THE LIGHTER, MORE AGILE VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL THREE-WHEEL SCOOTER IS UNVEILED WITH AN ALL-NEW DESIGN, ADOPTING THE SPORTY STYLE OF ITS BIGGER SIBLINGS THE 400 AND 530, AND A HOST OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES: THE NEW 310 CC ENGINE MAKES ITS DÉBUT
The Piaggio MP3 310 is a compact, sporty, dynamic vehicle that maintains the high levels of comfort and technical content that are typical of the bigger GT scooters.
But the new Piaggio MP3 310 makes these qualities available to everyone: it can be driven with a normal driving licence, thanks to the exclusive Piaggio three-wheel technology. The front articulated quadrilateral suspension system and the double front wheel are unique and distinctive elements that make riding the Piaggio MP3 an absolutely unique experience, with more cornering stability than any other scooter, and excellent road holding that can be felt at its finest on wet asphalt or in poor grip conditions.
The compact dimensions and handling of the Piaggio MP3 310 can be appreciated both in manoeuvring whilst stationary - making parking super easy - and whilst moving, where it boasts enhanced agility. The front end is extremely precise in riding and even more communicative.
The Piaggio MP3 310 is equipped with an all-new engine, the latest in the extraordinary HPE (High Performance Engine) family: Type-approved according to the Euro 5+ standard, the 310 hpe engine benefits from an increased cubic capacity ( 310 cc instead of the 278 cc of the previous engine), as well as various features specifically designed to enhance the driving experience, not only in terms of performance, but also with regard to the ride comfort and driveability - all combined with reduced fuel consumption.
A unique style for the entire range, inspired by the automotive world
The front has been completely redesigned, and is now broader and more protective, with a new horizontal front light cluster with full LED technology. In the centre of the shield is a smaller, sportier air intake, characterised by a three-dimensional honeycomb grille. Underneath these is a vertical spoiler, the product of a careful aerodynamic studies: combined with the all-new side deflectors, this provides greater stability and contributes to a higher maximum speed. The windscreen is also new with a shape designed to guarantee maximum protection with limited bulk.
The vehicle also nods to a number of the latest trends in automotive design, from the striking, sporty front end to the mudguards - which feature body-coloured elements in the Sport version - and the rims, which feature a new design with five split spokes: another clear reference to the luxury sport saloon world.
The bold front is offset by a sleek, streamlined tailpiece, which elegantly integrates the comfortable passenger grab bar and ends with the modern full-LED rear light cluster.
Comfort and functionality
The Piaggio MP3 310 is also equipped with a totally new user interface. At the centre, a large instrument panel with a 5-inch LCD display displays all the necessary information: the digital speedometer and the rev counter are visible in the centre, with the total and trip odometer, air temperature, digital clock, fuel level and coolant temperature indicators, along with the ice danger icon and "service" icon. The panel displays a wide range of information regarding the trip, which can be selected using the MODE button on the right-hand control block: highest speed, average speed, instantaneous consumption, average consumption, battery range and charge level. The warning lights, on the other hand, monitor all the functions such as “injection check”, fuel reserve, oil pressure, ABS activation and immobilizer. The handlebar and dashboard controls have been repositioned, and are now more practical and functional.
Above the instrument panel, meanwhile, is a practical glove compartment with a drawer and USB connection inside, ideal for recharging a smartphone and any other enabled device.
Remaining on the subject of the user interface, the Piaggio MP3 310 features the keyless system, which enables the ignition to be switched on without having to insert the traditional key, simplifying all the operations like starting the engine, opening the seat and the fuel door and locking the steering column, all of which can be done with the remote control conveniently in your pocket. The classic ignition switch with lock is replaced by a practical knob: to start the vehicle, simply press it (which activates the start enable function) and turn it to the ON position. Starting the engine is accomplished as usual with the button located on the right-hand control bock.
The saddle, with seating on two separate levels, has a new foam structure designed to improve comfort, and is shaped to allow easy and safe contact with the ground and to guarantee adequate lumbar support for the rider. The passenger position is laid back and relaxed, thanks in part to the practical fold-out foot boards which, when closed, integrate perfectly in the fairing.
The under-seat compartment is extremely spacious, and easily accommodates a full-face helmet or two demi-jet helmets, as well as other objects. The saddle has a spring to keep it in the open position. A practical and discrete concealed bag hook finds a place integrated into the leg shield back plate.
The Piaggio 310 HPE engine - all the benefits of downspeeding
The new Piaggio MP3 310 is powered by an all-new, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine with electronic injection: the result of the precious know-how of Piaggio Group's research and development centre.
The 310 hpe engine - the most recent arrival in Piaggio's modern family of HPE or High Performance Engines - is based on a very specific design philosophy, designed to enable significant improvements in the riding experience across the board: superior ride comfort, improved driveability, less noise and even lower fuel consumption. All this is accompanied by a tangible improvement in performance.
These goals have been achieved by increasing the engine capacity from 278 cc for the previous 300 HPE engine to 310 cc for this version; this increase was attained by maintaining the bore and increasing the stroke. This has resulted in a less "sharp" engine - or in other words, an engine that is more focused on driveability than on achieving the highest possible maximum power output; that said, this still reaches an impressive 19.4 kW (26.4 hp) at 7500 rpm. The maximum torque is 27.3 Nm, and this is reached at 6000 rpm. Figures of absolute reference that are immediately appreciated when accelerating from stationary. The maximum speed is also higher, achieved in part through the improved aerodynamics of the vehicle: from the previous speed of 120 km/h to the new speed of 129 km/h.
Compared to the previous 300 HPE, the new engine boasts slightly higher maximum power and torque values, which are reached at a lower rpm: this is the result of the so-called downspeeding, resulting in a major improvement in performance and driveability, but also in overall efficiency and comfort, with a substantial reduction in vibration and noise.
The comprehensive overhaul of the engine, crankcase included, has also enabled big changes to be made to the single-cylinder architecture, such as the offset of the piston. This solution, which staggers the working axis of the piston with respect to that of the crankshaft, reduces the friction between the piston and cylinder during the most critical drive phase, leading to an overall reduction in friction, with a positive effect on fuel consumption as a result. These values are lower than with the 300 hpe, going from 31.2 km/l to 32.2 km/l in the WMTC cycle.
Ultimate safety: three wheels, ABS and ASR
Both models in the Piaggio MP3 310 range adopt the ABS anti-locking braking system integrated with ASR traction control (Acceleration Slip Regulation). The ASR (first brought to scooters by Piaggio) can be easily disconnected and guarantees safety by keeping the rear wheel from slipping on dangerous surfaces like wet asphalt.
The three channel ABS system, developed in collaboration with Continental, maximizes active safety preventing wheel blockage when braking and providing full control of the vehicle at all times. The Piaggio MP3 employs an all-disc braking system on the three wheels, with a disc diameter of 258 mm on the front and 240 mm on the rear. Greater safety and an even smoother ride are provided by the large 13 inch diameter front wheels.
The Piaggio MP3 also owes its success to exclusive patented Piaggio technology for the dual independent, tilting front wheels regulated by a unique four bar linkage suspension, which the leading Group in Europe designed and developed before any other manufacturer in the world to ensure maximum riding pleasure in complete safety. The roll mechanism is made up of four fused aluminium arms linked to four hinges that are firmly connected to the central sleeve, and two side sleeves connected to the arms by means of pivots and ball bearings. Inside the side sleeves, the right-hand and left-hand steering tube rotates in a classic single-arm set-up.
The blocking mechanism for the front suspension, a distinguishing feature of the three-wheel Italian scooter, transforms the balance of the Piaggio MP3 300 hpe from dynamic to static. Start up the vehicle and it stays in balance on the three wheels without the need for a stand (fitted nonetheless). To resume normal operation accelerate or use the dedicated push button. This means you never need to put your foot in the ground, and you can park the Piaggio MP3 310 anywhere, easily and without effort.
PIAGGIO MIA: connected at all times by smartphone
The PIAGGIO MIA connectivity system, offered as standard on the Sport version, allows you to connect your smartphone to the Piaggio MP3 310 on-board electronic system via Bluetooth, offering exclusive features for an even more rewarding and enjoyable riding experience.
PIAGGIO MIA and the new Piaggio app are specifically designed to connect iOS or Android mobile devices to the new Piaggio MP3 310, exploiting the potential offered by the new digital instrument cluster.
Once you have connected your smartphone - pairing it with the vehicle via the Piaggio app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play - all notifications for incoming calls and messages appear on the instrument cluster. The system also enables call management using the specific connectivity button on the right-hand control block and the use of vocal commands to make calls or play music, by activating a playlist. To fully enjoy all these features, the Piaggio MP3 310 offers a special dedicated Jet helmet as an accessory, with integrated headphones and Bluetooth intercom.
In addition to the call and music management functions, which use the bike's digital instrument cluster, the PIAGGIO MIA multimedia platform allows you to use the dedicated App to view a further and exceptionally rich set of information about the route and the operating status of the vehicle. It also has a convenient system for saving the position when the ignition is off, which helps you find the scooter in the most crowded areas of town. The application can also indicate engine revs, instantaneous power and torque, current and average fuel consumption, battery voltage and an assessment of riding style. All the data are recorded by the App and can be consulted directly on the smartphone through summary statistics for each trip and intuitive infographics. The app also lets you use your smartphone to conveniently activate the find Bike Finder and Follow Me functions, which respectively make the turn indicators flash and the horn sound to easily find your vehicle even in the most crowded car parks, and activate the low beam lights.
