Peugeot iOn Gen 1

Overview

The 2020 Peugeot iOn Gen 1 signed off as one of the original city-slicking EVs, a compact champion for urban jungles. Its key appeal was basic, zero-emission commuting, super easy to park and manoeuvre. Though discontinued, it’s now a very affordable gateway to electric motoring on the pre-owned market, with 2020 models like this fetching around €4,000 in Europe. Its charm is its simplicity, offering a no-frills electric drive primarily for city dwellers; a proper little electric bubble car designed for nipping around town.

What's New for 2020?

For its final year of production in 2020, the Peugeot iOn Gen 1 didn't roll out any headline-grabbing updates. It was more of a graceful exit for this pioneering, if by then rather mature, electric city car. The 2020 model essentially carried forward the familiar, straightforward package that characterised its decade-long run: compact dimensions, a modest battery perfectly suited for urban trips, and a simple electric powertrain. This was the last opportunity for buyers to get their hands on one of these original urban EVs brand new.

Design & Exterior

The 2020 Peugeot iOn Gen 1 boasts a distinctive, tall and narrow "Kei car" inspired design, making it a master of tight city streets. Its dimensions are ultra-compact: just 3474 mm in length, a slim 1475 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1608 mm tall, ensuring parking is an absolute doddle. The exterior styling of the Gen 1 trim is functional and friendly, with simple lighting and wheel designs that underscore its role as an unpretentious urban runabout, perfectly formed for the concrete jungle.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the 2020 Peugeot iOn Gen 1, you'll find a cabin built for practicality. Materials are robust and designed to last, rather than luxurious. It's surprisingly spacious for four occupants, thanks to its upright seating position. For your bits and bobs, there's 166 litres of boot space, which expands to a very handy 860 litres when you fold the rear seats down. No frunk, though! Tech-wise, it’s old-school basic: a simple audio system and essential driving information, so don't expect large touchscreens or fancy smartphone integration.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect the iOn Gen 1 to set your hair on fire off the line! Its Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivers 49 kW of power and 196 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in a relaxed 15.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h. It’s not about raw speed, but rather silent, smooth, and zippy urban progress. The RWD setup gives it nimble handling in town, and the ride is geared for city comfort. Regenerative braking helps claw back some energy too.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2020 Peugeot iOn Gen 1 is equipped with a 14.5 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare estimates its real-world range at around 99 km, making it best suited for city commutes, with an efficiency of 6.83 km/kWh. For AC charging, it uses a Type 1 (J1772) port and has a standard 3.7 kW on-board charger, meaning a full charge takes roughly 4 hours. DC fast charging is available via a CHAdeMO port at up to 50 kW, allowing for an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the 2020 Peugeot iOn Gen 1 is equipped with the essential features for its class. According to the provided data, it achieved a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, although it's important to note that testing protocols have evolved since its initial assessment. Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags, ABS, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). However, advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping aids are not part of its offering, reflecting its earlier design generation.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For a 2020 Peugeot iOn, any original new vehicle warranty (typically 2 years/unlimited km in Europe) would likely have concluded. The crucial battery warranty for this era of EVs often extended to 8 years or around 160,000 km, covering degradation below a certain percentage (e.g., 70% capacity). Maintenance for the iOn is generally minimal due to its simple electric powertrain – no oil changes to worry about! These cars, along with their Mitsubishi and Citroën siblings, have shown decent reliability, making them a straightforward used proposition.