Skoda Citigo

2012 Skoda Citigo

2012 Skoda Citigo

2012 Skoda Citigo interior

This is Skoda's version of the Volkswagen up! compact car that is the first of its kind and this would be the cheapest Skoda ever built to address the likes of the triplets Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1, and Peugeot 107. Adopting the "City Clever" concept, the new Skoda Citigo is a nippy little compact car that changes the game.

This is the first production car to be fitted with the new Skoda logo and this new Citigo compact car is surely revolutionize the Czech arm of Volkswagen group forever. However, in terms of design, the Citigo is just another Skoda because of its familiar face. The rear view seems to be more like the designers are playing MineCraft because of its squarish proportions. Here on the interior, it seems to be a little simple with some extras such as a navigation system. However, on the three-door version, there is a new Easy Entry system that provides access to the rear seats. There are lots of conveniences on the Citigo such as the special handbag hook integrated in to the glovebox opening mechanism, and a photograph holder on the central console, are two clever interior elements.

The Citigo is powered by a 1.0L MPi petrol engine that produces 44 to 55 PS of power and 95Nm of torque. It can go 0-100km/h in 14.4 to 13.2 seconds and flat-out the Citigo can go as much as 160 to 171km/h. It is mated with 5-speed manual transmission only.

The Citigo is the first Skoda to imply Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger and the new City Safe Drive with emergency braking that allows the Citigo to brake automatically to avoid collisions. This technology is similar to Volvo's City Safety implied on the Volvo S60 and V60.

At the start, the Skoda Citigo is available in four colors; Zelená Spring metalíza, Černá Deep s perleťovým efektem, Žlutá Sunflower, and Červená Tornado.

My Comment:
The Skoda Citigo is how you say "Volkswagen up!" in Czech and this is the cheapest Skoda offered. Sales will start on its home market, Czech Republic, before the end of this year and the rest of Europe in the second half of next year. Initially, the three door is offered but word is that there will be a 5-door version next year.

The cheapest Skoda may sometimes be not so cheerful because once you get inside, you might think that this micro-mini is a bit rubbish. Most people living in the Czech Republic are looking for some fuel efficient cars, then welcome to the future, young people. The Citigo can go as much as 22.2km/L (4,5 Liter/100 km) of combined fuel economy and this would be okay if you're on the long haul. This city compact is tiny, cheap, and sometimes, it saves you a lot of money, well almost.

Photo: ŠKODA AUTO a.s.