Classic soul, modern solution

Expert Rating:

Introduction

To the casual bystander the PGO Cevennes is a lovely example of Porsche's iconic 356 Speedster. Its lines are instantly familiar: the smooth almost upturned bathtub looks of Porsche's pretty 1950's sports car. But it's not a Porsche; the PGO is built in France for starters and is powered by a Peugeot engine. It might look old, but the PGO is a new car that offers those wanting classic looks but none of the compromises that come with the real thing.

What are its rivals?

The world of Porsche Speedster recreations is a relatively busy one. PGO's biggest rival is perhaps Tygan (formerly Chesil), which faithfully recreates the classic open-topped Porsche for those unable to afford the huge price tags the original cars command. PGO offers its own more faithfully classic Speedster model, while the Cevennes represents a slightly modern interpretation of the classic Porsche. At just under £30,000 the PGO could also be considered a rival for a genuine Porsche roadster, that amount of money buying you a very nice Boxster or even a tidy 911 Cabriolet.

How does it drive?

There's none of the characteristic flat-four clatter from the rear when you start up the Cevennes, though the fact the PGO starts first time when you ask it to is something that's alien to most classic car drivers. The four-cylinder behind you is an in-line unit: the same 2.0-litre unit that powered the Peugeot 206 GTI. Never a big power machine in the Peugeot the 2.0-litre's 138bhp is put to better use in the Cevennes thanks to its sub-1,000kg kerb weight. PGO claims a 0-62mph time of less than seven seconds. It feels that fast too, the Cevennes surprising with its eagerness. The engine is mated with a five-speed manual gearbox and it'll reach 124mph in fifth if you've got the nerve - and somewhere legal to do so.

The steering is nicely judged with decent weighting and feel from the chunky little steering wheel. Likewise the PGO rides decently, revealing a talented and enjoyable chassis underneath those classic lines.

What's impressive?

Along with the enjoyable ride and handling comes surprising comfort. Not just from the compliant suspension but the interior. It's nicely finished in leather, the PGO having the right classic looks with some modern touches that make it so much more liveable than the real thing. There's a working heating system for starters and air conditioning, too. The build and finish is also very good. It looks great, though we'd probably go for the classic looks of PGO's Speedster model rather than the Cevennes with all its additional air intakes that give the game away a bit. It'll easily cruise at motorway speeds and unlike real classic cars the lights shine brightly at night and the instruments are properly backlit. For those wanting classic looks without many of the compromises that come with the real thing the PGO is an interesting proposition indeed.

What's not?

For a car that you'll have bought with your heart it's a shame that it's not got a more characterful engine note. The Peugeot's engine is hardly brimming with charisma and the five-speed manual it's attached to isn't the slickest shifting gearbox we've driven. The hood requires a bit of brute force to wrestle into position and fold down and there's a good deal of wind noise when cruising at speed. Visibility is limited and getting in and out requires some flexibility.

The key issue though is its price; at just a pound short of £30,000 you could buy a lot of very nice alternatives that will drive much better - a Mazda MX-5 with a folding hardtop roof being more enjoyable to drive, safer, more comfortable and a whole lot cheaper. A used Porsche Boxster is in a different league altogether and easily available for the Cevennes's list price. The combined consumption figure of 34mpg isn't too brilliant either given the 2.0-litre engine is powering such a light machine.

Should I buy one?

You either get the appeal of the Cevennes or you don't. Those who do will be impressed by the performance, enjoyable handling and modern creature comforts that come with its iconic lines. You'd have to be very sold on it to spend the £30,000 PGO asks for it: the Cevennes is impressive but pricey. If it had a more characterful powertrain like one of Subaru's flat-four engines then we'd be more smitten, but as it is the PGO just doesn't push all the right buttons for us.

Kyle Fortune