Piaggio has entered the 1 tonne Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment with the launch of the Piaggio Ape Truk Plus.
So what is the closely spec'ed Piaggio Porter doing in India?
The LHD test mule of the Porter was caught in Bengaluru by our keen eyed readers Mr. R. Karthik and Mr. Anil. The spotting of the test mule suggests that Piaggio is planning to introduce the Porter LCV in the Indian market, or so we thought!
Indeed not. The Piaggio Porter in LHD configuration is manufactured in Baramati, Pune, for European markets. This test mule should be one example from the usual test fleet logging data in traffic. One can also not rule out the testing of newly developed parts.
Currently, Piaggio sells the Ape Truk Plus in the 1 tonne category which is powered by a 17 bhp, 870 cc diesel engine, placing it in the territory of Tata Ace and Mahindra Maxximo. The Porter in comparison has a 850 kg payload and is powered by a two cylinder 1.2 litre direct injection diesel engine which develops 63 bhp of power and 140 Nm of torque. The power output is only 7 bhp short of the upper segment Super Ace!
The 1.2 litre diesel engine has low emissions, thanks to the usage of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The loading bay has a length of 2.3 metres.
Do you know something we don't know about the testing of the Porter? Then you should leave your thoughts in the comment box below.
