Peugeot iOn 5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £26,216
Tax Band: A
Insurance Group: 28
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
0-62 Mph: 15.9 secs
BHP: 64 BHP
Range: N/A miles
CarSite Verdict:  2.25/5
Specifically designed for city roads, the Peugeot iOn lacks the power or endurance needed for longer journeys but performs well within its home environment.

Unfortunately, charging points are not widespread in the UK and, with a range of just 100 miles, drivers are likely to encounter difficulty when planning their journeys - making the car somewhat impractical.

PROS:  Zero emissions are the iOn's big selling point, and low running costs to make this a great option for 'green' motorists.

CONS:  As with all electric vehicles, range is limited and the iOn manages just 100 miles between trips to the plug. With public charging points few and far between, the car is not practical for everyday use and owners will need to plan journeys carefully around charging points.

Behind the Wheel

Powered by a 64bhp electric motor and fed by a 16 Kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, this car boasts 140lb-ft of torque which is a lot more pulling power than you get from a small petrol engine.

The car's top speed of 81 mph is a lot lower than most liquid-powered cars but is more than adequate for town driving. Acceleration is on the slow side with the car taking 15.9 seconds to travel from 0-62 mph.

To keep the centre of gravity low, the batteries and motor have been housed beneath the floor and this helps to make handling feel fairly secure. There is also a fair amount of compliance in the suspension to tackle bumps and potholes on the road - making it perfect for urban conditions. The only real downside in handling terms is the lack of stability and grip in corners and on roundabouts.

Looks & Equipment

Targeted at businesses and city dwellers, this car has a bespoke design perfectly suited to urban conditions.

There is a good selection of equipment included as standard including power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows and a stereo with CD and MP3 connectivity are all standard features, as is Bluetooth connectivity. A built in satellite navigation system can also be added but this will incur an additional cost of £260.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

One of the biggest disadvantages to this model is space, and the car is heavily limited when it comes to storing cargo and accommodating passengers. Sold as a four-seater, the car lacks ample space for four adults and those seated in the rear will find the legroom inadequate, making journeys uncomfortable. The boot also offers just 168 litres of storage capacity when the rear seats are in place.

In terms of safety, the car performs well with emergency brake assist, stability control and a total of six airbags all fitted as standard features. An immobiliser is also a standard fitting to protect the car from theft with an alarm available as a dealer fitted option.

The build of the car is fairly strong but unfortunately electric cars lack the reliability which is associated with vehicles powered by a traditional combustion engine. That being said, the car does benefit from a relatively extensive warranty which covers the car for eight years or 80,000 miles.

Value for Money

Unfortunately, despite the theoretical financial savings offered by electric cars, this car is expensive to purchase at £33,155. Only the very well-heeled are even going to consider spending upwards of £30k on a car which doesn't offer the practicality of a petrol-powered vehicle.

For city dwellers, the iOn may prove to be a viable mode of transportation, however, with charging points found sporadically across the country it is not suitable for wider use and this means its target market is highly restricted.

Peugeot iOn 5dr Car Review - by 
All Peugeot ION Reviews
Peugeot iOn 5dr - February 2012
Specifically designed for city roads, the Peugeot iOn lacks the power or endurance needed for longer journeys but performs well within its home environment. Unfortunately, charging points are no...
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