SECTOR Microvan PRICE £4,600–£15,000 (ex-VAT) FUEL 82mpg CO2 80g/km
Octa-Piaggio is the new importer of Italian Piaggio commercial vehicles for the UK, founded by former Lloyds TSB Autolease commercial vehicle director, Grahame Neagus. Grahame has taken his knowledge of the light CV sector and applied it to the classic Italian commercial vehicle, the Ape (Italian for bee, pronounced Apay) based on the Vespa scooter, giving birth to the Gullwing Ape TM with a neatly designed gullwing body, based on the Ape TM chassis. The lightweight aluminium and GRP body, designed by body builder PD Stevens can be fitted out with Bri-Stor racking, making it an ideal vehicle for market traders, particularly where markets are held in restricted access zones. The Ape has a range of possible uses including parks and golf courses, universities and colleges, artisan restaurants, drinks companies and businesses that want a vehicle to make them stand out from the crowd.
The gullwing body is designed to fit on the Ape TM dropside body and is completely demountable, giving the operator a choice of body according to needs. Ape TM body options include van, short and long dropside, as well as tipper versions. Payload can exceed 800kg, depending on the body fitted.
Our test Ape TM Gullwing was fitted with a two-stroke, 218cc 9hp air-cooled petrol engine from a Vespa scooter. There is also a four-stroke petrol engine. It’s a novel driving experience. The tiny cab has room for two, just, while our test vehicle was fitted with the optional steering wheel – you can choose Vespa handlebars instead. Performance is gentle but it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s not designed for long distance road use, with a top speed below 40mph, but for short distances and narrow streets. Ape is a distinctive niche vehicle – could it be for you?