Vespa Sprint, a "sportier" version of the new Primavera scooter. — Photos VNS

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Piaggio Vietmam on Thursday launched the new Vespa Sprint, a "sportier" version of the new Primavera scooter that the company introduced in Viet Nam last November.

The bike, priced at VND71.8 million (US$3,419) with a 125 cc engine and VND85.350 million ($4,064) with the 150 cc engine, replaces the Vespa S internationally, which was based on the older Vespa LX model, according to Piaggio Vietnam, a subsidiary of Europe's largest scooter maker..

The Vespa Sprint takes its name from the iconic Sprint model of the 1960's. The model shares its unibody chassis with the Primavera scooter and displays a host of styling enhancements for a sporty appeal.

The bike also offers a new rectangular shaped headlight cluster design. The front fascia loses its the curves, showing a more angular and sporty appearance, while keeping up with the vintage demeanour of the scooter.

The dashboard, too, has been redesigned, with a new instrument console displaying an analogue speedometer and a digital read out. The Sprint shares many features with the Primavera, especially in the rear.

The tail light unit and the indicators come from the Primavera model, and the grab rail has been redesigned. The other major change on the Sprint is the inclusion of 12-inch alloy wheels; which not only improve the visual appeal of the scooter, but also aid in its improved handling.

The Vespa Sprint has a single seat with white contrast stitching and features a host of updates, including two disc piston callipers at the front, a lowered saddle and a new front suspension setup.

The chrome induced wing mirrors also sport a new design. The Vespa Sprint has a 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder, 3-valve engine with electronic injection, also found on the Primavera, and is tuned to produce 11.6 HP of power, with a top speed of just over 100 km/hr.

The engine is said to be very fuel efficient, returning around 64 km/l, on average.

Piaggio Vietnam has sold 250,000 units since it began assembling scooters in Vietnam in 2009 at its factory in the northern province of Vinh Phuc. —VNS