Piaggio Vespa FI to Be Launched by November

Piaggio is contemplating introducing more advanced technologies on its current range of scooters. Sources close to the development reveal that Piaggio is thinking about using fuel injectors on Vespa scooters that currently come equipped with carburettors. The new range will be launched in India in November, 2014.

In global markets, Piaggio uses fuel injection technology in its scooters, however due to the inconsistent fuel quality in India, the company uses carburettors in India. This time, Piaggio has modified the fuel injection system so that it is compatible with the gasoline available in India. The other reason for introducing the fuel injection technology here is, enhanced efficiency and performance of scooters. The FI version of Vespa is expected to be priced a tad-bit higher than the regular model. It has been learnt from close sources that Piaggio might price the Vespa FI range around Rs 4,000 more than the normal carburettor range.

The auto maker successfully inducted a new segment of premium retro-styled scooters in India with its contemporary Vespa range. Piaggio currently offers Vespa in three variants - the Vespa, Vespa VX and Vespa S and their prices range between Rs 68,333 to Rs 74,075 (ex-showroom, Mumbai). It will be powrered by an air-cooled 125cc engine that engenders 10 PS of top-power along with 10.6Nm of peak torque and comes mated to a CVT gearbox. Besides this, the company is also said to be developing a new 150cc fuel-injected engine that will be inducted in to the domestic market by year end.