Vespa S scooter - tested

Nobody captures the spirit of Seventies scootering better than Vespa – and the new S takes the concept further.

The company’s classic rectangular headlight has made a return, while the body has been cut away at the rear to reveal more of the frame and motor.

But because the S is essentially a restyled LX, under the retro skin is a very modern Vespa. And buyers get a choice of 50cc or 125cc engines.

We tried the bigger machine, and although it was lively around town, we felt it lacked the punch of similar-capacity offerings from Vespa.

Those small wheels – 11 inches on the front and 10 inches at the rear – ensure the S corners well. At faster speeds, though, the slightest bump, road marking or gust of wind upsets it. We would have liked a bit more braking confidence, too. Stopping from high speed takes a lot of effort.