Piaggio MP3: the new evolution of the three-wheeled scooter [PHOTO]

The renovated Piaggio MP3 it is characterized by a sportier design that further recalls the automotive panorama and technological solutions that strengthen the qualities of comfort and safety.
They underline a keyless system, a wide 7-inch full color TFT instruments, connectivity with navigation and, on 530 hpe Exclusive version, cruise control and the function of reverse with video camera. Along with the flagship model there are also the 400 hpe versions e 400 hpe Sport.
Among the most interesting aspects, the adoption of type devices stands out ARAS – Advanced Rider Assistance System, highlighting a driver assistance platform that is based on 4D Imaging Radar technology and developed by Piaggio Fast Forward, a robotics company of the Piaggio Group.

The models

The range of Piaggio MP3 features three new variants. The specimen 400hp It's a stylish scooter, noting the matching shades. Alongside this is the grittier one Piaggio MP3 400 hpe Sport, while the example is at the top of the range Piaggio MP3 530 hpe Exclusive.
The new Piaggio MP3 400 hpe comes in two metallic colors with a glossy finish: Gray Cloud e Black Cosmos. These colors are associated with wheel rims painted in graphite gray and there is a black saddle with black and gray stitching. Also highlighted are the external finishes in matt gray and the internal finishes, such as the instrument panel frame, on the dashboard, in warm chrome, a matt satin chrome variety.

The specimen Piaggio MP3 400 hpe Sport, however, is available in four shades: Orange Sunset Matt, White Moon, Titanium Grey e Black Meteor. The wheel rims are painted black and the saddle is black with contrasting red stitching. Other details in red, such as the front and rear shock absorber springs and the element on the wheel rims, reinforce the sporty vision.
Another contrasting effect is generated by the adoption of a glossy black on the external finishes, including the mask on the front, while the internal finishes, considering the instrument panel frame, the dashboard and the fascias on the central tunnel, are in matt grey. This version is equipped as standard with front brake discs with a daisy profile and a footrest with aluminum inserts.

At the top, the Piaggio MP3 530 hpe Exclusive it is coated with semi-opaque dyes Blue Oxygen Matt, Gray Cloud Matt, Titanium Grey e Black Meteor, with copper-colored details on the rims, on the saddle stitching and on the transmission cover.
Other characterizing aspects include: the external finishes in matt gray and the internal finishes of the instrument panel frame, dashboard and fascias on the central tunnel in warm chrome, and then the wheel rims painted in graphite grey. Front brake discs with a daisy profile and a footrest with aluminum inserts are standard.

Made in Italy, the models are equipped with engines from the hpe - High Performance Engine family. The Piaggio MP3 400 hpe and Piaggio MP3 400 hpe Sport examples are powered by a 400 cc unit with a power of just over 35 horsepower. Piaggio MP3 530 hpe Exclusive, on the other hand, is equipped with a new 530 hpe heart and the power is just over 44 horsepower. An important figure in the segment.
The range also includes the more compact Piaggio MP3 300 hpe, designed for urban mobility.

photo: Simon Palfrader©
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Aesthetics and ergonomics

The references to the automotive world are different, starting from an imposing and bold front area, up to the tense features of the rear area. The direction indicators are integrated at the height of the wheel arches and the design of the rear light cluster is also distinctive, characterized by a single, horizontal full LED element that includes the directional indicators. Below there is an extractor profile and the codon appears more contained and sharp. Another peculiar aspect is the placement of the license plate holder on the wheel, a choice adopted for the first time on the model.
The front has been redefined, appearing wider and more protective. It features horizontal full LED headlights and a smaller, sportier air intake appears in the center of the shield, characterized by a three-dimensional honeycomb grille, given the movement of the radiator to the lower part of the vehicle, between the front wheels and the platform.
Below the air intake there is a functional vertical spoiler for greater stability, positioned as an element to separate the wheels. The wheel arches leave more space and the fenders are in the same color as the bodywork. The windshield is also new, characterized by a shape designed to protect despite taking up limited space.

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The wheel rims have a distinctive five-spoke design, with more taut and sculpted features.
Ergonomics have also evolved, I start from a riding position made comfortable by intervening on the saddle-footpeg-handlebar triangulation. According to the information, the handlebars have been moved back and raised by 10 millimeters, while the footrest has been placed 20 mm lower. The session located at is also new 790 mm in height, equipped with a wider longitudinal space and a higher and more comfortable handle.
The back shield has two shockproof padded elements in the same color as the seat in front of the driver's knees. There is also a removable bag hook and the storage compartment above the instrumentation with drawer includes a USB socket, useful for connecting and charging mobile devices.
The improvements also include a new parking brake control with a lever placed higher on the shield, near the ignition switch.
The large compartment under the seat with courtesy light and mat is developed with functionality in mind, given a regular and rectangular shape, without steps or divisions. It can contain two full-face helmets or a computer bag and it is also possible to open the compartment using the remote control and thePIAGGIO MIA app. It is an electric opening assisted by a shock absorber, which accompanies the opening and closing movement.
Another interesting aspect is the instrumentation visible on a new 7 inch full color TFT screen, the largest in the three-wheel scooter segment, the handlebar controls have also been revised using a motorcycle-type logic. Other controls are located on the dashboard, defining a functional environment reminiscent of the passenger compartment of a car.

photo: Simon Palfrader©
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Interaction

The new models in the Piaggio MP3 range are associated with a keyless system, which together with the starter, allows the insertion of the steering lock and the opening of the fuel door and the seat. In place of the ignition switch with lock, a knob is visible, through which it is possible to activate the vehicle, confirmed by a welcome message on the TFT display. The engine is turned on with a button on the right control block.
Remaining on the new display, in the main area there is information regarding the speedometer, rev counter, fuel level and coolant temperature, shown in analogue or digital version. An automatic day or night backlight is also functional for reading, thanks to the presence of a twilight sensor or manually selectable in the settings.
The various trip information regarding total and partial odometer, average and maximum speed, instantaneous and average consumption, as well as autonomy, are grouped on the right side; as well as notifications on calls and messages and navigation indications of the PIAGGIO MIA system.
Through a four button joystick on the left control block, with the indications UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, navigation between the various items is intuitive.
The PIAGGIO MIA connectivity system includes both the infotainment system for managing the voice assistant, phone calls and music; and the navigation function. Thinking about these possibilities, a special dedicated Jet helmet is proposed as an accessory for the Piaggio MP3, which integrates a Bluetooth intercom and earphones.
There is also an App that allows you to activate the Bike Finder and Follow Me functions from your smartphone, activating the flashing of the direction indicators and the horn to locate the vehicle in the most crowded car parks and the dipped beam lights, together with a vehicle rescue system. position when the ignition is turned off, which makes it easier to find the scooter in chaotic areas.
The connectivity system is optional on the 400 hpe version and the dedicated Piaggio App can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play, to connect iOS or Android mobile devices via Bluetooth.

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Safety and dynamism

The new Piaggio MP3 it is characterized by the patented Piaggio technology of two independent and tilting front wheels, managed by an articulated quadrilateral suspension, which the Piaggio Group designed and developed ahead of any other manufacturer. The front wheels are 13 inches.
The rolling mechanism is made up of four arms cast in aluminium, developed on as many hinges integral with the central quill, then by two lateral quills connected to the arms by means of pins and ball bearings. The right and left steering tube act in the side tubes, in a classic single-sided pattern.
On the new range, work has been done on the rolling mechanism to make it lighter. One of the arms of the quadrilateral suspension has been replaced with a lighter element, while the frame that holds the front suspension locking device, together with the ABS control unit and the central part of the shield, is now a molded plastic structure.
Also considering other lightening measures, on the 530 hpe version the total weight saving is 7 kg compared to the previous generation of Piaggio MP3, in favor of dynamism, also taking into account the movement of the radiator to a lower position, as previously mentioned.
The distinctive front suspension locking device allows for a static balance of the vehicle. Once started, the Piaggio MP3 remains balanced on the three wheels, without having to use the stand which is still present. To resume travel, simply operate the throttle control or the release button.
All models are equipped with an ABS anti-lock braking system integrated with ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) traction control. The ASR solution, first introduced by Piaggio also in scooters, can be deactivated and guarantees safety by preventing the rear wheel from slipping on challenging and wet surfaces. There are two levels of traction control intervention: NORMAL and SPORT. They depend on the riding mode selected on the 530 hpe version, while they can be selected with the engine running by pressing the start button on the 400 hpe version.
There is also a three-channel ABS system, created in collaboration with Continental. The braking system is completely disc-based, with a diameter of the front discs of 258 mm and features new brake master cylinders.

The Piaggio MP3 400 hpe and 400 hpe Sport engine

From the efficient base of the 350 cc unit, the 400 hpe engine is the result of work on various aspects with the aim of improving mechanical and thermodynamic performance and reducing vibrations and noise. It is a single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve heart, with liquid cooling and electronic injection, characterized by solutions derived from motorcycles such as the automatic multi-disc clutch in an oil bath.
The presence of a longer and weight-optimised connecting rod, as well as a lightened and molded aluminum alloy piston, has made it possible to contain the alternating forces of inertia with less vibrations to the benefit of comfort. A factor that highlights the suitability of these versions for tourism outside the city.
This propulsive heart is equipped with a system patented by Piaggio called PCV – Positive Crankcase Ventilation, made up of two slats integrated into the engine crankcase, aimed at reducing pumping losses to the advantage of power.
Delivery is facilitated by a specific intake line and optimized valve lift laws. The silence of the distribution mechanism is also linked to a progressive chain tensioner.
Moving on to overall efficiency, the factors that stand out are the ones that stand out, such as the use of a less viscous 5W-40 engine oil, a high-pressure injector that atomizes the fuel more and the optimization of the geometry of the combustion chamber through CFD calculations. The cover of the CVT automatic speed variator is then designed to improve the cooling of the belt, together with the work of a fan with a larger diameter.
We report a maximum power of 35,3 horses (26 kW) at 7.500 rpm with a peak torque of 37,7 Nm at 5.750 rpm.

Piaggio MP3 530 hpe Exclusive

A technological concept and also the first scooter in the world equipped with such devices ARAS – Advanced Rider Assistance System. An assistance platform based on 4D Imaging Radar technology developed by Piaggio Fast Forward, the Boston-based company specializing in robotics.
Cutting-edge sensors are implemented for the first time on a scooter, considering that compared to a car there is a significant variable in the angle of inclination when cornering. They are located in the center of the extractor, under the rear light assembly. Compared to a traditional driving assistance system, based on ultrasonic sensors, it promises a wide field of vision and constant monitoring regardless of lighting and environmental conditions.
The ARAS devices associated with the Piaggio MP3 530 Exclusive are functional for active safety, given the solutions Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) e Lane Change Decision Aid System (LCDAS). BLIS warns the driver of the presence of vehicles in the blind spot of the rear-view mirrors, via specific signals on the TFT display. By monitoring the area behind up to 30/35 meters away, the LCDAS function can also identify vehicles rapidly approaching from the side area. The driver is warned via specific signals on the instrument panel.
The vehicle is equipped with Cruise Control, maintaining the set speed without acting on the accelerator. The system can be activated and managed using the joystick located on the left control block.
The Piaggio MP3 530 hpe Exclusive version is also equipped with a reverse gear, now integrated with a rear camera, which further facilitates its use.
Reverse gear can be used with the engine running and the vehicle stationary using the appropriate control on the dashboard. By activating reverse gear, the image of the area behind appears on the TFT display enriched by grids.

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The 530 hpe drive unit took shape on the basis of the previous 500 cc unit, previously the most powerful single-cylinder in the three-wheel scooter segment.
The new engine essentially preserves the same record figure, achieved at a lower rpm, as the maximum torque. Refinements in terms of performance and efficiency, taking into account a reduction in vibrations and noise, particularly at medium-low speeds.
Also highlighted is the adoption of a new Magneti Marelli 11MP control unit with ride-by-wire accelerator and the implementation of three riding modes ECO (reduced maximum power), COMFORT (progressive character) and SPORT (more reactive response), selectable with the engine running by pressing the start button. The riding modes also redefine the calibration of the ASR traction control, which is less invasive in the SPORT mode, or in the other modes more suitable for situations with low grip surfaces.
The work on the engine has made it possible to increase its reliability and reduce the frequency of some scheduled maintenance interventions, such as valve clearance checks, now scheduled every 20.000 km, according to the indications.
Other interventions are also highlighted, such as the adoption of a new, lighter piston molded in aluminum alloy, as well as the new cylinder head with larger valves, a camshaft with new and specific valve lift laws and an optimized shape of the combustion chamber.
The maximum power reaches i 44,2 horses (32,5 kW) at 7.250 rpm with a torque of 50 Nm at 5.250 rpm.

photo: Simon Palfrader©
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Photo: Piaggio – Piaggio Group