The Django, Peugeot’s interpretation of the neo-retro scooter, has been in the market for over a year providing a refreshing alternative to a modern Vespa. A few months back, Motostrada brought in special-edition versions of the Django, and I recently got to try out one of them—the Peugeot Django Evo Sport Series S.
Is this scooter all style, or is it a two-wheeler that’s worth your consideration? Let’s find out.
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Review: 2023 Peugeot Django 150
Styling
As a longtime vintage scooter fan and owner, I dare say I like the design language of the Django better than its contemporary Vespa. French flair for the win. The Evo Sport, however, is more modern than retro. And as the name implies, it’s sportier, too. The LED lights all around deliver that vibe. The headlight design is exquisite and functional. The sequentially lit, raked turn signals up front make it look fast even when parked, and the turn signals on the rear are similar small slits of lenses but are visible even on a rainy ride. I thought the tiny wind deflector up front was just an aesthetic device, but it proved useful for keeping the TFT display dry and legible even during a downpour.
The metal and rubber floorboard is a like-it-or-hate-it affair. But it does go well visually with the silver and orange body panels. Speaking of which, those sculpted leg shields and front and rear fenders are a beautiful medley of angles and flat planes. The engine cooling apertures are tastefully integrated into the rear fender’s sharp lines. The pillion’s footpegs are recessed inside the frame—the same on the original Django—but better executed to match its modern functionality. The grab rails, having the same color as the seats, are almost invisible and appear as part of the seats' avant-garde shape.
The saddle
Firm yet comfortable. It’s wide enough but not too wide to give a not so tall driver a hard time standing in traffic. Its seat height is also for Goldilocks, not high nor low. The shape and the material’s texture makes it pleasant on the butt.
Engine performance
The 150cc liquid-cooled engine is surprisingly torquey and revs effortlessly. After finding out it has four valves on the single cylinder, I shouldn’t have been surprised. The pipe sounded nothing like other scooters, and in a good way. Even on an extended ride during the middle of the day, it didn’t run hot or feel hot to sit on. The front and rear disc brakes with dual ABS are also more than adequate to stop the light bike.
Ride and handling
The Evo Sport is shod with 12-inch tires front and rear, with the rear slightly wider at 120mm. The cast wheel’s spokes have an interesting silhouette. Too bad it’s blacked out and hidden slightly by the front fenders and almost invisible because of the rear running gear.
With a lot of legroom and a gripping saddle, it’s a flickable scoot. Even with moderately sticky tires, it’s easy to skid the rear with a handful of throttle twisting. The tire tread pattern appears biased for dry grip but has decent traction on rained-out, potholed streets. Forks on the front are non-adjustable while the rear can be adjusted for preload. They provide nifty handling nonetheless.
Extra features
To keep with the modern theme, the dash is a full-color TFT LCD screen, with Bluetooth phone connectivity. Not that I would read messages while riding, but you could do that and even answer calls. The simple trigger toggles on the handlebar intuitively control the screen interface. Various options for trip meters, gas consumption, estimated remaining mileage, and maintenance schedules can be displayed. Control buttons, levers, and switches are all fairly standard.
I particularly like the aluminum billet bar ends’ shape and size. The brake fluid reservoirs are tucked under aluminum covers. Attractive to look at, but might discourage an average DIYer from tinkering with its maintenance.
Verdict
This scooter is a worthy competitor to the Vespa, the acknowledged sales leader, and Lambretta, the other Italian retro scooter company. It has almost lost the retro vibe, but it’s still there. Stunning styling that only a much more expensive Vespa can top. With the same premium pricing, better build quality, air-cooling, and bigger tires, it’s meant to steal some sales and a lot of admiring gazes.
SPECS: 2024 Peugeot Django Evo Sport 150
Price: P213,000
Engine: 150cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder
Transmission: continuously variable
Power: 12.9 hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 12.1 Nm @ 6,500rpm
Seat height: 778 mm (30.6 inches)
Score: 8/10
More photos of the Peugeot Django Evo Sport 150 2024:
