- Comes with an affordable price tag
- Visually resembles Vespa models
- Unlikely to be launched in India
Benelli has launched its 125cc retro-styled scooter, the Panarea, in Malaysia with an affordable price tag of RM 6,888 (Rs 1.29 lakh). With this scooter, Benelli intends to grab a share of the lucrative retro scooter segment which is quite popular in certain Asian markets.
Similar to the Vespa models, the Benelli Panarea boasts a simple yet elegant bodywork which harks back to the scooters of yesteryears. Making up the front fascia are a hexagonal-shaped headlamp and a sleek apron extending up to the end of the floorboard. Unlike its curvy front section, the rear section is angular and upswept and sports a chunky split-type grab rail. Similar to its design, Benelli has kept the feature list simple with an LED headlamp, a semi-digital console, and an anti-theft system.
Powering the Panarea is a 124cc, air-cooled motor that comes mated to a CVT transmission system and sends power to the rear wheel via a belt drive system. It churns out around 8bhp at 7,500rpm and 9.2Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. As for the cycle parts, it rides on 12-inch alloy wheels that are suspended by telescopic forks and a monoshock while braking is handled by a disc-drum combination. The Panarea is pretty light with a kerb weight of 104kg and carries a fuel tank of 4.6 litres.
The Benelli Panarea is unlikely to enter the Indian market anytime soon as the company seems to be focusing only on motorcycles on our shores for now.
