Skoda's clever Citigo 07 | 03 | 2012

SKODA IS THE LATEST manufacturer to confirm it will contest the ever-growing city car market; the £7000 Skoda Citigo, shown at Geneva, is due to be launched in Scotland in the summer.

The launch of the Citigo (we like the clever name), which is based on the three-door VW Up, is part of Skoda's ambitious growth plans which will see it launch a new car every six months.

Last year the Czech company sold 762,600 models; by 2018 it plans to increase that to 1.5 million a year.

But what of the Citigo? Its styling mixes looks from the Fabia with the recent VisionD and MissionL concepts cars.

It's titchy; but despite a 2420mm wheelbase — it's 3560mm long, 1650mm wide and 1480mm high — Skoda states there's enough interior space for four passengers on long trips. Boot volume is 251 litres, or 951 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Initially, the Citigo will be powered by the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine — with two power outputs, 59bhp and 74bhp — found in the Up.

Standard engines will offer 62.8mpg and 105g/km of CO2 for the 59bhp version and 60.1mpg and 108g/km for the 74bhp unit.

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Skoda's ultra-economical gurus have also got to work on the Citigo. The 59bhp Green Tec will return 67.3mpg and 97g/km, while the 74bhp powerplant will boast 65.7mpg and 99g/km.

While a manual gearbox will be standard across the range, an auto 'box will be an option.

And the little city car is well equipped. Inside there's satnav – which comes in the shape of a detachable, portable five-inch touchscreen – Bluetooth and numerous storage compartments. The car will also feature Skoda’s new brake assistance system for collision avoidance.

Though Skoda has still to announce prices, with the Up expected to cost around £8000, it wouldn't be unrealistic to expect the little Skoda to undercut it by as much as £1000.

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Jim McGill