Zig Opinion: Which Peugeot Two-wheelers Should Get Pratap Bose's Attention ASAP!

After 14 eventful years as the Global Design Head at Tata, Pratap Bose has moved to the Mahindra Group as Executive Vice President and Chief Design Officer. At Mahindra, Bose will oversee the design of several business segments, including Peugeot Scooters from France. We think certain Peugeot two-wheelers definitely deserve Bose’s attention. Let’s take a look:

A Bose-designed production version of the Peugeot P2x Concept?

Peugeot unveiled its first modern motorcycle, the P2x Concept, in both Roadster and Cafe Racer variants back at the 2018 Paris motor show. The two motorcycles are based on the already-proven Mahindra Mojo 300’s platform. Then in September 2020, Mario Minella, the president of Peugeot’s distributor in Italy confirmed that their production versions will arrive soon, and in addition, also confirmed the possibilities of smaller 150cc and bigger 500cc derivations based on the Mojo’s platform.

But none of these have materialised so far, presumably because of the ongoing pandemic. We hope Pratap Bose influences the production version of the P2x as well as its smaller and larger-engined derivations as the project should be in its final stage. His design acumen of creating stylish yet practical cars could trickle down onto two-wheelers, and the end result could work quite well in India. If Peugeot enters our shores with motorcycles particularly catering to the neo-retro segment, then Royal Enfield will have a fitting contender. The 150cc version will also witness competition from the upcoming Yamaha FZ-X. 

How About Peugeot Scooters In India?

Peugeot is known for its scooters more than motorcycles, and Bose’ involvement could mean even more exciting upcoming offerings. That said, we couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if Peugeot decides to bring its scooters to India in the future? Well, here’s what we’d pick:

Peugeot Django 125:

The 125cc scooter segment in India has witnessed several new entrants, and the Peugeot Django 125 could be the perfect retro-styled offering from the French brand. Its classic styling is complemented by several practicality-enhancing elements like a generously sized split seat setup, two lockable glove boxes with a USB port in one of them, and a retractable utility hook. 

The scooter is already Euro 5-compliant, and makes 10.6PS and 9.3Nm -- healthy figures for its segment. In fact it’s slightly more powerful than the TVS NTorq 125, which produces 9.38PS and 10.5Nm. If the Django 125 does come, the Vespa will finally have some competition. 

Peugeot e-Ludix:

The Peugeot e-Ludix could be perfect if the brand wanted to cash in on the fast-growing electric scooter segment in India. In fact, it is already made here by Mahindra and is exported to European countries.  The e-moped was also spotted testing in India back in 2019.

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It’s got a top speed of 45kmph, and offers a claimed range of 50km. The lithium-ion battery pack is removable too. These figures are enough for a no-nonsense moped. If Peugeot manages to price it competitively, then it has the huge potential to cash in on the affordable electric scooter segment, which currently has no major player other than Hero Electric.

Peugeot Metropolis:

Peugeot may just skip the price-conscious scooter segment altogether and may set its sights onto the more premium end of the spectrum by offering the unique Peugeot Metropolis, a three-wheeled 400cc maxi-scooter. 

With a claimed top speed of 135kmph and a 35.6PS/ 38.1Nm 399cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor, the Metropolis can munch miles effortlessly. It also gets a fairly large 13-litre fuel tank, touring-friendly adjustable windscreen and a generously-sized seat with a small cushion to support the lower back. It also gets a storage compartment large enough to hold a full-face helmet, a smart key, adjustable pillion backrest, and an anti-tilting system with ABS on all the three wheels for optimum safety. All in all, the Metropolis will be the perfect, head-turning alternative to the upcoming Honda Forza 350.

All in all, Peugeot seems to have enough offerings to consider setting up shop in India. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.