Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX

May 3, 2021: India’s cargo three-wheeler market, the Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX is a sales topper. This tiny little cargo three-wheeler is priced at ₹ 2.65 lakh, ex-showroom New Delhi. Ape Xtra LDX has proven its mettle across Indian cities, towns and villages with its best mileage, reliability, power, pickup and superior performance. In the all-new BS6 avatar, this cargo 3W is now even more appealing with a lot of new changes introduced by the company that makes it an even more compelling offering. 

Ape Xtra LDX USPs: This highly admired Ape promises the same performance, reliability and affordability to operate in the BS6 avatar. Powerful engine, smoother 5-speed gearbox, higher power and torque for performance, lower maintenance & durability are some of the key characteristics of this 3W. 

Ape Xtra LDX Engine: The single-cylinder, 599 cc, naturally aspirated water-cooled direct-injection engine produces the maximum power of 7 kW at 3600 rpm and 23.5 Nm of torque at 2200 rpm. The engine is tuned to a constant-mesh type 5-speed gearbox for a smoother and fatigue-free driving experience.

Ape Xtra LDX Suspensions: The front suspension comes with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers with helical compression spring with damper and at the rear is rubber spring with damper.

Ape Xtra LDX Brakes: The brakes are hydraulically actuated internal expanding shoe type in drum type. 

Ape Xtra LDX Key Rivals: Ape Xtra LDX takes on the likes of Mahindra Alfa Load Bajaj Maxima C Atul GEM Cargo.

Overview

Piaggio Ape is a famous 3W brand in India, both in the passenger and cargo carrier segments. Piaggio over the years has well-established its absolute last-mile vehicles in the minds of the Indian consumer. Taking the lead among its peers, Piaggio was the first 3W makers who introduced the BS6 range vehicle ahead of the deadline. 
The Ape Xtra LDX is the popular cargo variant launched early 2020 in BS6 avatar. The ape brand is highly popular in the cargo segment, and the company took the lead in introducing this product. The Ape Xtra LDX promises the same DNA of superior performance, higher power, refined engine, lower maintenance, and higher profit to its owner. Piaggio is offering 42 months of warranty on this little cargo 3W. Also, the customer can buy a 5 & 5.5 ft delivery van. We cover the 5 ft variant of this tiny 3 vehicle.
 
Exterior

Piaggio has ensured that the Ape Xtra LDX cargo 3W is not only performed well and but also the overall built quality of the vehicle is durable. The critical exterior characteristics of this 3W are nearly identical to its earlier version; however, Piaggio has made it more appealing to the customers. The gross vehicle weight of this 3W is 975 kg, and its superior built quality carriers the rated payload of 560kg effortlessly in both urban and rural roads. The length, width, and height of the 3W is kept at 2965 mm, 1490mm, and 1770 mm, respectively.
The wheelbase of this 3W is 2100 vehicles; the cargo body dimensions are (L-W-H) 1480x1400x285 mm. The 4.50-10. 8PR type tyres make this vehicle easy to the driver on challenging terrains; this also complemented by the Ape Xtra LDX’s ground clearance of 245mm. The 3W gets a comfortable driver seat, and the fuel tank capacity is 10.5 liter, the company rated maximum speed is 60 km per hour.  

Interior

To make it easy to drive this 3W, Piaggio has redesigned the cabin with more space inside and better headroom. This is to make sure the driver enjoys driving and help him use the vehicle more productively. The steering like any 3W is of handlebar type for easier navigation in high traffic. The 3W buyer is extremely priced sensitive and hence doesn’t look for much comfort features yet, the firm has made sure it gets all the necessary functions, including the 12V electrical system and 40Ah battery ratings. 

Performance

The Ape Cargo 3Ws are known for their superior performance, making them popular among the customers in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. The 599 cc diesel BS6 engine is built for higher load-carrying needs, with quick pickup and superior speed for faster deliveries. Piaggio is confident that this new engine says the new Ape Xtra offers more speed, faster deliveries, and more trips to make sure the owner earns every trip. 

The single-cylinder naturally aspirated water-cooled direct injection engine is an electronic fuel injection designed to produce the maximum power of 7 kW at 3600 rpm and 23.5 Nm at 2200 rpm. The transmission duty of this 3W is taken care of constant mesh type with 5 forward and 1 reverse gear for the smoother and fatigue-free driving experience, making sure the higher speed is retained even on lower rpm. 

Safety

Piaggio has developed the Ape Xtra LDX taking into account driver safety by providing superior quality aggregates and used quality material in the vehicle construction. The drum brakes are hydraulically actuated with an internal expanding shoe type system. The front suspensions come in hydraulic telescopic shock absorber with helical compression spring with damper, while the rear suspension hydraulic telescopic shock absorber with rubber compression spring with damper. The aluminum clutch comes in a multi-disc wet type that offers a long life of over 30,000 kms. Also, Piaggio makes sure this 3W is durable, and the maintenance is at the lowest with regular increase intervals. 

Verdict

Piaggio has successfully given a makeover to this popular last-mile cargo 3W in its new BS6 avatar. While the vehicle remains similar in many areas, what it promises in this new version is the higher power, greater torque, and faster delivery. The Ape Xtra LDX is certainly claiming the top honor to become the most affordable and efficient 3W out in the market.