2013 PGO Cevennes Speedster
PGO,
alongside the other manufacturers mentioned is a small enterprise that relies
mainly on providing replicas of old and classic models with updated mechanics
and comfort features. PGO now does a little more, building its own designs,
chief amongst them being the Cévennes Speedster, a purist sports car for the
true enthusiast.
Although looking rather timeless, they
did start by making Porsche 356 replicas – the Cévennes is an odd looking
little automobile, with design cues from the German beauty married to well. Still, this Speedster
has great personality and you might not believe the fact that it’s been around
for some time (it was developed from 2005 onwards, alongside the Hemera –
basically its shooting brake version). This is why PGO is launching the 2013
Cévennes, an updated version which follows the one-off Water Snake concept
first shown at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.
Just put out on sale across Europe, the new Cévennes speedster comes with only minor and
very subtle changes to the exterior. Underneath, though, all the mechanics have
been thoroughly updated, discarding the previous Peugeot engine in favor of a
PSA/BMW jointly developed turbocharged and direct-injected 1.6-liter
four-cylinder engine. Easily one of the best engines in the world in its
category, the small but feisty 1.6 is featured here in the BMW form (PSA make
do with the lesser powered versions of the engine), churning out all its 184 HP
and 240 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a proper six speed manual gearbox
and power is delivered where it should – to the rear axle.
With a kerb weight of only 1,012 kg and
reduced dimensions – 3,735 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,307 mm tall – the small
speedster should be a real treat for the driver, sporting good all-round
performance and a 225 km/h top speed. Handling has been improved
thanks to the updated suspension, 17 inch alloy rims and the increase of 15% in
the rigidity of the car’s frame. For the
Eco conscious, PGO also revealed the economy levels of the 2013 model, standing
at 10,4 l/100 km (urban), 5,9 l/100 km (extra urban) and 7,6 l/100 km combined.
