Maxi-scooter test Peugeot Metropolis 400 GT

Ho-Mo-Gène!

3 -wheel scooter, 399 cm3, 37.2 hp, 38.1 nm, 280 kilos, 10.199 euros

Launched in 2012 following the presentation of the concept in 2011, the Metropolis 400 finally seemed to be mature with the second generation marketed since 2017.With this third generation, Peugeot does not revolutionize anything, preferring to refine a recipe that has proven itself: restyling in tune with the times, impeccable finish, voluntary engine, reassuring chassis, attractive technological package, extended range to four models including this variant GTHigh -end sports urban typed...Well, the painting is not yet perfect but this three wheels made in France (made in Mandeure) has everything you need to make Piaggio tremble!

But let's start at the beginning;What has changed on this Metropolis version 3.0?The current model, marketed since the end of 2020, evolves little technically: the chassis is identical and the monocylinder of 399 cc was brought into compliance with the Euro5 antipollution standard.To reduce its emissions, the block was reworked in terms of injection and exhaust (triple catalyst coupled with an O2 probe) and the friction levels have been overall revised downwards on mobile parts, including thecamshaft and the vilebly rod duo (new bearings).The yield is significantly down with 35.6 hp (26.2 kW against 37.2 hp on the Euro4 model) obtained at 7,250 rpm and 38.1 Nm at 5750 rpm (unchanged couple but obtained above).The weight in working order increases by fifteen kilos and now culminates at 280 kg.This overweight is due to the -nomber -aesthetic changes...

The new design of the Metropolis 400 takes up all the stylistic codes of Peugeot cars in general and their SUV in particular (apart from the air intake in false chrome, thank God) with the famous “claw” scattered everywhere:Diurnal lights at the front and stop at the rear, deficiency of fairing...Personally, I did not fall in love with the Metropolis;My retina has become impermeable to the Sochalian design by dint of crossing 208 and 3008 on every street corner.But it must be recognized that the curves of the Metropolis are as coherent as it is attractive and combined with a quality of first -rate assembly and excellent quality materials;The whole is very opulent - I dare not say premium, it gives me hives.The filiation with car cousins continues with a dashboard in line with the I-Cockpits: Display type head high, 5-inch Digital TFT pavement framed by two “reverse” counters and tachometer (the needle goes up in the areared in the anti-clockwise sense), all highlighted by a LED signature around the counters of the most beautiful effect, especially at night.

The range is now made up of four models: the active entry -level (9.€ 199), pace (9.€ 899), the Urban Sports Type GT (10.€ 199) and finally a SW (10.€ 499) with integrated "top case".The last three benefit from the I-Connect functionality to connect the screen to its smartphone via a dedicated mobile application while it recharges in one of the vacuum pockets (12V or USB socket according to the versions).Compatible with an intercom, the i-connect can display calls and SMS as well as GPS indications in turn turnover by turn.The problem is that it is also necessary to download the corresponding cards to be able to navigate (2 GB for France and much more if you are a frontier).And once dissociated from the scooter, the application keeps in memory a whole procession of more or less useful information and adjustments: remaining autonomy, average consumption, mileage before revision, colors and tones of display of the on -board computer,Geolocation (scooter)...The list is long.And since we are talking about electronics;By peeling the technical sheet, it seems that Peugeot did not see fit to renew on this generation the tire pressure monitor TPMS.It is not even available as an option.And the old adjustment of the antipatinage on the handlebars is also missing.

The GT version that we are trying here is distinguished by a single color, dark gray titanium with satin texture and enhanced with fluorescent yellow bands, black rims, a short smoked windshield, a flat floor in aluminum finish, a handlebar “naked”(Dixit the press kit) without plastic dressing and finally adjustable shock absorbers (23 clicks!) Stamped Paioli - also present on the SW version.

The Metropolis 400 GT is beautiful, undoubtedly the most opulent of three -wheeled scooters.

In the saddle

Between the flat floor that facilitates access to board, the anti-tilting system that locks the front axle (like the MP3) and the electric parking brake that keeps everything in place, settle in the handlebars of the Metropolis is a gamechild.With a saddle at only 780 mm, much lower than competition, it is one of the maxi-scooters on which we most easily.With my 170 cm, I don't have both feet completely flat but not far.On the other hand, once the brake is unlocked, the maneuvers stopped highlight a sensitive weight (280 kg) but also a rather low center of gravity.Faced with competition that often has a central beam, the Metroplois offers a rather spacious flat floor which promotes mobility of the legs and there is also enough space so as not to be blocked with the knees at 90 °.If necessary, we can even adjust the position of the backrest in the driver's saddle (via screws under the saddle) to gain a little more latitude of movement.And the foot is not embarrassed by the brake pedal, well placed.

The new dashboard is pretty, very complete and practical even if certain information on the TFT screen is a little too small.The right trigger devolved to setting the TCS is now used to parade information via two commodos on either side of the handlebars.And just below, we find the switch to cut or activate the anti-trifting.The parking brake and the command of the warning are just under the handle of the handlebars.Too bad for the warning, it unfortunately forces to raise a hand of the handlebars.

The Metropolis puts itself on its own after a few seconds if the engine is reached, so as not to shoot the battery.It is both practical and annoying.Practical not to end up with the empty battery one morning and annoying, when you got off the scooter to open your garage and the time to open it, it died, forcing to activate the big button again to theLeft then the right by pushing it and while waiting for the animation on the screen so that the scooter ignition allows it to push it (ultimately, a manual parking brake is more practical on a daily basis).

@ExoupS_Me Ajahdosnfs Ohhh Nooo It's Okay ;;;How exciting through, Which Festival!?

— 규찬's rachie ♡ 🐶🦖 Thu Nov 14 10:28:55 +0000 2019

In the city

A little soft at start -up (one of the rare moments when the 280 kg are felt), the Metropolis offers correct reminders as soon as we exceed 15 km/h.And we find the character of the previous generation.The mono is a little rough, lets filter a few vibrations and its vocalizations are a little too present.But the approval is there with a linear but generous thrust and a pebble transmission which does not pedal too much in the semolina as soon as we open in large.The template is not too imposing, at least in width, even if it has taken a little overweight by going from 745 to 775 mm wide.Crafiling in traffic is however a little more complicated than with a traditional scooter, especially in tight interfile, because of the weight of the front compared to a simple wheel and even more in duo, but this is the case ofAll 3 wheels.Puting on the angle does not require in return any particular effort.Only the passages from one maximum angle to the other require a little grip and anticipation to compensate for the inertia of the beast.Very comfortable in town, the Metropolis, however, suffers from a slightly limited ground clearance to swallow or descend the sidewalks.And like all his fellows, he asks for habit during tight half-turns since it is necessary to anticipate the moment when the front axle will block when arriving at the maximum angle authorized by his kinematics.

On the highway

For my first incursion on the highway, I stupidly adjusted the windshield to its highest position.Serious mistake.If the protection is very correct, the aerodynamic whistles it generates quickly become unbearable.Fortunately, everything is back in order once found the “good” position (right in the middle for my meter sixty ten) by lowering the bubble, upon stop and manually, being placed in front of the bubble.For long distance commutors, a high bubble is still recommended.Well, there are not optional but nothing prevents you from ordering the SW if you are addicted to the Look of the GT.For the rest, nothing to report.The saddle is comfortable enough to consider emptying the tank in one go and the apron protects the legs of the wind also as bad weather as.Despite its high weight, the Metropolis quickly reaches its cruising speed (approximately 120 km/h) but takes its time to display a very politically correct VMAX: a little more than 140 km/h solo, a Chouia more than 130 km/H actual speed.At least, you can ride back without thinking...He just suffers from a defect with a discrepancy between an often excellent course outfit and the big artistic blur of management as soon as we exceed 90 km/h, the fault of a missing chassis of rigidity.In the case of the Metropolis, the double front train does not like neither high -speed bitumen fittings nor too chipped bitumen.Management then tends to freeze with parasitic reactions that appear in the handlebars.

Departmental

The dynamic behavior of the Metropolis is in the good average of the three -wheeled models but suffers from traditional defects of this kind of architecture.In return for a front axle riveted to the ground in all circumstances, you have to sweat a little more to switch from one angle to another or correct a trajectory.The Metropolis ensures a good level of filtration/comfort as long as the bitumen is not too degraded and is generally more handy and less physical than the competition.But the rigor of behavior at low and medium speed is far from that of a Yamaha Tricity with a clearly more rigid and better guided front train with its 14 -inch wheels of 14 inches.In return, the front of the tricity is also significantly firmer in hydraulics.Rigor or comfort, it's up to you to choose...

Braking

The braking pedal (coupled) on the floor, imperative to be approved in the tricycle category, is both ideally located - it is not in the path of an object that could be placed on the plat- and seems moreEffective that the 2017 model of the Metropolis 400: firm consistency, not too biting with the attack and ideally assisted, it even allows itself to return a good feedback (but less than the levers).The latter are hard “as it should be” (compared to those of a tricity with the far too spongy consistency) and do not lack power.And nothing to report on the endurance side, at least in normal use.As too often, ABS is impeccable at the front but tends to trigger in a untimely way at the back.

Comfort

The 2017 version was already well rated in this area, our GT version and its Paioli adjustable shock absorbers does even better.Provided of course to choose the right settings.Even with a very closed hydraulics and a light weight on the handlebars, the Metropolis is never uncomfortable but a disagreement between the front and the rear is quickly felt.We would have liked to see the same on the front of steming the ruads on degraded bitumen...On the other hand, it degrades in duet, with a suspension quickly in constraint which reacts badly to the donkey back.But if it is specifically adjusted that improves.In fact, the adjustment of suspensions really changes its behavior, both solo and duo and it takes a specific setting for these two situations to improve its behavior.

Duo

Children and small templates are likely to have trouble reaching the footrests and will have their legs too apart but everything is back in order as soon as 170 cm are exceeded.The side maintenance handles are wide and ergonomic, just like the large retractable footrests and there is a small backsplash to stall its rear train to acceleration.

It is cozy once installed, but requires the right adjustment to the suspension level.It offers a position very close to the pilot compared to the other three wheels and will be ideal for a small template in the back but can be just if not or occasionally.

Practical aspects

In addition to the flat floor, very practical to punctually transport large objects, the Metropolis has a hook at the end of the saddle to hang a helmet or a bag.The three wheels offers an adjustable windshield, which is more without tools (but adjustable only to the stop since the slide unlock buttons are on the front).The apron incorporates a large central emptiness and two smaller sides including one fitted with a load for smartphone (12V or USB socket depending on the versions).The trunk, divided into two communicating parts, accepts a full helmet in its rear part and anything that occupies a rectangular space -Genre of clothes or a box attachment - but hardly more in the front part.To put two helmets, you have to fall back on the optional 47 -liter top case.Count 68 € for the support and a minimum of 205 € for the said Top Case.Need more?The top case of the SW version (+ 300 €) Cube 54 liters!Delivered with two transponders replacing the traditional key, the Peugeot scooter also relies on its blockage of the front axle to avoid putting your feet on the ground in the red light and its electric parking brake which clears you to crisscross the Metropolis with eachstop.On the passive security side, the Metropolis is equipped with an automatic trigger for the warning in the event of emergency braking.

Consumption, autonomy and maintenance

If the standardized consumption of the monocylinder is 3.9 l/100 km (and 4.5 l in standard use), its appetite is higher in real life.Count about 5 liters on departmental and more than 6 liters in mixed 50 % city use and 50 % highway, i.e. an autonomy oscillating between 200 and 250 km with its 13 -liter tank depending on your urban ratio/major axes.Revision intervals are officially 5.000 kilometers but on the forums of owners, the large rollers are satisfied with a passage in dealerships every 10.000 km.Pay attention to the warranty suspension in the event of a problem...

Metropolis video trial

Conclusion

Faced with the MP3 reference, the Metropolis has weight arguments to argue.For motorists (those who will have to undergo 7 hours of training before being able to settle on his handlebars), the look and the global finish will weigh heavy in the balance.For pragmatic motorcycles, it is more the avalanche of practical aspects (transponder, flat floor, storage, adjustable windshield...) and the approval of the chassis engine duo which should seduce them despite higher rates than competition: 8.€ 999 for an MP3 400 and 7.€ 999 for the Yamaha Tricity 300, much less powerful.We remain more skeptical about the sex appeal of the i-connect.If some of its features are very practical, its additional cost is struggling to justify itself compared to a simple waterproof smartphone support.On paper, the price of the active entry -level version (9.€ 199) is much more competitive.Except that as part of a LOA, the differences in rent between low and high -end are ridiculously low: € 104/month for the active against € 115/month for this GT and € 118 for the SW version and its trunkXXL!And we forget the overall price of a practical utility, still more than 10.Euros.

Strong points

Weak points

The technical sheet of the Peugeot Metropolis 400

Test conditions