Piaggio Ape Auto DXL

The Piaggio Ape Auto DXL is a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw designed to serve the last-mile mobility needs of businesses in the Indian market. Featuring a robust aluminium clutch setup with a 30,000 km service interval, and an efficient 5-speed manual gearbox complemented by a 599 cc water-cooled engine, the Ape Auto DXL is a high-performance 3-wheeler.

Capable of carrying four passengers, including the driver, the Ape Auto DXL is a favourite pick among operators and small passenger transport business owners planning on enhancing business profitability. Operators also assert that choosing the Ape Auto DXL ensures positive logistical outcomes, timely deliveries, and overall operational success.

Prices for the Ape Auto DXL start from Rs 2.79 Lakh (ex-showroom). With a wheelbase measuring 2100 mm and 3140 mm body length, this Piaggio 3-wheeler has extra space than other 3-wheelers in its segment to carry luggage and seat 4 occupants comfortably.

Piaggio Ape Auto DXL Performance

The Piaggio Ape Auto DXL is powered by a 599 cc water-cooled BS6-compliant diesel engine which can generate 9.39 Hp at 3600 rpm and 23.5 Nm at around 2200 rpm. This engine is mated to a constant mesh 5-speed manual transmission.

A constant mesh gearbox is a transmission type where all or most gears remain continuously engaged with each other, unlike a sliding-gear transmission where gears are slid along a shaft to engage.

Piaggio Ape Auto DXL Specifications

The Ape Auto DXL from Piaggio comes with extra luggage space and ample legroom and headroom courtesy of its 2100 mm wheelbase and body dimensions, measuring 3140 mm in length, 1465 mm in width, and 1950 mm in height. The vehicle also comes with a 10-litre diesel fuel tank for lower refuelling intervals to improve turnaround times.

Piaggio Ape Auto DXL Features

The Ape Auto DXL comes with multiple features to enhance performance and comfort. These include a lockable glove box, black-coloured cushioned seats, an informative instrument cluster, a mobile charging port, provision for speakers and doors for the passenger row for better safety.

Piaggio Ape Auto DXL Rivals

Piaggio Ape Auto DXL is designed to enhance last-mile mobility operations. Given its feature list, efficient diesel powertrain and robust construction with extra luggage space, the Ape Auto DXL is built to compete with the likes of other 3-wheelers such as the Bajaj Compact RE, Mahindra Alfa, and the Atul Gem Paxx.

Overview

In the realm of small business operations, selecting the most robust 3-wheeled passenger carrier is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and driving in profitability. While numerous automakers offer such 3-wheelers suitable for the growth of small businesses, there is one name which stands out as an ideal solution – the Piaggio Ape Auto DXL. 

The Piaggio Ape Auto DXL stands out as an ideal solution, featuring an efficient diesel powertrain paired with a robust aluminium clutch setup boasting a 30,000 km service interval. It also incorporates an efficient 5-speed manual gearbox, making it suitable for enhancing fleet operations.

Besides its efficient 599 cc water-cooled engine, the vehicle also comes with a spacious cabin for accommodating 4 occupants, including the driver. It even comes with a bigger luggage area, lower maintenance requirements, and a robust drivetrain, complemented by durable aggregates, for customer profitability.

Moreover, as entrepreneurs seek a reliable and robust 3-wheeled passenger carrier to navigate the diverse urban, semi-urban and rural landscapes, operators and fleet owners say that the Ape Auto DXL is one of the best choices for plying in tough conditions to enhance business growth and introduce positive profit outcomes.

Exterior

The Piaggio Ape Auto DXL has a stylish fascia similar to its siblings – the Ape Auto HT DX and Piaggio Ape City Plus. However, it comes in different visually appealing colour schemes like green and yellow, black and yellow, red and black canopy and blue and black canopy. For aesthetic appeal and practicality, the vehicle also gets a wide windshield.

To meet the requirements of customers navigating challenging road conditions, the Ape Auto DXL also features robust steel rims with wheel covers that contribute to its rugged aesthetic.

Interior

The Piaggio Ape Auto DXL comes with a stylish interior layout for appealing to a wide range of customers looking for a vehicle that resonates with them as their identity. It also comes with a spacious interior to seat 4 occupants comfortably and is equipped with features like a lockable glove box, an informative instrument cluster and a mobile charging port.

To further enhance its appeal, the vehicle features an ergonomic interior and dashboard design with switches conveniently placed within reach of the operator. It also has passenger doors to keep the occupants safe from external environments. 

Performance

The Piaggio Ape Auto DXL is powered by a 599 cc water-cooled BS6-compliant diesel engine which can generate 9.39 Hp at 3600 rpm and 23.5 Nm at around 2200 rpm. This engine is mated to a constant mesh 5-speed manual transmission. 

The vehicle is also equipped with a robust suspension system, featuring a hydraulic telescopic shock absorber, helical compression spring and dampener in the front for stability and comfort, and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers, rubber compression spring and dampener in the rear to reduce vibrations and enhance stability. 

Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with hydraulically actuated drum brakes for decent braking performance and lower maintenance requirements. 

Safety

The Ape Auto DXL from Piaggio is constructed on a tough chassis platform to handle the stress of rough roads effortlessly. Prioritising safety and comfort, it features a robust body and a reliable suspension system. Designed with a canopy and passenger doors, the vehicle ensures the safety of its occupants. 

Verdict

Given its efficient diesel powertrain, spacious cabin and luggage space, multiple driver productivity and performance features, the Ape Auto DXL seems the right choice for operators and passenger transport logistics, planning to enhance their business operations for profitability.