Piaggio Ape Auto DX

August 19, 2021: Piaggio Ape DX is the higher capacity variant in the passenger carrier segment of the three-wheeler. This diesel-powered auto-rickshaw caters for the passenger carrier segment on the feeder or share-auto routes. The Ape DX is slightly expensive starting at an ex-showroom price of ₹ 3.50 lakh. Piaggio says, the Ape DX now comes with a strong and reliable powertrain, robust aggregates, promises higher mileage and lower maintenance cost, everything ensuring you earn higher revenues from this auto-rickshaw. To help you navigate through all challenging terrain, the engine is highly efficient and provides you with higher torque. The passenger cabin is roomy, with adequate head and shoulder room for three passengers with doors for more safety. Similarly, you will find the driver cabin also equipped with a host of features to pamper you while you drive through congested lanes or heavy city traffic.

Piaggio Ape DX Rivals: You can also check out the key rivals of this auto-rickshaw before making a final decision, they are Mahindra Alfa, TVS King 4S, Bajaj Compact RE, Bajaj Maxima Z Bajaj Maxima X Wide Atul Gem Paxx. 

Piaggio Ape DX USPs: The unique highlights of this 3W is the promise of lower maintenance, high quality & long-lasting aggregates, with a complete fulfilling ownership experience with a powerful engine and comfortable to drive with superior mileage.

Piaggio Ape DX Engine: Ape DX gets a single-cylinder naturally aspirated, water-cooled, direct-injection engine that produces 9.39 hp of power at 23.5 Nm of torque, tuned with a constant mesh gearbox.  

Piaggio Ape DX Aggregates: Piaggio provides durable and strong aggregates such as a multi-disc wet type clutch, the steering is like a typical auto rickshaw of a handlebar type. 

Piaggio Ape DX Brakes: The brakes are hydraulically actuated internal expanding shoe type. 

Piaggio Ape DX Tyre: The type size is 4.50- 10, 8 PR help in a higher pickup, and better fuel mileage.  

Piaggio Ape DX Cabin: To carry three passengers comfortably, the cabin has enough space and generous head, shoulder and legroom. The driver cabin is also safe and comfy with easy access to every function. The gross weight of this auto-rickshaw is 780 kg; the cabin is aesthetically designed and appealing. It can carry 3-passengers comfortably. 

Piaggio Ape DX Fuel Dimensions: The Ape DX comes with a maximum gradeability of 22.2% and ground clearance is 245 mm. The fuel tank of this auto-rickshaw is 10.5L of diesel capacity. 

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 makes it an overall lower maintenance cost vehicle. Ape DX companies against key rivals such as Mahindra Alfa,  Bajaj Maxima Z TVS King 4S, 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 either design or appearance; it comes across 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 in 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 tuned to a 5-speed gearbox for 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 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 tyre 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, width 1465 mm, length 2940 mm, and 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 revamp BS6 powertrain. Ape has been quite a familiar brand in the Indian market, fairly known for the customers. However, Piaggio with 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. Anyone looking for a reliable passenger 3W, Ape DX, is a strong product to consider.