Piaggio’s Large MP3 Three-wheeled Scooter Is Now Even Larger

Piaggio has unveiled the MP3 400 hpe. However, it’s not a from-the-ground-up product. Instead, Piaggio has revised the old 350 hpe, updating it with a cleaner and a slightly larger motor. And with that, the new 400 occupies the middle ground between the 300 hpe and 500 hpe models.

The Piaggio MP3 400 hpe is powered by a 399cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, producing 35.3PS at 7000rpm and 37Nm at 5500rpm. Apart from adding 69 cubic centimetres more, Piaggio has also revised the internals, reducing engine noise and vibe in the process.

Now to the design. The 400 hpe gets big bulky cladding with a massive visor up front. Apart from LED headlights with DRLs, the latest model also gets smartphone connectivity, allowing users to connect to the scooter via the Piaggio MIA app and access phone calls and music.

The Piaggio MP3 400 hpe gets a wider seat for both the rider and pillion. The self-luminous underseat compartment can easily fit in two full-size helmets. Moreover, you can open the seat manually as well as by using the Piaggio app on your phone.

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The tilting suspension locks up when the scooter is at a standstill, so the rider doesn’t have to put his/her feet down in traffic stops.

Braking hardware on the new three-wheeled Piaggio scoot comprises a disc on all three wheels. Apart from the three-channel ABS, Piaggio has also equipped the 400 hpe with traction control or ‘Acceleration Slip Regulation’ as the brand likes to call it.

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It doesn’t end here. Piaggio has also updated the MP3 500 hpe Sport Advanced with a reverse gear, claiming it to be the first three-wheeled scooter with the said feature. With 44.2PS on tap, the 500 is also the most powerful three-wheeled offering from the brand.

Piaggio retails the MP3 400 hpe at USD 10,994 (approximately Rs 8.04 lakh) and its Sport variant at USD 11,238 (approximately Rs 8.22 lakh). The latter offers more colour options for the extra asking price.

These scooters have everything that a buyer here in India might want -- a mix of style, space, power, and practicality. However, our market hasn’t really warmed up to maxi-scooters, let alone a three-wheeled one. Hence, we don’t expect the Piaggio MP3s to ply on Indian roads anytime soon.