Skoda Citigo review

The second of Volkswagen’s three-pronged attack on the city car sector

For – Straightforward, practical and effective
Against – Looks too much like an Up! or Mii

The Skoda Citigo is, as its name suggests a city car and is launched into a segment of the market which is still growing strongly.

Considering all the models spun off its parent Volkswagen’s Golf ‘platform’ look so different, it is a shame that VW has descended to bare-faced badge engineering with the VW Up!, SEAT Mii and Citigo, all looking so obviously related. On the other hand, the Golf, Golf Plus, new Beetle, SEAT Leon, Toledo and Altea, Skoda Octavia, Audi A3 and original TT appear as if they come from different planets never mind brands.

The big benefit of the Citigo (and Up! and Mii) over most of the competition is its wheelbase, which at 2,420 mm allows a lot of passenger room in a small overall package giving it a big car feel.

There are two engine options, both 1 litre, 3-cylinder, of 60 PS in standard or GreenTech form and 75 PS in just GreenTech tune. Both GreenTech versions emit under 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre meaning no road tax or congestion charge, and claimed average MPG in the upper 60s, pretty impressive for petrol engines. Real consumption is likely to be around 45-50 mpg which is still good.

The Citigo is available with three or five-doors and there are three levels of trim; S, SE and Elegance. Even the base S version offers power steering, radio /CD player with auxiliary input, six airbags. You can opt for a dashboard-mounted PID (Portable Infotainment Device) which includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone connection, trip information and media player .

SE includes electric front windows, remote central locking, air conditioning, split-folding rear seats, Electronic Stability Programme and Stop/start on the Greentech versions.

The Elegance offers alloy wheels, the Portable Infotainment Device with satellite navigation, electric door mirrors, leather trimmed steering wheel, front fog lights and heated front seats.

60 or 75 PS may not sound a lot but both engines are very willing, allowing brisk progress.  The Citigo has relatively high gearing, which does mean a little bit of extra gear changing. The Citigo is designed as a city car and has a tight turning-circle and excellent visibility.  If it is to be used as an ‘only’ car by young families and downsizing empty-nesters it will be used on motorways from time to time and fortunately it is up to the task, humming along happily at 70 mph without the need to turn the radio up.

Goes well one or two up but performance fully laden becomes a bit of a chore

Such low powered engines are affected by weight and fill the car up with four people and luggage and the performance is blunted, with any thought of overtaking best left as that – just a thought.

The Citigo is hugely practical and thanks to that long wheelbase has plenty of room inside for four and luggage and with the seats folded makes a great little van.

VW’s three pronged attack on the growing city car segment must be a cause of great concern to the likes of Toyota, Ford, Citroen and Renault who have made this segment their own and will all be losing market share to the new entrants.

© Robert Couldwell. May 2012
For publication on WintonsWorld