The executively styled Peugeot Satelis has been around for quite a while now in 125, 250 and 500cc displacements. It’s got style, maxi scooter presence and is quite comfortable too.

The only real difference to this latest Satelis 300i is the 278cc engine. It’s a liquid-cooled, fuel injected Piaggio derived engine as used in the ever-popular Vespa GTS 300. There are no real surprises with the 21bhp motor, although it does actually feel a bit quicker off the mark than the Vespa. Whether that’s a different engine map, slightly different gearing (thanks to the larger wheels) or just plain imagination – I’m not sure but it certainly seemed quicker on acceleration to me. Top speed is exactly the same though at a GPS verified 82mph (although I did see 86 on one downhill stretch) and it’ll cruise happily at 75.

A modern mid capacity scooter like the Satelis is perfectly capable of covering distance on a regular basis, it’s also very comfortable as I found out on a 260 mile trip from Nottingham to London and back. The dual seat is well padded and has a built in back support, the riding position is roomy enough and there’s enough legroom to allow you to stretch your legs out a bit – which helps on longer trips. Weather protection is good as well, although the screen is slightly shorter than I’d have liked but it does keep the wind and the worst of the rain at bay. At motorway speeds, ridden flat out, the Satelis did 132 miles on less than 10 litres of fuel (the tank holds 13.2 litres so there was plenty left in the tank), the mpg worked out at 62 on that particular journey. You’re looking at closer to 80mpg around town though so it’s certainly not too thirsty.

Aside from long distance use the Peugeot is very handy to have around on a day-to-day basis. The scooter handles extremely well, the front forks are well damped and the twin adjustable rear shocks keep it planted so you can enjoy a bit of fun on the bendy bits. Its aforementioned nippy engine means the Peugeot can blast around the countryside as well as it can cruise, or win traffic light Grand Prix’s when required, it’s nimble through traffic as well. Surprisingly the Satelis doesn’t come with ABS but the brakes are fantastic, both front and rear really do take some beating. They offer plenty of stopping power with loads of feel at the levers, great for those schoolboy skids! Peugeot really do build scooters with exceptionally good brakes.

From an equipment point of view you get a set of crisp looking instruments with white facias and a crystal clear display for the digital screen. The scooter comes equipped with LED front running lights under each of the large and powerful 55w headlights. Inside the legshields is a fairly roomy lockable glovebox with 12v socket to charge a phone or run a sat nav. There’s also a hidden pop up compartment in the middle of the handlebars, handy for keeping change etc. Finally whilst we’re talking about storage there’s a decent sized boot, it opens using the ignition key (turn the key too far when you’re starting the scooter and it pops open, which can be annoying). Rather than the whole seat lifting (as on most scooters) the rear part of the seat and boot lid open as one, it’s illuminated under there as well. Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000km and Peugeot offer a two-year warranty.

The Piaggio engine is tried and tested, as is the Peugeot Satelis chassis. Mix the two and you get a useful, reliable and good looking scooter that is capable and willing to commute, nip around town or take you away for a few days touring.