Following from last weeks hectic few days at EICMA, Sticky gives us an insight into the world of Peugeot…
Peugeot scooters are an interesting case in product strategy. A few years ago their knee-jerk reaction to the Chinese invasion of budget scooters into the market was to release the re-badged Chinese 50cc V-Clic. It was basically an “if you can’t beat then, join them” move.
Since then, they’ve moved in the opposite direction, concentrating more on their strong brand and heritage to produce higher-end and more diverse scooters.
New models at the show included:
- New mid-spec Belville high-wheeler
- New Speedfight-4 125 with MA-1 engine
- Revised Metropolis 3-wheeler
- 20th anniversary Speedfight-4 50cc
- New electric Genze delivery scooter
SmartMotion engine
Their highlight at the show was a new low-friction water-cooled 4-stroke ‘SmartMotion’ MA-1 engine with the radiator mounted over a fan on the engine (like Honda PCX and Piaggio Medley). This design allows a liquid-cooled engine to be fitted to any scooter without the need for a separate radiator and plumbing, however there is also a modular air-cooled version.
The MA-1 is Euro-4 compliant and uses Synerject fuel injection. The 2-valve motor makes 8kW (slightly down on the competition) but improves in torque and fuel efficiency (by approx 5%).
Patented technology
The engine also includes a patented technology called Alternative Current Generator (AGC) Management which, if I understand correctly, disconnects the battery from the engine’s charging circuit during acceleration and deceleration in order to maximise torque in those phases by reducing electro-magnetic losses. For example, if the stator normally generates 100 watts of electrical power, this power is not taken by the electrical system during acceleration and is therefore available as extra power going to the wheel, but battery recharging commences as the vehicle speed stabilises. It’s a clever system to maximise acceleration while reducing losses.
Peugeot describe their vision for the current engines as “speeding down”, meaning to reduce engine rpm for a set speed. In English, I think this simply means that the engines have been tuned more for low-rpm torque than revs and the gearing has been increased slightly to compensate. In this way they claim the MA-1 can cover 100km (62miles) on just 2.1 litres of petrol.
The MA-1 engine is being built exclusively for Peugeot in the SYM factory in Taiwan.
SmartMotion 125cc liquid cooled:
Max Power: 8,1 kW at 7400 rpm
Max Torque: 10,8 Nm at 5400 rpm
New Peugeot Metropolis 400
Peugeot have refined their 3-wheeled Metropolis scooter (which can be ridden with only a car licence by many people) with 2 new versions arriving from December.
The latest has a Euro-4 version of the 400 PowerMotion engine, it also gains low rpm torque and reduces engine rpm to improve fuel economy with similar performance.
The biggest changes however are in the chassis. The current 12-inch wheel version will continue as a base model but new versions with 13-inch wheels, adjustable suspension and a stiffened chassis aim to make the ride much more refined than before. The Metropolis 13 gains bigger brake discs, Continental ABS and traction control. This reduces stopping distances by 23% compared to the 12-inch model.
The 12-inch model gains new ‘braking logic’ leaving both handlebar brakes independent front and rear, while the foot pedal works both systems.
On top of the 13-inch version there is a sporty RX-R version due to arrive in December. Prices are yet to be fixed.
Speedfight 4 125
Sporty-looking scooters like the Gilera Runner and original Peugeot Speedfight have always been popular in the UK.
With the current EU licensing legislation many people now start riding on 125s and as such the Speedfight 4 125 could be really important. This is one of the first models to gain the new MA1 2-valve Liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine.
This model features smart styling with LED ‘signature’ lighting, linked SBC brakes and polyelipsoidal headlights. UK prices are expected to be announced at the NEC show. Available in three colours (Pink Gold, Flat 6 Red & Deep Ocean Blue), the Speedfight 125cc range will be available in summer 2017.
Peugeot celebrate production of half a million Speedfights with this 500-unit limited edition.
20th Anniversary Speedfight
Peugeot are continuing their commitment to the 50cc market with a 20th anniversary version of the Speedfight 4 50cc, but this is a segment that has collapsed throughout Europe.
Belville 125 and 200
Occupying a mid-position in Peugeot’s high-wheeler range, the all-new Belville comes with a water-cooled MA-1 engine in the 125cc version, but there is also a 200 (actually 169cc) powered by an air-cooled SYM engine. This is a vehicle aimed squarely at the Honda SH and Piaggio Medley, particularly for customers in the large Asian markets.
Genze
Peugeot’s latest electric scooter is the GenZe (Generation Zero) with a 50kmh top speed and integrated rear boot. It is already being trialled in USA and will be on sale in summer 2017 for fleet delivery use.
Following from last weeks hectic few days at EICMA, Sticky gives us an insight into the world of Peugeot…
Peugeot scooters are an interesting case in product strategy. A few years ago their knee-jerk reaction to the Chinese invasion of budget scooters into the market was to release the re-badged Chinese 50cc V-Clic. It was basically an “if you can’t beat then, join them” move.
Since then, they’ve moved in the opposite direction, concentrating more on their strong brand and heritage to produce higher-end and more diverse scooters.
New models at the show included:
- New mid-spec Belville high-wheeler
- New Speedfight-4 125 with MA-1 engine
- Revised Metropolis 3-wheeler
- 20th anniversary Speedfight-4 50cc
- New electric Genze delivery scooter
SmartMotion engine
Their highlight at the show was a new low-friction water-cooled 4-stroke ‘SmartMotion’ MA-1 engine with the radiator mounted over a fan on the engine (like Honda PCX and Piaggio Medley). This design allows a liquid-cooled engine to be fitted to any scooter without the need for a separate radiator and plumbing, however there is also a modular air-cooled version.
The MA-1 is Euro-4 compliant and uses Synerject fuel injection. The 2-valve motor makes 8kW (slightly down on the competition) but improves in torque and fuel efficiency (by approx 5%).
Patented technology
The engine also includes a patented technology called Alternative Current Generator (AGC) Management which, if I understand correctly, disconnects the battery from the engine’s charging circuit during acceleration and deceleration in order to maximise torque in those phases by reducing electro-magnetic losses. For example, if the stator normally generates 100 watts of electrical power, this power is not taken by the electrical system during acceleration and is therefore available as extra power going to the wheel, but battery recharging commences as the vehicle speed stabilises. It’s a clever system to maximise acceleration while reducing losses.
Peugeot describe their vision for the current engines as “speeding down”, meaning to reduce engine rpm for a set speed. In English, I think this simply means that the engines have been tuned more for low-rpm torque than revs and the gearing has been increased slightly to compensate. In this way they claim the MA-1 can cover 100km (62miles) on just 2.1 litres of petrol.
The MA-1 engine is being built exclusively for Peugeot in the SYM factory in Taiwan.
SmartMotion 125cc liquid cooled:
Max Power: 8,1 kW at 7400 rpm
Max Torque: 10,8 Nm at 5400 rpm
New Peugeot Metropolis 400
Peugeot have refined their 3-wheeled Metropolis scooter (which can be ridden with only a car licence by many people) with 2 new versions arriving from December.
The latest has a Euro-4 version of the 400 PowerMotion engine, it also gains low rpm torque and reduces engine rpm to improve fuel economy with similar performance.
The biggest changes however are in the chassis. The current 12-inch wheel version will continue as a base model but new versions with 13-inch wheels, adjustable suspension and a stiffened chassis aim to make the ride much more refined than before. The Metropolis 13 gains bigger brake discs, Continental ABS and traction control. This reduces stopping distances by 23% compared to the 12-inch model.
The 12-inch model gains new ‘braking logic’ leaving both handlebar brakes independent front and rear, while the foot pedal works both systems.
On top of the 13-inch version there is a sporty RX-R version due to arrive in December. Prices are yet to be fixed.
Speedfight 4 125
Sporty-looking scooters like the Gilera Runner and original Peugeot Speedfight have always been popular in the UK.
With the current EU licensing legislation many people now start riding on 125s and as such the Speedfight 4 125 could be really important. This is one of the first models to gain the new MA1 2-valve Liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine.
This model features smart styling with LED ‘signature’ lighting, linked SBC brakes and polyelipsoidal headlights. UK prices are expected to be announced at the NEC show. Available in three colours (Pink Gold, Flat 6 Red & Deep Ocean Blue), the Speedfight 125cc range will be available in summer 2017.
20th Anniversary Speedfight
Peugeot are continuing their commitment to the 50cc market with a 20th anniversary version of the Speedfight 4 50cc, but this is a segment that has collapsed throughout Europe.
Belville 125 and 200
Occupying a mid-position in Peugeot’s high-wheeler range, the all-new Belville comes with a water-cooled MA-1 engine in the 125cc version, but there is also a 200 (actually 169cc) powered by an air-cooled SYM engine. This is a vehicle aimed squarely at the Honda SH and Piaggio Medley, particularly for customers in the large Asian markets.
Genze
Peugeot’s latest electric scooter is the GenZe (Generation Zero) with a 50kmh top speed and integrated rear boot. It is already being trialled in USA and will be on sale in summer 2017 for fleet delivery use.
