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| On the road Peugeot Satelis 125: the new French alternative By T. Groussin The Peugeot Satelis marks the notable return of the French manufacturer to the top-of-the-range 125 scooter market. A segment that is buzzing in France, but also in Spain and Italy, with this new model presenting itself as a serious alternative to the Piaggio X8 and Yamaha X Max.  With the Satelis, Peugeot Motocycles is reaching the end of the biggest investment in its history, making it possible for it now to launch a whole new range of so-called "Grand Tourer" scooters, including this new Satelis which is immediately available in France (available in the UK later this year) and a large-wheeled scooter, the Géopolis, which will be launched in France this summer. These two models will be available in a choice of four engines, 125 cc, 125 Compressor, 250 and 500 cc. Add to that three different trim levels (Premium, City* and Executive) and you end up with a 24-model range! We took the standard-version Satelis 125 - dubbed Premium - for a spin. The Piaggio X8 in its sights Looks-wise it is impossible for an experienced eye not to notice the numerous similarities between this new Satelis and one of the leaders in the 125 GT category, the Piaggio X8. Peugeot seems to have been strongly inspired by this prime example, be it in the general body lines, two-tier seat design, or storage compartment access via the rear of the scooter, with the passenger seat forming a car-type hatchback. The trim is finely crafted, although some small storage compartment flaps seemed fragile. A very practical scooter The practical aspects of the Satelis are carefully thought out, with a large glove box on the fascia panel, a small storage compartment on the handlebar, a very comprehensive instrument panel, and an electronic coded key immobiliser as standard... Still in the matter of theft prevention, the Satelis City version will be supplied with a clever "lasso" type chain, which goes through the rear part of the scooter making it easier to attach it to a fixed point without getting your hands dirty (photo opposite). Although it has room for two full-face helmets or a cabin-luggage type bag, as promised, we were a little disappointed by the capacity of the underseat storage compartment, which is slightly smaller than that of the X8 and X Max. A remote control, available as an option, enables you to open the hatchback from a distance, which makes for ease of loading when you have your arms full of shopping. Also of note: it is easy to transport items on the floor at the rider's feet, and the headlights of the Satelis are directly borrowed from the Peugeot 407! Easy and very reliable chassis The Peugeot Satelis is easier to ride in urban congestion than a Piaggio X8 or, even more so, a Yamaha X Max. Being narrower, it can thread its way through traffic more easily, and its steering proves lighter to handle. The seat height will enable any rider to put both feet on the ground, while keeping a good view of the traffic. On expressways, the 14- and 13-inch wheels, rigid frame and rigorous suspension provide perfectly sound handling, and take unbridled riding in their stride. We were very impressed by onboard comfort, with a windshield that gives good protection to a 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) tall rider without hampering vision, comfortable upholstery and accommodating shock absorbers. As for the passenger, they enjoy a pleasant panoramic view and well-designed grab rails, but the pillion footrests are a little too narrow. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A powerful new engine Satelis Compressor The Peugeot Satelis will, of course, benefit from the 125 engine supercharged by volumetric compressor, inaugurated in 2005 on the sporty Jet Force scooter. This Compressor engine delivers torque worthy of a 250 cc, and output of 20 hp if you have a motorcycle licence (limited to 15 hp if you have a car driving licence). The Satelis will benefit from an advanced version (notably quieter) of the Compressor engine. | ||
ABS-PBS braking system
On the Executive version, the rider will benefit from the most sophisticated braking system available on a two-wheeler (see our article). Peugeot's ABS-PBS system, made by German company FTE, combines three types of assistance: automatic distribution of brake force between the two wheels, anti-lock system, and electronic amplification of the force exerted on the levers. Extremely powerful, this braking system is fully justified if you use your scooter whatever the weather.
The only criticism that we could make against this system, already available on the Elystar model, concerned the abruptness of the braking assistance, which could take you by surprise in manoeuvres at low speed, or trigger the ABS too quickly when riding at higher speeds. However, these little foibles should disappear on the revised version that will equip the Satelis Executive, available early April in France.
The Premium and City versions are, for their part, equipped with conventional braking without assistance, which we found entirely satisfactory, particularly with respect to its progressiveness.
Satelis accessories (prices in France)
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NB: 1 euro is equivalent to approximately GBP0.69.
* The City version is unlikely to be imported into the UK.
Peugeot Satelis 125 Engine: liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder, 4 valves Engine capacity: 124.8 cc Fuel supply: electronic injection Starter system: electric Output: 15 hp Torque: 1.2 kg-m Front suspension: hydraulic fork ø 37 mm; Rear: 2 adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers, 100 mm travel Front brake: 260 mm disc, two-piston caliper; Rear: 210 mm disc, single-piston caliper (ABS on Executive trim) Front tyre: 120/70 x 14; Rear: 140/60 x 13 Seat height: 784 mm Fuel tank capacity: 13.5 litres Dry weight: 160 kg PRACTICAL: Colours: Black, red, light grey and dark grey Warranty: 2 years parts and labour, unlimited mileage Price: Premium: ¤3,799; City: ¤3,959; Executive: ¤4,409 (UK prices have yet to be announced) Place of manufacture: France OUR MEASUREMENTS: Timed top speed: over 113 kph (70 mph) Average fuel consumption: around 4 l/100 km Average fuel range: around 300 km (186 miles) before reserve | ||
Photographies: © Peugeot
