It can be really difficult for a city car to make an impression nowadays, as it seems it has to be either flamboyantly fashionable or exceptionally efficient to grab headlines. Making a mark can be even tougher for those models sharing a platform with another, and this is what the Skoda Citigo is up against.
Belonging to the Volkswagen Group means that the Citigo is almost a carbon copy of the Volkswagen Up! and SEAT Mii. Aside to its close siblings, the Citigo also has to contend with the Hyundai i10, Renault Twingo, Fiat 500 – the list goes on.
I want to start off by talking about the Citigo’s worst attribute, because in truth, there isn’t that much to complain about with Skoda’s city-dweller. In my opinion, you should avoid the five-speed automatic gearbox wherever you can. With its lingering gear-changes and lack of responsiveness, the auto ‘box eliminates the nippy, fun character of the Citigo and makes it a chore to drive. The accelerator also feels overtly heavy, making manoeuvres into tight spaces a little nervy. From a motability point of view, automatics make sense. But if you have a choice, avoid it.
The engine line-up for the Citigo is built around necessity, with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine being the only available option. We have driven the two power outputs on offer – 59bhp and 74bhp – and the 74bhp derivative is noticeably punchier – and the 13.9 seconds it takes to reach 62mph doesn’t feel as slow as it sounds either. Ultimately, the 74bhp is for those who think they may venture outside the city/urban environment, possibly giving it a run on the motorway to work. The 59bhp model will be more than enough for landlocked city livers.
In the ride and handling department, the Citigo offers a supple ride, good grip, minimal body roll and light steering – all good qualities when zipping around the city. Its lack of feedback and weight at the wheel won’t please enthusiasts, but that’s not what the Citigo is about. Its petite size and light steering offers a different brand of fun.
The majority of those who drive/want to drive a city car won’t plan on taking it cross country with three or more passengers – which is why the lack of rear space in the Citigo isn’t a massive issue. But if you do plan on dropping friends off and asking them to sit in the back, expect complaints as leg and head room is minimal. Boot space is pretty fair however, offering 251 litres, which is exactly the same as the VW Up! – and although 251 litres doesn’t sound like much, the sheer depth of the boot makes it seem much bigger.
The best interior feature, kit-wise, is the removable infotainment system, added as part of our Elegance trim. As it clips on and off the dashboard, this system can easily be hidden in the glovebox if you park up in an ‘untrustworthy’ area. Although it is a portable device it isn’t too shabby when it comes to functionality – I have had worse. It does lack a little responsiveness, but it is very accurate when it comes to sat nav accuracy.
If you want the gloating rights of owning a German branded city car – the VW Up! – then you will pay an extra £555. If you have a shoestring budget though, the Citigo is a no brainer.
