The additional deck length of Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX+ is a result of market research
The Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX+, a new and slightly longer variant of the leading cargo three-wheeler has been launched in India at an introductory price of INR 2.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune). The new variant which has a deck length of 6-feet is only INR 2,000 more expensive than the 5.5 feet variant.
Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX+
The Ape Xtra is also available in 5-feet and 5.5-feet variants. The new 6-feet variant addresses the requirement of high volume cargo, and is claimed to improve the customers’ earnability. The vehicle is now available for test drive at Piaggio’s Indian dealerships and customers can book one online via the company’s e-commerce website www.buyape.in. The company says its market research showed a latent need for a longer vehicle in this segment and its new more powerful BS6-compliant diesel engine allowed it to come up with the 6-feet version without any performance penalty. Piaggio India is confident that the Ape Xtra LDX+ will take the fight towards more expensive 4W small commercial vehicles. Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles Private Ltd. stated that the company’s BS6 range of 3W cargo vehicles have been a huge success in the market due to their superior specifications compared to the rivals. He added that the new variant will further strengthen Ape’s market position in the segment.
Specifications
The Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX+ is powered by a single-cylinder, water-cooled, naturally aspirated diesel engine displacing 597.1 cc. The motor develops 9.39 hp at 3,600 rpm and 23.5 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. Transmission is a 5-speed unit. The wet multi-plate clutch with aluminium element has longer life of 30,000 km and is claimed to offer smoother driving experience. The three-wheeled load carrier is suspended by means of a hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers at the front and rear but the front unit employs helical spring while the rear employs rubber spring. The brakes are drum units all around. The Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX+ has a GVW rating of 975 kg with payload capacity of 492 kg. The SCV has a gradeability of 22.2% and can reach a top-speed of 60 kmph. Fuel-tank capacity stands at 10 liters. The vehicle will also be available with a 230 cc 9.59 hp/ 16.54 hp CNG engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission in certain markets.
3W market’s current scenario
In October 2020, the country’s 3W market registered a steep YoY decline of 64.5%. During the same month, Piaggio India registered a decline of 59.4%. Things are expected to improve in the coming months.
