Vespa is making a concerted bid for a slice of the Korean-dominated South African scooter pie, with upmarket dealerships in Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town, aiming at those who seek a lifestyle statement rather than a cheap mode of transport.
The three model Vespa range consists of a 50cc ET2 50 , a 150cc ET4 150, and a 200cc PX 200. The largest of the machines is simply an upgrade of the original Vespa that has been around for over half a century, while the two ET models are considerably more modern in appearance. The ET4 utilises a four-stroke engine, while the other two are two-strokes. All have electric starters.
Pricing is steep at R28 750, R38 750 and R39 950 for the ET2, PX200 and ET4 respectively. The blow is lessened somewhat by the fact that, until the end of August, the scooters come with a very appealing value-added package. There is a year’s free insurance, a year’s supply of fuel and a three year/60 000 km service plan included in the price.
And, as a cherry on top, Vespa agents in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town will give you a R10 000 trade-in on your old Vespa, irrespective of condition. Dunno how many of the potential target market will HAVE an old scooter lying around, though.