Peugeot Tweet 2023: Everything You Need to beat the traffic!
After the arrival of the XP400, Peugeot continues to launch its new products on the market. This time, it's the turn of the Tweet, an urban scooter with simple and practical features, and also Peugeot's bestseller.
I put it to the test in the traffic;
Classy Design
Peugeot Motorcycles aims to give a distinct character to its new range of two-wheel vehicles. The streamlined fairings of the Tweet resemble those seen on the PM-01 motorcycle (especially in blue), and the front shield features the trademark "scratched" headlights. The choice of wheels is also appealing: users can choose between eye-catching diamond-cut wheels in the Allure version or black wheels with orange accents in the GT version.
From a technical standpoint, the Tweet boasts three air-cooled engine options, a solution likely adopted to keep prices competitive while ensuring maintenance efficiency and weight optimization for these engine displacements.
There is a 50cc engine with 3 horsepower and 3 Nm of torque, a 125cc version with 11.5 horsepower and 10.3 Nm of torque, and the larger 200cc model with a displacement of 168cc, which has just over one extra horsepower compared to the 125cc version, at 12.2 horsepower. This indicates that the latter is not designed for additional performance but for a push in torque.
Ready for Anything
Let's talk about practicality right away. The Tweet is one of those "ready-to-go" scooters, easy to ride and equipped with everything you need in the city. The flat footboard is quite spacious and can accommodate a shopping bag, leaving plenty of room for your feet. The under-seat storage allows for additional items to be stored while riding or can hold a jet helmet once you reach your destination. Now let's shift our focus from comfort to safety because there is a switch under the seat that "disconnects" the battery, a solution that will certainly deter and discourage potential thieves.
Moving on to the storage spaces of the Tweet; there is a storage compartment with a USB port inside the rear shield area. There is also a small hole underneath that allows you to pass a cable and bring it up to the handlebars if you use brackets for your smartphone. And if the available space is still not enough, there is a standard luggage rack where you can mount an additional top case.
The instrumentation is basic, but it provides all the necessary information: travel information, remaining range, fuel consumption, and indicators. For now, there is no smartphone connectivity, although it is prepared for it.
The Test
So, let's get ready, and off we go! The comfort is excellent, thanks to the soft and reasonably wide seat. It stands at a height of 790mm from the ground, allowing you to rest your feet without strain. The riding position is comfortable, almost like sitting on a chair, which allows for agility. And the Tweet truly offers a lot of agility: it's lightweight (weighing 106kg dry in the 125cc and 200cc versions) and easy to handle right from the start. When maneuvering, the "right-left" turns are made without any hesitation. In the midst of traffic, it almost feels like riding a bicycle.
The suspension system is quite conventional: 100mm front fork travel and dual shock absorbers with 75mm travel are sufficient for city riding. However, rough pavement remains a challenge for the Tweet, as you have to go slowly to avoid excessive vibrations.
Speaking of vibrations, the engine is extremely smooth; you can only feel a slight tremor at idle, but it disappears while riding. The engine, in both the 125cc and 200cc versions, responds excellently. It is more linear in the lower displacement, and the clutch takes a moment to engage after twisting the throttle, but then the feeling is great. The acceleration is strong despite the limited horsepower available, but it's never aggressive, making the ride more comfortable than sporty.
With the 200cc engine, you get a little more power; the clutch engagement is more noticeable in this case. Although there is not much difference between the displacements on flat terrain, the slight power advantage of the 200cc engine becomes apparent on uphill roads, allowing for faster climbs. In both cases, the transmission is well-tuned for quick acceleration and a decent top speed, which hovers around 100 km/h.
In the city, the Tweet is truly a toy in terms of ease of riding. The well-distributed weight and excellent road grip, despite its high wheels, provide stability, even in curves. The brakes are well-designed; the 125cc version features a Combined Braking System (CBS) with a significantly strong bite. Even just pulling the rear brake lever activates the brake distribution for a last-second emergency stop. In the case of the 200cc version, ABS is introduced, along with larger 270mm discs. The braking is even more decisive and effective.
Prices and Considerations
Let's summarize and take a look at the prices. The Peugeot Tweet is available in four metallic color options (black, blue, gray, and white) in Allure and GT versions for each engine displacement. The prices start from €2,600 for the 50cc, €2,800 for the 125cc, and €3,200 for the 200cc. The GT versions feature a gray color with orange details, black wheels, and a tinted windshield, and you need to add €100 to the prices of the 125cc and 200cc versions.
With the Tweet, Peugeot aims to fill the city streets with its brand once again, and it has a solid starting point. It offers everything you can expect from a city scooter without adding any extras to keep the prices the lowest in the market.
Video courtesy of Cycle World St.Venera https://www.cycleworldmalta.com
Comments