Peugeot Vivacity - 2009 |
 |
 You would think that the historic city of Dubrovnik in Croatia would be that last place that a modern twist and go styled scooter/moped would fit in. However, you would be wrong because the machine, now unbelievably nearly ten years old and in its third gestation, fits in a real treat.Its fresh modern looks do not look out of place with the smart new hotels being built to attract tourists along with the chic shops selling haute couture and souvenirs. Take it into the very historic and castellated area of Grad and it still manages to display a level of reverence, thanks to the fact it is still very much in the classic mould despite its clean looks.  This really should be no surprise for a machine designed and styled in France, even if it is being built in China to keep the retail price down to a very affordable level. However, do not panic, engineers from Peugeot are based in the far east and ensure standards are maintained. In fact I defy you to notice any unfinished areas of the bike, or any examples of poor quality, in fact the opposite is true, and the fit and finish of all panels and components is superb. Take for instance the front storage compartment that opens outward, unless you knew it was there it looks like a solid front panel protecting the rider’s lower body from the elements. Even more storage exists below the seat which literally swallows a helmet, making it ideal for those who do not want to advertise that they use two wheels as transport when they walk in the office. If this is not enough then there is the briefcase/bag hook inside the leg shields and you can add a factory designed rack and top box and then even a weekly shop can be accommodated, adding to the versatility of this machine.  Riding is of course simplicity itself, just grab a brake lever turn on the ignition, thumb the button and then accelerate into the fray. The nippy two-stroke is more than up to the cut and thrust of most cities once rolling, even if it will not win the traffic light Grand Prix. Even when maxed out the exhaust note is inoffensive and there is no blue cloud of smoke behind, this is a very green clean machine. In fact gently drifting round the very narrow streets of Dubrovnik old town, not one tourist turned to look as I drifted by! Despite the helmet compartment under the seat, the two-person sectional seat is only 786mm in height, which is good for the vertically challenged, placing their feet on the ground will be simple, and so anybody can quickly feel comfortable on the vehicle. As far as the controls and instrumentation is concerned it is all pretty much standard fare and works as it should. However, in terms of equipment, the rider enjoys the advantages of ultra-complete, digital instrumentation including a clock, exterior temperature indicator and ice alert, no less, although I think that as an exposed rider you would know when it is cold! Thanks to its overall compact dimensions and its 12" wheels, the new Vivacity makes nipping around town a breeze. The smallest gaps can be taken with confidence and thanks to the larger wheels it gives you confidence on the open road as well. I did head out around the coast and take in some open roads and it was fine, even though some of the roads make our pot-holed lanes seem like American Freeways! The suspension works well and is never likely to be challenged with just 50cc propelling it forward.  No doubt some of the surefootedness comes from the fact that the machines centre of gravity has been lowered by sitting the 8.5 litre fuel tank under the machine, which has of course contributed to the extra storage mentioned above.Another benefit is that this has meant a capacity 40% greater than the old model and they claim a range of around 150 miles. While I did no have enough time to test this out, the miles I did, mostly flat out, barely registered on the fuel gauge, so it is probably a genuine claim. It has a relatively large-diameter (200mm) front disc, coupled with a drum at the rear, has a reassuring bite and you never feel you are not going to stop I time even when a cab does a U-turn without warning in front of you! Despite its small engine size the bike feels much bigger and you do not feel that you do not want to look in shop windows in case you realise you look silly. This is a really neat trick that has been performed by Peugeot engineers, a small bike that everyone, irrespective of size or experience will feel happy on and want to ride!  What else can you say, or for that matter want from such a machine, clean lines, good looks and ultra-easy to handle and in a variety of sensible colours. Add in an exceptional level of equipment with an unbeatable features/price ratio and a 2-year guarantee all for £1,499.00. You will obviously get cheaper, but this will be false economy as it will not have the quality and style of this machine, which gives you personally the same style and bearing, whatever you use it for or wherever you go! Review by Ian Kerr  Model NEW VIVACITY Price £1,499.00 * Engine 49.9cc - Air cooled 2 stroke single cylinder Braking Hydraulic & cable control Front Brake Disc (Dia 200mm) Rear Brake Drum (Dia 110mm) Dry Weight 90kg Seat Height 786mm Storage Under seat Antitheft system Steering lock Dashboard Digital Cooling Air Warranty 2 year unlimited mileage
|
