PGO BUG RACER 500 test

Fun in its purest form
Leader on the buggy market since 2004, PGO continues to launch innovative new products. After 150cc and 250cc models, which are under-powered and fragile, this is the Bug Racer 500.
Built for the leisure market, this new buggy is bigger, more powerful than its predecessors and much more solid.

At nearly 3m in length and 1.6m wide, the Bug Racer brings something new to the buggy market. With its comprehensive equipment line-up and comfortable ride, this is one big toy. And PGO have thrown in to the mix a snazzy design and some superb aluminium wheels.

The wide-set suspension is fully adjustable, while the secondary transmission is connected via a universal joint. Ground clearance is some 320mm and there are aluminium guards available as an option.

Powering the 450kg is a 496cc Piaggio scooter engine, delivering 38 horsepower at 7000 rpm.

Inside the tubular chassis, there are some well designed features, like this steering wheel, and the sports seats, complete with harnesses.

All of the carbon and aluminium elements are optional, or standard on the SPR version. There’s even the option of a luggage holder.

The Agafay desert in Morocco and its endless horizon offer plenty of possibilities when it comes to trying out the new PGO.

The BR 500 exceeded all of our expectations, on every level. With its two-wheel drive system, this model is a real step forward, with much-improved suspension.

It handles all terrains with ease. You can choose long or short gears dependent on the acceleration required, just like a go-kart.

Compared with previous versions, the new BR 500 is comfortable, with more leg room and improved suspension. Your back will feel the difference. 

Braking is faultless, powerful and progressive, thanks to the four discs - 220mm at the front and 190mm at the rear.

« It’s so easy, it’s like a toy. It’s like a big all-terrain go kart. Short gears, handbrake…it’s easy. It goes anywhere… »

The Bug Racer is a pleasure to drive. The 38hp engine offers plenty of power, with speeds of up to 120km/h. Some sort of small windscreen or shield wouldn’t go a miss though.

The Bug Racer 500 is surprising. The design works well. The chassis is solid, the engine powerful and playful. This is a massive step forward from previous versions.

We can allow it its eccentricities because it’s about having fun. The base model is perhaps the most fun for mucking about with. The more serious driver will prefer the SPR versions, which is more efficient but not quite so much fun. At 9690 and 10290 euros respectively, fun comes at quite a price.