Yamaha has combined the agility of a 250cc scooter with the punch of a 400cc engine to create what the company calls "a new type of mid-class scooter."

In creating the X-Max 400 the company identified a gap in the market for a scooter that was as easy to handle as a smaller capacity maxi-scooter but powerful enough to really punch ahead of the traffic. Shoe-horning a 400cc engine into the chassis used by the X-Max 250 has achieved new levels of dynamism for the class.

Although it retains ample luggage space - enough for two full-face helmets - and two seats, the X-Max 400 has a smaller frame and less bulk than many 400cc scooters, making it even more useful in the city sprawl.

The engine, which is an evolution of the Majesty 400's unit, is good for over 90mph and endows the newest X-Max with genuine touring ability for weekends away or even country-crossing adventures.

The front and rear wheels are 15 inches and 13 inches across respectively, making it a very stable platform at speed but extremely nimble at low speed. Yamaha is aiming to persuade owners of current, slower-witted maxi-scooters that the X-Max is a better bet.

Three colours area available covering white, grey and black, with prices starting at £5,399 when it goes on sale at the end of May.