Skoda has taken the first step to electrification by unveiling its first all-electric model based on the Citigo city car.
The Citigo-e iV is based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen e-Up! – meaning its 61kW electric motor produces 81bhp and 210Nm of torque – however, the electric Citigo features a larger 36.8kWh battery, which enables the model to travel up to 165 miles between charges, when measured on the WLTP cycle.
Skoda has said that the battery will be able to charge to 80 per cent in one hour using a 40kW fast charger. Performance-wise, the sprint from 0-60mph takes 12.3 seconds, with a top speed of 81mph possible.
The four-seat city car is hard to distinguish from the standard petrol-powered model, with a closed off grille and new alloy wheel designs being the best ways to tell it apart. And – to tie in with the rest of Skoda’s new models – the Czech Republic manufacturer’s rear badge is replaced by Skoda lettering across the boot.
See Available Citigo dealsThe boot is just as practical as the standard car – only losing a litre of capacity as a result of the batteries, with the model delivering a relatively spacious 250 litres.
Production of the Citigo-e iV will start in the second half of the year, with first UK deliveries expected at the start of 2020. All versions will have five doors, and are set to be offered in SE or SE L trim in the UK. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected to be one of the most affordable electric cars on sale.
The new model is the first electric Skoda in the firm’s 124-year history, with Skoda now keen to push towards an electric future. The new EV has been unveiled in Bratislava, Slovakia, alongside a plug-in hybrid version of the new facelifted Superb, with Skoda previously announcing that nine electrified models are on the way by 2020.