WHEN you're in the market for a scooter, choosing the right one from the myriad models out there is a headache.

Unless you're a fan of classics but want modern performance, in which case there's only one bike to go for ... Piaggio's Vespa.

The Vespa dates back to 1946, when it offered an outrageously convenient way for both sexes to rush around the cobbled Italian streets. The chair-style seating position made it just as appealing to women who could wear skirts while riding their Vespas.

This doesn't make the Vespa a girl's bike - men have always loved them too for their ‘dolce vita' style and practicality.

But Piaggio clearly knows they have just as strong an appeal to girls, with some of the latest Vespas being clearly targeted at women, like this baby blue version I'm riding, the Vespa LX 125 Celeste Glamour.

The Vespa has the classic scooter style, which means it's basic. It has a compact size, a round space under the seat for a helmet, the screw-in fuel cap under the seat next to the storage, and flat footboards which allow you to make the most of the bag hook at the front as you can carry more stuff. It also has a small tank so you can't go very far without needing a refill - around 50 miles.

However, the basic design is purely down to its retro style; the finish and attention to detail are anything but basic.

The twist grips are beautifully designed with Vespa carved into the plastic; the footboards have retro-style rubber streaks down them, the metallic paint is luxurious and there's even a hoop under the belly pan to lock the frame securely with a chain, or to lock an extra helmet.

The 2010 Vespa LX has Piaggio's latest fuel-injected 125cc four-stroke engine that's smooth, economical and bullet-proof, and reaches a top speed of 65mph. This confirms the Vespa's town bike status. Although it's legal on the motorway and, with patience, you can go as far as you like on it, it doesn't quite have the top speed to blast long distances and to keep up with fast-moving motorway traffic.

It's also quite minimalist. The wraparound fairing does a decent job of sheltering you from the elements, but the overall dimensions are small so you never feel as protected as you would on the maxi-scooter-style, 125cc bikes designed for longer commutes.

But around town, the Vespa's a dream. It scythes through nightmare traffic like the proverbial hot knife through butter, there's plenty of poke from the engine to let you overtake safely, it's agile and manoeuvrable thanks to the lightweight chassis, the front disc brakes are perfect for the job and work well with the less-powerful rear drum brakes and the good quality suspension soaks up the potholes.

No doubt it's still built with Rome's cobbled streets in mind and there's no disputing you'll be a glamorous girl about town on this Vespa.

However, the image doesn't come cheap -the 2010 Vespa LX 125 Celeste Glamour costs a hefty £3,050.

But despite the cost, the Vespa will still save you a fortune over the years on public transport. Treat it properly and it will last you many years and if you're into your classic scooters but want something modern, reliable and well built, then there can really be no other machine than the glamorous Vespa.

: 124cc single cylinder four-stroke, electronic injection10.7bhp @ 825rpm, 65mph top speed  Twist-and-go CVT with torque server (F) Single sided link arm with coil spring and dual action Monoshock shock (R) Coil spring with adjustable preload and dual action hydraulic (F) Tubeless 110/70-11" (R) Tubeless 120/70-10" (F) Hydraulically operated 200 mm stainless steel disc (R Mechanically operated 110 mm drum: 785mm: 8.2 litres