Launched a couple of years ago in St Tropez the Citystar is 17cm’s shorter than the Satelis and 10kg lighter, it has a 1430mm wheelbase and uses the latest generation LFE fuel injected engine, which is not only quick but it is also quiet and 20% more fuel efficient than the previous engine. Peugeot claim it uses 3.5 litres per 100km and has a range of 161 miles from the nine litre tank and they should know because Peugeot take testing seriously. The new engine has endured 400,000 km’s of road testing, spent 5000 hours on the test bench and been put through 20 tests which entails 10,000 successive start ups.
Styling on the Citystar is very cosmopolitan and typically Peugeot, they tend to have a certain Gallic look to them. From the front the large chrome grill, 35 watt twin halogen headlights and restyled lion badge draw your eyes towards the dark screen, behind it the instruments are virtually identical to the Satelis ones, they’re laid out symmetrically and include a useful digital screen with plenty of info, plus a separate analogue speedo and a matching warning light cluster. The bodywork itself is very angular and looks like a cross between a Satelis and Elystar, its modern and pleasing to the eye.
Surprisingly quick
It’s not often that I’m surprised by a learner legal scooter but apart from an initial momentary lag as I pulled away I was blown away by the acceleration on the Citystar. I was sure this was the 200cc version (sadly that one won’t be coming to the UK) rather than the 125cc but after checking the badge on the side I was even more impressed, it really was a 125! The engine has loads of power throughout the rev range, plenty of grunt to power out of corners and up those long mountainous hills and it stays strong right up to the top indicated speed of just over 80mph. Peugeot claim the scooter is limited to 70mph and 10,000rpm but it felt very quick to me.
Aside from a great engine, the Citystar has what are arguably the best brakes on any scooter I’ve ever ridden. With a 240mm disc up front, gripped by four pot calliper and a 200mm rear disc they should be good but these are phenomenal and there’s plenty of feel through the levers. I’ve ridden sportsbikes with brakes that aren’t as efficient as these.
Star in the city
Peugeot have given a lot of thought to the whole riding experience on the Citystar, it has a 90 degree turning circle, low seat height (795mm), 13” alloys fitted with excellent Michelin Pilot Sports, 37mm front forks and twin rear shocks, plus that short 1430mm wheelbase and great steering geometry. The scooter also carries its 155kg weight low down to aid stability and when you put these ingredients together it means that the Citystar can hustle its way through the rush hour with ease, it really is a star in the city. The scooter is just as useful out on the open road and it loved the twisty mountain roads we were on, as did I. I’d have quite happily ridden this scooter back from St Tropez to the UK and kept it when I got home.
The specs may suggest the Citystar is quite small but it still feels like a decent sized machine once you’re sat on it, the weight leaves it feeling planted and stable but without being hard work at a standstill. On a practical level there’s a generous sized storage area (big enough for a full faced lid and a few odds and ends) beneath the sumptuous dual seat, there’s also a small glovebox with 12v socket, fold out bag hook and flat floorboards. The Citystar may only be 125cc but it packs a mighty punch. I defy anybody not to be impressed when they ride it.
The Citystar is also available in the company’s special series RS trim for 2013. With its low-profile tinted sports windscreen sitting above the black and chrome grille the Citystar has a purposeful appearance that is emphasised by the twin halogen 35W headlamps. Wheels, lower fork legs and passenger grab rail are all painted black, contrasting with the bodywork, in a choice of ice white or titanium. Priced at £3599- the Peugeot Citystar 125RS is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. For further information call 01202 810100 or visit peugeotscooters.co.uk.