Vespa remains one of the best selling scooters in the country today, despite its hefty price tag when compared to other rides available in the market. With Vespa being a statement of style, its avid fans have ensured that the Vespa 125 VXL and the S models remain a much sought after vehicle among the urban youth. Now, the company has launched two new, bigger, more powerful models, the 150 VXL and the 150 SXL, hoping to capitalise on the brand’s unique salability. Here is how the two new entrants performed in our review:

Styling

While the 150 VXL and the SXL retain the great Vespa look, they look quite similar to the 125cc variations. As all Vespas, the new models come with a great deal of chrome work on the body which gives it a premium look. Vespa has introduced new shades that differentiate it from the older models, there are shades that overlap. However, some of the new colours for the 150 VXL and the SXL are very attractive, particularly with the matte paint work. Much like its smaller sibling, the VXL gets the chrome pillion grabrails, while the SXL passes up on feature. The main visual contrast between the 125 and the 150 is the speedometre, the 125 had a simple dial with just the time in digital format, however, the new models have just the speedometre in analog, while the fuel gage and time are shown in digital format. The 150 might not look different from the 125, but it still is quite the sight out on the streets.

Performance

Vespas, in earnest, were never about the power and performance, but are universally popular for their premium feel and cultural status as a style symbol. The 150cc motor, on the new models, produces 11.6Bhp at 7000 RPM and 11.5 NM of torque at 5500 RPM. The pick-up isn’t as fast as you would expect, yet once you get moving, the torque draw was quite strong. There isn’t much difference in the performance between the 125 and the new 150 as they are differentiated by just 1 BHP and 1NM of torque. And while the distinction between the two is not monumental, the 150cc variations will guzzle more fuel. You will feel slight vibrations while riding in moderate speeds, particularly once your move north of 40km/ph, despite the fact that it is a four-stroke motor.

Ride and handling

The ride quality of the new 150 variations is very good and it handles most of what is thrown its way with ease. The wider tire provides more stability and grip and the nimble handling means you can easily filter through busy roads and tight sections. You do sit higher than other scooters, which might be a concern for some shorter riders. While stopping isn’t an issue, the disc brakes upfront did lack initial bite and felt slightly wooden. The single-sided swing arms and the single-sided forks make the ride quality a bit harsh but it is something that can be easily lived with.

Verdict

If you are looking into buying a Vespa, the introduction of the 150 has made it even harder to decide whether to go with the more powerful 150 or the slightly-less powerful but more fuel efficient 125 version. If you want better mileage and value for money I would recommend the 125 over the 150, but if you want to go all out, it has to be the 150 VXL or the 150 SXL. The VXL 150 costs Rs 295,946, and the SXL 150 costs Rs 305,946.