Peugeot Metropolis 400 returns to Italy. How the three-wheeled scooter is doing

There are those who thought it was gone, those who thought it was out of the game forever. And instead the Peugeot Metropolis is back. And it did it in style. For those with a good memory, it's not news: the three-wheeled scooter from the French brand had already been marketed in Italy since 2013 , and then suddenly disappeared from the price lists. The reason? A legal dispute that had nothing to do with the quality of the product, but with the similarity of its front end to that of the Piaggio MP3, which was the first to propose this particular three-wheeled scooter solution. In Pontedera, where they had designed their own scheme with two tilting front wheels, the Italian company had obtained a court order that prevented its sale in our country. But as often happens in the world of patents, time is a gentleman. Twenty years after the original filing, protection on the system lapsed, and so Peugeot Motocycles was able to put its most ambitious three-wheeler back into play. Which in the meantime was distributed on other markets anyway.

For its return to the Italian scene, Peugeot did not limit itself to reopening the warehouse and putting the same vehicle back on the market. The new Metropolis has been updated in every aspect: aesthetic, mechanical, technological . Starting with the 400 cc single-cylinder engine, the PowerMotion Euro 5+, which has 35.6 horsepower and 38.1 Nm of torque. The configuration has not changed, but the substance has: it is now quieter, more economical in consumption (it is declared to travel over 25 km with a litre) and more fluid in delivery, thanks to the introduction of Lfe (Low Friction Efficiency) technology. It is an all-French engine, produced in the historic Mandeure plant, not far from the Swiss border and Basel, and designed specifically to meet the needs of urban and suburban mobility. With a 13-litre tank and a declared range of around 300 km , the Metropolis is proposed as a concrete alternative to the car for commuters in large cities.

The most interesting new addition to the 2025 range is undoubtedly the SW version, an acronym used until now in the automotive field, which might seem out of place on a scooter. But this is not just marketing: the Metropolis SW is truly a small station wagon on three wheels. What sets it apart is an imposing and elegant 54-liter rear trunk perfectly integrated into the bodywork. Not just an accessory, but a structural element that helps bring the overall load capacity to a full 76 liters, also adding the 22 liters of the under-seat compartment. This means being able to accommodate two full-face helmets when parking the vehicle, but also transport objects up to 90 cm in length . All without resorting to often unsightly after-market trunks. The compartment is lined with felt to protect even the most delicate objects, opens with a button - without additional keys - and is included in the official three-year warranty of this setup.

If the high load capacity is exclusive to the SW version, comfort is a feature common to all Metropolis. Peugeot has introduced (not on the entry-level Active version) a new rear suspension with double hydraulic shock absorber with separate gas tank, adjustable in compression and preload. A system derived from the world of motorcycles which, in practice, translates into a customizable set-up, whether you are riding alone or with a passenger and luggage in tow. The saddle is new, more ergonomic and wider, which for the SW is completed by an integrated passenger backrest , reminiscent of those of gran tourer motorcycles. There is no shortage of automotive-derived features, such as the LED light signature reminiscent of that of Peugeot four-wheelers, the Smart Key, the i-Connect connected dashboard with turn-by-turn navigation and SMS notifications, as well as the system that allows you to stop at traffic lights without putting your feet on the ground , locking the front suspension in the desired position.

If the equipment is convincing, it is the ride that amazes. Despite its size and 280 kg dry weight, the Metropolis 400 moves with a discreet and surprising agility . The credit goes to the well-studied weight distribution, the front end with independent double suspension and the integrated braking (ABS + SBC) that safely manages even the most sudden maneuvers, without causing difficulty for those who are not familiar with riding a motorcycle. The riding position is natural, with ample legroom and effective aerodynamic protection. The engine responds promptly up to 100 km/h, then tends to relax more gently up to the maximum speed, which is equivalent to that permitted on motorways. On extra-urban roads the stability of the whole is appreciated, while in the city the handling qualities and the ability to lock vertically when stopped are fully exploited. A truly appreciable feature when riding in the rain and on flooded roads. The only limit, inevitable for a three-wheeler, is the front bulk: in narrow lanes or in gaps between cars you need to be a little more careful. And you need to pay attention to uneven surfaces, starting with sidewalks, which can be in the trajectory when you try to exploit the space on the right left by cars stopped in a queue. But those looking for a safe and versatile alternative to the car, with the possibility of travelling with a B license (provided you have had it for at least 21 years), will find the Metropolis a convincing choice.

The test carried out in the centre of Milan, on a day not particularly ideal for getting around on a scooter, involved a combination of cobblestones, tram tracks and rain: certainly the most treacherous, requiring extreme caution, dealing with a decidedly low grip coefficient. Instead, it is precisely these conditions that make us understand the advantages of the three-wheel layout. Up front, the Metropolis guarantees a double surface in contact with the ground, which proves invaluable when cornering and braking. At the beginning, there is clearly some fear in tackling a curve on shiny pavement, and the tendency is to reduce, almost eliminate, the lean angles. Instead, a little confidence is enough to understand that you can use a more relaxed, less "on eggshells" riding style. Directionality is guaranteed, almost like on dry surfaces, even if the frequent intervention of the traction control on the rear wheel reminds us that the conditions are not ideal.

In addition to the SW, the 2025 range is divided into three other versions : Active (base), GT (gritty) and Rrx (even sportier). The latter two share the gas shock absorbers with the SW, but focus more on appearance than load capacity. The GT stands out for its Satin Titanium color, aluminum footrest and naked handlebars, while the Rxr (limited edition of 250 units) sports contrasting yellow inserts, racing stitching on the seat and 13-inch black wheels. Both are designed for a dynamic audience, who perhaps are looking for a vehicle "different" from the MP3, but don't want to give up a touch of sportiness.

Prices for the Peugeot Metropolis 400 start at 9,299 euros in the Active entry-level version, while the SW costs 10,999 euros . But until June 30, 2025, a promotion is active that allows a saving of 300 euros, in the form of accessories or services. Under these conditions, the French three-wheeler is competitive with its only rival, the Piaggio MP3 400 hpe, which has a higher price list and less generous equipment in terms of connectivity and load capacity.

Summary of the positive and negative aspects of the new Peugeot Metropolis 400:

• Pros - Competitive price in relation to the equipment, stability and grip, refined finishes;
• Cons - Weight noticeable when manoeuvring from a standstill