Skoda launches new model number six

The Citigo heralds a move into the small car sector for Skoda.

SKODA’S assault on the market continues as it introduces its sixth new model.
Their latest offering is a city car, named appropriately, the Citigo. The new model will make its market debut in the Czech Republic before the year is out, with launches planned for the UK and rest of Europe next year. With plenty of space and four seats, the Citigo will come in three and five-door variants.
“The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy. It paves the way for tremendous opportunities in a new segment,” said ŠKODA Board Chairman Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “The Citigo is literally a ‘Simply Clever’ car. Despite its small size, it offers ample interior space; it is agile while frugal. Put simply: it’s an attractive choice offering many clever ideas. The car offers all of ŠKODA’s values in a compact package and fits perfectly with our aims.”
The launch of the Citigo moves Skoda into the small car sector. “The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price and with reasonable operating costs, is growing,” continues Prof. Vahland. “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.”
As is now the norm for the carmaker, its designers have produced a distinctive look and shape, which shouts Skoda.
The Citigo is not just being made for the city, it is a practical car for all-round use with its generous interior room. Thanks to the long wheelbase, there is plenty of legroom for passengers making long trips comfortable. The boot offers 251 litres with the seats up growing to 951 litres with them down.
Storage space is not confined to the obvious areas, either. There is plenty on offer all around the vehicle and lots of other little touches, such as the photograph holder on the central console.
Comfort was a big factor for the designers. The three-door variant features as ‘Easy Entry’ system to make it easier to get into the rear.
Citigo also comes with a portable navigation system. Normally fitted to the dashboard, it can be taken off and used as you walk around. When plugged in, it is also the car’s interactive infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity.
For the first time in a Skoda, the Citigo comes equipped with a head/thorax side airbag for both front seats and forms part of a package normally found only on bigger cars. City Safe Drive, a brake assistance system helps reduce the chance of low speed collision.
Two engines are on offer in the Citigo: A new three-cylinder one-litre petrol with either 60PS or 75PS power outputs. Operating temperature is reached very quickly  which helps lower fuel consumption figures to 62.8 and 60.1mpg respectively. Two green versions lower these figures to 67.3 and 65.7mpg.