Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX

Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX is a three-wheeled cargo carrier specifically designed for efficient last-mile delivery in both urban and rural areas. It caters to the evolving needs of the last-mile cargo transportation sector, focusing on growth and profitability.

The Ape Xtra LDX from Piaggio is available in two variants based on fuel configurations – CNG and Diesel. Equipped with hydraulic drum brakes for lower maintenance and 26 percent maximum gradeability to take on inclines, the Ape Xtra LDX is best suited for urban cargo transportation.

Prices for the Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX start at Rs 2.45 lakh and go up to Rs 2.48 lakh (ex-showroom). With a 2100 mm wheelbase and 245 mm ground clearance, the Ape Xtra LDX from Piaggio seems the right choice for operators planning fleet or business expansion.

Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX Performance

The Ape Xtra LDX comes in two variants – CNG and Diesel. The CNG variant is powered by a 230 cc forced air-cooled, 4-stroke, Otto cycle-based engine which can produce 9.25 Hp at 4300 rpm and 17.16 Nm at 2400 rpm. Otto cycle is a cycle of engine operation which requires four strokes of the piston for induction, compression, ignition, and exhaust.

On the other hand, the Diesel variant of the Ape Xtra LDX is powered by a single-cylinder, naturally aspirated water-cooled electronic fuel injection-based engine that can produce 9.4 Hp at 3600 rpm and 23.5 Nm at 2200 rpm.

The CNG variant’s engine is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox while the diesel engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX Specifications

The Ape Xtra LDX, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 975 kg, provides ample space with dimensions measuring 3145 mm in length, 1490 mm in width, and 1770 mm in height. It features a large cargo box body measuring 1660 mm x 1400 mm x 285 mm (L x W x H) and comes with a wheelbase of 2100 mm, ensuring higher rigidity, space and stability.

Additionally, the CNG variant is equipped with a 40-litre water capacity fuel tank, while the diesel variant features a 10.5-litre fuel tank. This ensures longer operational periods without the need for frequent refuelling intervals.

Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX Features

The Ape Xtra LDX comes with multiple features to enhance user experience and driver comfort. It features a lockable glove box, cushioned seats, an informative instrument cluster, a mobile charging port, provision for speakers, and a bottle holder.

Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX Rivals

Given its efficient powertrain configurations, ample cabin space and features, the Ape Xtra LDX from Piaggio is a top-notch vehicle ideal for last-mile cargo haulage operations. Key rivals of the Ape Xtra LDX include Mahindra Alfa Plus, Atul Gem Cargo and the Bajaj Maxima C.

Overview

Piaggio offers a wide range of 3-wheelers optimised to enhance the operational performance and efficiency of logistical and last-mile haulage businesses established across the country. Among them, its Ape Xtra LDX cargo haulage-oriented 3-wheeler is designed to improve the business profitability and is a popular choice among operators.

Featuring two variants – CNG and Diesel, boasting multiple features meant for enhancing driver comfort and productivity, while offering 26 percent maximum gradeability, the Ape Xtra LDX haulier is built for last-mile urban and semi-urban operations.

Besides these, the vehicle boasts lower maintenance requirements attributed to robust powertrain and drivetrain aggregates, particularly the engine, which allows for a 15,000 km service interval. Piaggio further highlights that the fuel filter service interval is approximately 30,000 km, ensuring unmatched performance. Due to these aspects, it is an ideal choice.

Moreover, featuring a stylish fascia with twin headlights, complemented by tough elements and a Piaggio badging that operators and fleet owners can resonate with as their identity, the Ape Xtra LDX is an all-rounder in every sense.

Exterior

The Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX comes with a muscular design. The exterior characteristics of this 3-wheeler are nearly identical to its earlier version, however, Piaggio has made it more appealing to the likes of its customers. The vehicle also has an improved body structure for better load carrying capacity and appearance.

Additionally, the vehicle comes with decals on the sides for aesthetic appeal and has black elements across the fascia for offering a robust look. To address the needs of customers navigating tough road conditions, the Ape Xtra LDX also features robust steel rims.

Interior

The Ape Xtra LDX from Piaggio comes with adequate features to keep its occupant comfortable throughout the haulage operations. These include a lockable glove box, cushioned seats, an informative instrument cluster, a mobile charging port and a bottle holder.

Furthermore, to enhance the interior design, Piaggio has incorporated black plastics that give a more upmarket feel. For improved ergonomics, the company has employed premium switch gears, positioned for ease of use by operators without encountering difficulties.

Performance

To appeal to a wide range of customers with different business requirements, Piaggio has offered the Ape Xtra LDX in two different fuel-based powertrain configurations – CNG and Diesel.

The CNG variant is powered by a 230 cc forced air-cooled, 4-stroke engine which can produce 9.25 Hp at 4300 rpm and 17.16 Nm at 2400 rpm, meanwhile, the diesel variant is powered by a single-cylinder, naturally aspirated water-cooled electronic fuel injection-based engine that can produce 9.4 Hp at 3600 rpm and 23.5 Nm at 2200 rpm.

For improving ride comfort and performance, the vehicle also comes fitted with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers at both ends, however, the front is equipped with a helical compression spring with damper and the rear is fitted with rubber compression spring with damper for stability.

A helical compression spring is an open-coil helical spring constructed to resist compression along the axis of wind. The rubber compression spring is used to mitigate the effects of shock and vibration, thanks to the insulating properties of rubber, which reduce static friction.

Safety

Constructed on a robust platform, the Ape Xtra LDX with its 975 kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) is designed to carry moderate loads effortlessly while maintaining rigidity. The vehicle also comes with robust body panels and a sturdy suspension setup to handle the stress of tough operations and keep the occupants and load safe.

Verdict

Given the efficient powertrain configurations, optimal load carrying capacity, safety and driver productivity-oriented features, the Ape Xtra LDX from Piaggio is an ideal choice for operators planning on urban and semi-urban operations to drive in higher revenues.