Peugeot iOn

French maker Peugeot has made a bee-line for car buyers with a green conscience with the launch of its iOn, a zero-emissions electrically powered car due for launch in autumn this year.

Peugeot has not confirmed a starting price yet. The initial cost of the iOn, according to Peugeot is subject to government subsides.

Power

The car is powered by 330-volt lithium ion battery. This is mounted low in the centre of the vehicle to give a good centre of gravity and maximum passenger protection. It produces 64bhp and is rear-wheel driven, while the range is good for about 80 miles.

Charging

It takes six hours to recharge the iOn when plugging it into a domestic socket. However, plug into a dual-phaser socket (these can be found in Bristol, Gateshead, London, Manchester and Southampton) and the vehicle can be recharged to 80% power in 30 minutes.

Practicality and comfort

The iOn can seat four adults of average size in comfort. With the rear seats in place the iOn has a luggage space of 227 litres and with the seats folded this load space expands to 860 litres. The vehicle is longer than the Peugeot 107 by 50mm and taller by 130mm.

It delivers quite a firm ride but no so much that it become an issue on rough city streets. The seats aren't that supportive, though, and the cabin's a bit bland.

Safety

The iOn is quite impressive in this area. It comes with ESP and six airbags and has a four-star rating from Euro NCAP.
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