Vespa 150cc VXL, SXL review, first ride

You’ve already met Vespa’s earlier LX 125, VX 125 and Vespa S, 125cc gearless scooters boasting instantly recognisable retro styling with a generous sprinkling of Italian seasoning.

The winds of change are billowing at Vespa in India, visible in renewed energy injected by parent Piaggio India’s savvy new managing director, Stefano Pelle, and the new Vespa VXL 150 and SXL 150.

The VXL and SXL offer refreshing styling, in a range of attractive, bright colours as expected. There’s a choice of matte shades too, for those that don’t subscribe to a glossy finish on their scooter. The VXL and SXL show off smart alloy rims, with single side suspension front and rear. There are hints of chrome here and there on these well-equipped scooters. The palm grips are comfortable to hold, and the VXL and SXL scooters come with top-quality switches and chrome body mirrors, these easily adjusted and offering good vision. There’s a city light facility offered, along with a smooth functioning, spring loaded, push-to-cancel indicator operation switch. A set of machined alloy front and rear brake control levers look good as well.

The VXL and SXL share digital instruments consoles, with analogue speedometers. You get a clock, tripmeter and fuel gauge as standard with the new Vespas. There are handy storage cubbies below both handlebars, as well as under the long, well-padded riding saddle. The VXL and SXL offer ribbed footwells, with a raised central section your feet may take time getting used to fitting around; a small price to pay for these scooters' true-blue retro style.

Other subtle differences between the VXL and SXL are the S losing a grab bar at rear, and offering different seat lining, darked out wheels, a rectangular headlight and mirrors.

The VXL and SXL feel like top-quality scooters, with excellent paint lustre and an impressive level of fit-and-finish.