Piaggio Ape Auto DX

The Piaggio Ape Auto DX is a three-wheeler passenger carrier designed for urban transportation needs. It is one of the most popular auto-rickshaws in India due to its compact size, high fuel efficiency, and versatile usage.

Piaggio Ape Auto DX Powertrain

The Piaggio Ape Auto DX is powered by a 599cc, naturally-aspirated, single-cylinder, water-cooled diesel engine that generates a maximum power of 9.39 hp at 3600 rpm and a peak torque of 23.5 Nm at 2200 rpm. The engine is paired with a five-speed constant mesh manual transmission (5F+1R) and can reach a top speed of 60 km/h.

Piaggio Ape Auto DX Aggregates

The Piaggio Ape Auto DX has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 780 kg and a payload capacity of 300 kg. It has a wheelbase of 1920 mm and a high ground clearance of 245 mm. 

Piaggio Ape Auto DX Features

The Piaggio Ape Auto DX comes with various features, including hydraulic telescopic shock absorber with helical compression spring at the front and hydraulic telescopic shock absorber with rubber compression spring at the rear end. The auto-rickshaw also gets hydraulically actuated drum brakes for better safety. 

Piaggio Ape Auto DX Comfort

The Piaggio Ape Auto DX offers a comfortable ride due to its advanced suspension system, well-cushioned seats, and ergonomic design. The vehicle has a compact size that makes it easy to maneuver through narrow city streets and tight corners and is perfect for passenger-carrying operations in rural and urban areas.

Piaggio Ape Auto DX Rivals

The Piaggio Ape Auto DX competes with other popular three-wheeled commercial vehicles in India, such as the Mahindra Alfa Passenger Comfy, Mahindra Alfa DX, ATUL Gem Paxx, Bajaj Compact RE, and Bajaj Maxima Z.

Overview

Ape DX is another strong contender in the last-mile people-carrying segment, the quintessentially 'auto-rickshaw.' market. Part of Piaggio's BS6 performance range, Ape DX, is optimized to carry three people with comfort and help the owner earn higher revenues. Some of the key attributes of this all-new 3-wheeler from Piaggio in the revamped stringent emission include a powerful engine, smoother and enhanced gearbox, higher power, and superior torque. This 3W is capable of taking on rural and urban terrain effortlessly. The life-long aluminum clutch, brakes, and other aggregates promise greater performance making it an overall lower maintenance cost vehicle. Ape DX companies against key rivals such as Mahindra Alfa,  Bajaj Maxima Z TVS King 4S, and Atul Gem Paxx. 

Due to the lack of public transport in urban and rural India, this omnipresent auto-rickshaw fills the country's vital mobility gaps. Easy to operate and affordable to own, the auto-rickshaw is a source of employment for millions of people. Three-wheeler is a common sight across India used daily. This makes the segment an attractive market to serve, and OEMs address this highly price-sensitive market with promising products. Interestingly, despite ups and downs in the overall commercial vehicle market, the 3W segment remains buoyant as demand for mobility remains strong. Piaggio has had a strong presence in this market for decades and is a recognized brand. We take a closer look at this popular 3W to make it easy to understand its key specification and USPs.

Exterior and Interior

Ape DX is a robust, rugged, and durable auto-rickshaw that can take the daily grinding quite effortlessly. Piaggio Ape 3W is a well-established brand in the market and customers trust these vehicles. The Ape DX doesn't disappoint in either design or appearance; it comes across as pleasing from both exterior and side looks. The overall vehicle design and built quality are strong, and the ground's presence makes it powerful. Auto-rickshaw is often used in the most demanding operating environment with overloading quite common. Piaggio is well aware of this phenomenon and, hence, the Ape DX is quite a rugged vehicle with a strong set of aggregates. The owners can run it without worrying about breakdown or frequent maintenance issues, thus ensuring he earns higher revenue from daily operations.  

Piaggio hasn't changed much of this new Ape DX in the exterior or interior design. The wide windshield makes driving easy with a clear view with a wiper for the rainy season. The headlamps in the middle of the front facia look nicer. Ape DX is available in yellow and black color with a spacious passenger cabin for three passengers with adequate leg, head, and shoulder room. To make it comfortable for the driver, there are plenty of features for the driver with an instrument cluster with all the vehicle information and easy to operate even on congested roads or rough terrain. 

Performance

Piaggio Ape DX gets the new single-cylinder, naturally aspirated, water-cooled, direct injection, electronic fuel injection engine with 599 cc displacement. The engine can produce 9.39hp of power at a peak torque of 23.5Nm and is tuned to a 5-speed gearbox for an easier driving experience and superior mileage. The specs are sufficient for the 3W for higher overall performance. 

Ape DX is also equipped with high-quality and durable aggregates like the multi-disc wet type clutch; the front suspension is hydraulic telescopic, shock absorber with helical compression spring with damper. The rear suspension is hydraulic telescopic, shock absorber with rubber compression spring with a damper. Like any auto-rickshaw, Ape DX gets the handle -steering, the brakes are drum type, hydraulically actuated with internal expanding shoe type. The 4.50 -10 8 PR tyres are quite efficient in taking on any challenging terrain without compromising the fuel mileage. 

This popular three-wheeler dimension includes a wheelbase of 1920 mm, a width of 1465 mm, a length of 2940 mm, and a height of 1770 mm. The minimum ground clearance is 245 mm, and the gradeability is 22.20%. The fuel tank size is 10.5L with a standard maximum speed limit of 60 km/h. The Ape DX is 780 kg of gross weight 3W and carries the driver and 3-passenger quite comfortably. 

Verdict

In the price-sensitive and competitive 3W passenger carrier segment, Piaggio makes a strong bet with its proven Ape DX model with a revamped BS6 powertrain. Ape has been quite a familiar brand in the Indian market, fairly known to the customers. However, Piaggio with a new engine and aggregates is offering more value to its customers. This is an attempt to hold on to the loyal customer base as well as get new ones. Ape DX has everything that a performer 3W needs, along with Piaggio guaranteed support across India, making this 3W equal among its competitors. For anyone looking for a reliable passenger 3W, Ape DX is a strong product to consider.