The Piaggio Quargo is a commercial vehicle produced by Piaggio from 2004 to 2016 and part of the category of heavy quadricycles, designed to replace the Ape Poker.
Piaggio Quargo at a glance
| Production | 2004–2016 |
|---|---|
| Class | heavy quadricycle |
| Replaced | Ape Poker |
| Base | Piaggio Porter, with the same mechanical layout and some body parts |
| Engine | 686 cm3 twin-cylinder Lombardini diesel, rear mounted and transverse |
| Power | 13 kW, about 18 hp |
| Licence | B1, or the older A1 and A sub-categories obtained by 18 January 2013 |
| Bodies | pickup, tipper pickup, van and curtain-sider |
| Payload | up to 750 kg depending on version |
| 2007 update | front disc brakes and an oversized oil sump |
| End of production | end of 2016, because of the Euro 4 rules for quadricycles |
The article is based on a single source, the English Wikipedia page on the Quargo, and is shorter than usual for that reason.
History of the Piaggio Quargo
Made on the same base as the Piaggio Porter, from which it takes the mechanical layout and part of the bodywork such as the doors, the Quargo is equipped with a transverse, rear-mounted 686 cm3 twin-cylinder Lombardini diesel engine of 13 kW, about 18 hp. It is a light quadricycle that requires a B1 driving licence, and it could also be driven by those holding the previous A1 and category A sub-licences if obtained by 18 January 2013.
Bodies and update
The Quargo was available as a pickup, a tipper pickup, a van and a curtain-sider, with a payload of up to 750 kg depending on the version. In 2007 an updated version was presented with disc brakes on the front wheels and an oversized oil sump.
The end of production
Production ended at the end of 2016. With the entry into force of the Euro 4 anti-pollution regulations for quadricycles the Quargo was not adjusted to the new limits, and the model left the range after twelve years.
Design and features
- Quadricycle rules: a B1 licence is enough, and older A1 holders could drive it too.
- Porter base: the mechanical layout and some body panels come from the Porter.
- Rear diesel: a 686 cm3 Lombardini twin of about 18 hp.
- Four bodies: pickup, tipper, van and curtain-sider, with up to 750 kg of payload.
Piaggio Quargo versions
- Quargo pickup: the open-bed version.
- Quargo tipper pickup: with a tipping platform.
- Quargo van: the closed body.
- Quargo curtain-sider: with a flexible side.
- 2007 update: front disc brakes and an oversized oil sump.
The Quargo replaced the Ape Poker and shared its base with the Porter. More Piaggio vehicles are in the Piaggio collection.
Sources
- Piaggio Quargo, English Wikipedia: base, engine, bodies, end of production
