The Skoda Citigo was released as the Czech’s brand rebranded and newly styled version of the Seat Mii and the Volkswagen Up cars. The vehicle has the same gearboxes, chassis components, engines, and underpinnings, so how does the Citigo fare by itself and how does it stand out in the competitive market?
Pros
The Citigo has made several minor tweaks to its design. The front headlamps and the rear side window are what distinguish the Citigo from the VW Up and the Citigo. Another familiar design element would be the vehicle’s finned grille set on the chrome-plated frame, which appears to be the minor version of the MissionL concept.
The vehicles come in two petrol engines: either the 74bhp or the 59bhp. Whatever the power, both of which are powered at 70lb ft torque and include a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.0-litre petrol engine at 59bhp comes either as the Greentech variation or as the entry-level standard. Both of these engines are able to reach 62mph from a standstill in 14.4 seconds. Expect a top speed of 99mph when you push the engine to its maximum capacity. But if these velocities are not enough, then you can opt for the more powerful version of the Greentech or the standard, which both arrive at 62mph in 13.2 seconds and its maximum of 106mph. You can expect these engines to perform well on trips within the city or to and from the city centre. These engines are also able to deliver a wide spread pull across its rev range. Both engines
Steering is direct and light under your hands but there is some trouble gaining feedback from the wheel. Nonetheless the steering offers precise steering via its electro-hydraulic power that assures drivers agility.
The cabin combines form and function with its strategically located controls and accessible switchgear. The dashboard features a removable five-inch multimedia device that allows you to control navigation or use an on-board computer. You could even plug in and control your phone hands-free or adjust the audio system. All these are within easy access to the driver who’ll have no problem manipulating these controls before driving through the rest of the journey. The cabin also has enough legroom for adults of medium height. Boot space is unexpectedly large for such a small car at 251 litres and can be expanded to 700 once the rear seats are lowered. The boot also features two stowing nets and there’s even a bag hook in the dashboard glovebox for additional storage space.
Cons
Although the Citigo performs well along city roads and the steering is quite light, the vehicle’s lower-speed handling makes it unsuitable for driving any faster. Expect your driving to become a bit jittery and unsettled when you corner at faster speeds. There’s also some minor body roll at corners. These are negligible in the long run, however, with the Citigo able to deliver a balanced and composed performance. Overtaking, hill roads, and motorways are also a slight challenge for the Citigo.
Despite these weaknesses, the Citigo stands out in being a compact and practical car for everyday city driving. Although it has a lot of similarities to some competitors, it is able to do the job where it matters.
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(Average rating: 4 , Total rates: 1 )
