Škoda reveals the Citigo

Škoda has unveiled its new Citigo city car. Based on the Volkswagen Up!, it’s due to go on sale in the Czech Republic by the end of this year. Market launches across the rest of Europe will follow in mid-2012.



Both three- and five-door versions will be produced and, although the Citigo is only 3.56 metres (11’ 8”) long, a generous 2.42 metre (7’ 11”) wheelbase means that there should be room inside for four adults. Luggage capacity is 251 litres, but this increases to a sizeable 951 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Unsurprisingly, the Citigo uses the same 1.0 litre, three-cylinder petrol engine as the Up!, and it’ll be available in two states of tune.



With 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS), it averages 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km) and produces 105 g/km of CO2. Go for the ‘Green Tec’ version though, and those figures improve to a more impressive 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) and 97 g/km.



For those wanting a little extra power, the 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) motor manages 60.1 mpg (4.7 l/100km) while emitting 108 g/km of carbon dioxide, but in ‘Green Tec’ guise it achieves 65.7 mpg (4.3 l/100km) and 99 g/km.



The styling echoes the new design language first seen on the MissionL and Vision D concepts, and it’s typified by the more angular grille with a prominent Škoda badge sitting just above it. While the front end is neat, uncluttered and works well, the rear of the Citigo is perhaps less successful.



Škoda certainly has high hopes for its new arrival, as Board Chairman, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, explained: “The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy. It paves the way for tremendous opportunities in a new segment.



“The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price and with reasonable operating costs, is growing. Škoda’s new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract prospects mainly in our European markets.”



Indeed, key to any success in the city car sector will be price, and rumours suggest that Škoda could be looking to charge as little as £7,000 (about €8,000) for the Citigo.



If so, that would make it one of the cheapest cars on sale, easily undercutting rivals such as the Ford Ka and the Peugeot 107 / Toyota Aygo / Citroën C1 trio.



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