Aprilia SR150 scooter to share engine with the Vespa 150

The all-new Aprilia SR150 was no less than a showstopper at the 2016 Auto Expo, at least as far as scooters are concerned. With its sporty design and the Aprilia name adorning its front apron, the SR150 would’ve sure set a lot of pulses racing. What we learnt about the scooter at the Expo was that it will be launched in August this year, and will be manufactured at Piaggio’s Baramati plant near Pune, which is also where the Vespa scooters are produced. The latest news on the SR150 though is that the Aprilia branded scooter will also share its 150cc engine with the Vespa 150. 

Stefano Pelle, MD, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd has confirmed the same, stating that the SR150, though intended to be sportier in demeanour will be powered by the same engine as the Vespa, which is looked upon as a stylish, lifestyle scooter. Of course, the state of tune will be different and the engine which produces 12PS for the Vespa could produce more power for the Aprilia considering its sportier intent. The SR150 will also sport a different version of the automatic transmission seen on the Vespa 150 to enhance acceleration, especially from standstill or low speeds. 

The positioning of the two scooters is very different from each other, and while the Vespa is more of a lifestyle product, the Aprilia SR150 will be outright sporty, in keeping with the Aprilia brand that is known for its high performance motorcycles and scooters, not to mention its legacy and prowess in the top echelons of motorcycle racing like MotoGP and WSBK. That said, the SR150 will be targeted at urban buyers wanting a sporty scooter which could also be an alternative to a similarly specced motorcycle for city use.

We thus expect the SR150 to produce at least 13PS of power if not more, and boast a top speed close the 100kmph mark. If that is the case, the SR150 could very well be the most powerful and fastest scooter in the country. Of course, the SR150 will also get better equipment than the Vespa, like a 220mm disc brake and longer travel telescopic forks in front, and as seen on the scooter displayed at the expo, 14-inch wheels at both ends. 

One would expect the SR150 to be more expensive than the Vespa 150 given the sportier intent and improved performance, but Piaggio is hinting that the SR150 could very well be priced under a lakh rupees, closer to the Rs 80,000 mark.