with a maximum power output of 10.33bhp and a peak torque output of 10.60Nm. The 150cc scooters feature ABS as well.
The Vespa VXL 125 BS6 costs Rs 1.10 lakh, the SXL 125 BS6 costs Rs 1.14 lakh, the VXL 150 BS6 costs Rs 1.22 lakh and the SXL 150 BS6 costs Rs 1.27 lakh, all prices ex-showroom.
