2020 Peugeot Belville 200 Review
Peugeot Motocycles Australia has saved its best scooter for lastThe Belville 200 is the fifth machine to be launched since Urban Moto Imports became the distributor in August last year.
Despite the name, the “SmartMotion” engine is actually 169cc but it is well up to the task of propelling the 130kg scooter to triple figures on its digital speedo.
Combine that with 16-inch wheels that provide more stability at speed and official fuel use of 2.7 litres/100km, and the Belville starts to look like an attractive proposition.
Standard equipment includes an LED headlamp, USB charge point, under-seat storage for a full-face helmet, a bag hook and a lockable glove compartment.
The Belville 200 launches in Australia with a $5490 rideaway price.
Most of the early action is expected to be for the sportier-styled RS version which normally carries a $300 premium but for the first three months of launch can be had for the same price as the regular Belville.
The design looks modern and the finishes feel premium. The “lion claw” styled taillamp pays homage to the styling of Peugeot’s four-wheeled product and the overall presentation is decidedly European, despite the bikes being built on Peugeot Motocycles’ production line in Jinan, China.
The RS ups the ante with a unique grey paint scheme with the requisite sporty red flashes, petal discs front and rear, alloy footplate inserts, a stubby wind deflector and sports mirrors.
Taking it to the streets
Outer urban commuters rejoice. The Belville is light and lithe enough to easily filter through snarled traffic and has the power to stay ahead of the cars at the lights.
The 16-inch wheels improve comfort when hitting potholes and impart extra stability at speed: it’s all well and good to have a 12-inch scooter that’s as twitchy as meth addict in the CBD, but it becomes progressively less of a pleasure as the pace picks up.
Mind you, the Belville doesn’t miss out on much in terms of low-speed agility. But it really comes into its own from 50-100km/h.
Point it at a set of curves and the tapered underside means you’re having a serious go if you’re starting to scrape plastic.
The Belville also benefits from having disc brakes front and rear, endowing the scooter with decent stopping power. ABS helps keep things under control at both ends.
Peugeot claims fuel use of 2.7 litres/100km and we weren’t far off that figure after a solid ride on freeways and through the outskirts of Melbourne’s CBD.
Victoria and digital speedos are almost a mandatory pairing given our low tolerance for speeding and the Belville’s black digits were legible in sunshine and shade even with a tinted visor.
The air-cooled engine is responsive but a consequence of that is it can feel buzzy at idle. Twist the throttle and the vibe fades away as the engine transmits its energy to the rear wheel.
The seat is operated by key or a switch the handlebars. Flip it up and there’s enough room to accommodate a handbag, manbag or full-face helmet.
Up front a bag hook takes care of the groceries, while a lockable glove box will take small items, but not necessarily your phone. We tried new Samsung and iPhone products and neither would fit. Most riders leave them in their pants/jackets anyway but it is worth noting.
That’s about the biggest criticism of the Belville. It nails its brief as an all-purpose scooter, has solid build quality and the 24-month warranty with roadside assistance makes the asking price more than reasonable.
SPECS: PEUGEOT BELVILLE 200
ENGINE
Type: Air-cooled, 2-valve SOHC single-cylinder
Capacity: 169cc
Bore x stroke: 61mm x 57.8mm
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 11.8hp (8.3kW) at 8000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 12.2Nm at 6000rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Continuously variable transmission
Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Front suspension: Telescopic forks
Rear suspension: Monoshock
Front brakes: 260mm disc with ABS
Rear brakes: 240mm disc with ABS
Wheels: 16-inch
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Seat height: 790mm
Claimed wet weight: 130kg
Fuel capacity: 7.5 litres
Claimed fuel consumption: 2.7 litres/100km
OTHER STUFF
Price $5490 rideaway
Colours: Grey (RS only), white, black, blue
Bike supplied by: Peugeot Motocycles Australia
Warranty: 24 months unlimited kilometres
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