Skoda Citigo GreenTech road test

If you’re looking for an economical city car, narrowing down the potential options can be tricky.

Those wanting a comfortable, well-equipped car should put the new Skoda Citigo GreenTech Elegance near the top of their list.

The Citigo is a small city car that shares its platform with the Volkswagen up! and SEAT Mii. It’s designed as a charismatic and simple, yet capable and refined, compact car.

We tested the 73bhp 1.0-litre MPI GreenTech model in range-topping Elegance specification. The GreenTech tag denotes a range of technologies - primarily a stop/start system - designed to improve efficiency compared to the standard versions.

Under the bonnet lies a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine that outputs 73bhp and 93Nm of pulling power. That might not sound like a vast amount but thanks to the Skoda’s low weight the 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 13.2 seconds. Its top speed is a claimed 107mph.

That kind of performance means that the Skoda is perfectly capable of nipping around town, or keeping up with motorway traffic without fuss. The Citigo has just enough pace to keep you entertained and its power is delivered smoothly through a precise five-speed manual gearbox.

As you might expect, economy and emissions are a strong point. Skoda claims that the Citigo will return an average 67.3mpg, while CO2 emissions are a tax-free 98g/km. The low emissions also mean that the Citigo is exempt from the London Congestion charge.

Thanks to a 35-litre fuel tank the Citigo could potentially cover more than 500 miles without a refuelling stop. This makes it a more sensible proposition for those who have to regularly use the car, or cover long distances on a daily basis. 

Externally the Skoda is smart and presentable, and most definitely a compact car. It has a slightly smaller footprint than a Fiat Panda or Ford Ka which, coupled with a tight turning circle, helps make it easy to park and manoeuvre.

Inside, what strikes you almost immediately is the sheer amount of room on offer in the front. It’s a comfortable cabin, and there’s even room for four adults and a small amount of luggage.

The build quality is impressive, with solid-feeling materials used throughout and some thoughtful finishing touches like a small clip to hold parking stubs or pictures. Some of the plastics are a little hard and scratchy but, given the price, it’s no major concern.

On the road the Citigo proves to be a rewarding car to drive. It rides very well, surprising given its size, and it takes corners at a sensible speed without issue. There isn’t much in the way of feedback through the steering, but it is well weighted and precise.

Remarkably, as well as being competent in town centres, the Skoda is more than capable on the motorways. Cruising at speed is possible without any mechanical distress and the quiet and spacious cabin prevents excess fatigue. Only at lower speeds, or during hard acceleration, does some engine and transmission noise intrude into the cockpit.

Equipment levels are good too. Even the basic ‘S’ model comes with a CD player, power steering, an auxiliary connection for MP3 players, a height-adjustable steering wheel, airbags and daytime running lights.

The Elegance model, however, is equipped like a larger and more expensive car. It gets air-con, alloy wheels, electric windows, remote central locking, stability control, electric heated door mirrors, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel, front fog lights and Skoda’s clever removable dash device with integrated sat-nav and trip computer functions.

Buyers looking for an economical, low-cost car that’s enjoyable to drive and comfortable would do well to consider the Skoda Citigo. It’s as good to drive in the city as it is on the motorway, it can handle longer trips without issue and it offers a modicum of practicality.

That’s a rare combination, which should help it appeal to both private and business buyers alike.

Skoda’s new Citigo goes on sale in June. The entry level 1.0-litre 59bhp Citigo S three-door costs £7,630. The three-door 73bhp GreenTech Elegance model, as tested, has a price tag of £10,210. Five-door versions will also be available.

To read the full Parkers Skoda Citigo review, click here.

Also consider:

Fiat Panda
The Panda is a comfortable, durable and cost-effective choice. Some TwinAir models are capable of returning an average 67mpg and also benefit from free road tax.

SEAT Mii
Sharing its platform with the Volkswagen up! and Skoda Citigo, the Mii is an excellent small car. A good choice if you’ve no local Skoda dealer or an affinity for the SEAT brand.

Citroen C1
If you’re looking for a cheap-to-run city car then you could consider Citroen’s C1. It’s good fun to drive, economical and compact.