- Piaggio had planned to launch the Aprilia SXR 160 by Q3 2020
- Online report suggests it might get delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- R&D operations in Italy were suspended for one and a half month
Piaggio had stolen all the limelight at this year’s Auto Expo by taking the wraps off an all-new maxi-scooter, the Aprilia SXR 160. At the time of unveiling, Paiggio had stated that the official India launch of the SXR will take place in the third quarter of 2020. However, a recent online report suggests that its debut might get pushed to Q4, owing to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to a media publication, the CEO and Managing Director of Piaggio, Diego Graffi, revealed that the spread of COVID-19 virus disrupted the brand’s R&D operations in Italy. The suspension in activities caused Piaggio losing more than one and a half month. However, the company has now sped up the development and the SXR 160 might hit the showrooms by the end of September or early October this year. Also, this is the time when the buyer sentiments are high due to the onset of festive season in India, which should provide an added leverage to the sales of the scooter.
The Aprilia SXR 160 is a maxi scooter but with a blend of sportiness. It gets full-LED headlamp and tail lamp with a design inspired by the RS660, Aprilia’s upcoming supersport bike. The bold front apron, tall visor and long tail lend it a quintessential maxi scooter appeal. It also gets a host of features such as front storage compartment, large under seat storage space, fully-digital instrument console and a USB charging port.
Powering the SXR is the same 160cc, three-valve, fuel-injected engine which does duty on the new SR 160. However, it could be tuned differently to suit the SXR’s character. The chassis, suspension and brakes are also expected to be borrowed from its SR sibling but with certain revisions for more comfort and relaxed riding dynamics. Also, the SXR rides on smaller 12-inch wheels as opposed to the 14-inchers in its sportier sibling.
