The newly updated Citigo minicar has been launched in Ireland with what Skoda says are comprehensive upgrades to the exterior design along with a number of interior revisions, starting from €10,995 for the three-door version.
Two three cylinder petrol engines are available offering 60hp or 75hp and both are offered with the option of 5-speed manual gearbox or the 5-speed ASG automatic gearbox.
Exterior enhancements include the distinctive Skoda power dome on the front bonnet which has become synonymous with the brand and is now a standard feature on the entire Skoda range, following its addition to the Citigo. The new Citigo also features a fresh front radiator grille design and front and rear bumper design to create a fresh, young, look.
Despite its small appearance, Skoda says the new Citigo has grown by 34mm to a length of 3,597mm and thanks to its generous 2,420mm wheelbase the interior offers optimal space for rear passengers. The 251 litres of boot capacity, which expands to 951 litres when the rear seats are folded down, ranks among the best in class and also enhances everyday practicality.
The Skoda Citigo is available in ‘Active’ and ‘Ambition’ trim levels. Skoda Ireland tells us that there is also a special edition available from launch – the Citigo Monte Carlo which is associated with the legendary rally heritage of the brand and is characterised by its sporty design and detailing.
The Citigo’s interior offers a clean and clearly arranged design including a new instrument cluster layout. The new-generation Blues radio on Active models offer many connectivity options such as an aux-in socket, CD player and MP3 compatibility. From Ambition, the Swing radio includes a colour screen and a USB slot while the Move & Fun mobile phone mount and app offers information and entertainment assistance for the driver and passengers. The app runs on the iOS and Android smartphone operating systems and provides navigation, driving data displays, hands-free phone calls, and economical driving information as well as playing music and the radio.
The Citigo also offers a variety of storage compartments, cup and smartphone holders, and also an umbrella under the passenger seat which is standard from ‘Ambition’ models.
Speaking to us, Cathal Kealey, PR manager at Skoda Ireland, commented: “The new Skoda Citigo is the smallest member of the family but still typifies the entire range. It’s packed full of practical features, generous amounts of space, and offers tremendous value for money. The new Citigo can carry four adults and still offer 251 litres of boot space. In addition, the 5 star Euro NCAP rating demonstrates the combined level of practicality and security on offer.”
Two modern three-cylinder petrol engines are available for the Citigo. The front-transverse-mounted engines with a 1.0 litre capacity drive the front wheels. Despite their small capacity, the engines distinguish themselves through high torque with low noise levels.
The entry-level engine is the 1.0 MPI with 60hp and 95Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. From a standing start, Skoda claims it accelerates the Citigo to 100km/h in 14.4 seconds, reaches a top speed of 162km/h and consumes 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres on average.
It adds that the second 1.0 MPI petrol engine produces 75hp and offers a maximum torque of 95Nm at 3,000rpm. It accelerates to 100km/h in 13.5 seconds, reaches a top speed of 173km/h and consumes 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres on average.
Both engines are available with 5-speed manual gearbox or the 5-speed ASG automatic gearbox. In addition, all models are available to order in three-door or five-door versions, with Skoda Ireland also saying that some special finance offers are available.
