Skoda is best known for offering affordable cars, but until the arrival of the Citigo in 2012, the Volkswagen subsidiary had never produced a city car; its smallest offerings had previously been superminis such as the Fabia, Felicia and Favorit.
When the Citigo was introduced, it shook up the city car segment, along with its SEAT and VW cousins. Smartly designed, great value and good to drive, it’s a typical Skoda through and through, all backed up by one of the best dealer networks in the business.
While 2019 will mark seven years since the model’s debut, it’s had relatively little development. Don’t assume this is a disadvantage over newer rivals, though; some of them are still playing catch-up.
Models covered
- • Skoda Citigo Mk1 (2012-date) - Former Auto Express Car of the Year is still a big hit around town.
Skoda Citigo
History
Prices started at £7,630 when the three and five-door Citigo hit the UK in July 2012. Only a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine was offered, in 59bhp and 74bhp guises, and both were available with a five-speed automated sequential gearbox, called ASG.
At first there were just S, SE and Elegance trims, but a Citigo Sport was added in spring 2013, with suspension lowered by 15mm, 15-inch alloys, privacy glass, a racing stripe down the middle of the car and a bodykit.
The Black Edition special was launched in August 2014, then returned a year later, while the Monte Carlo went on sale in May 2014. A facelift in July 2017 brought design tweaks, integrated multimedia, more safety and comfort options, plus a revised line-up of S, SE, Colour Edition, SE L and Monte Carlo.
Which one should I buy?
The high-powered engine is worth having if you regularly use motorways, but other than that it makes little difference. Three and five- door cars are the same length, but the latter obviously offers easier access to the rear.
Entry-level S spec is spartan and best avoided; it features steel wheels and manual windows, with the only concession to luxury being a CD/tuner. The SE adds powered front windows, remote central locking and air-con, while range-topping Elegance cars offered 14-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and a Portable Infotainment Device.
The Black Edition was based on SE spec and added black alloys, a DAB radio and nav, while the Monte Carlo brought black door mirrors and wheels, plus a rear spoiler.
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Skoda Citigo 1.0 MPI 60PS Sport review
Alternatives to the Skoda Citigo
In effect, the SEAT Mii and Volkswagen up! are the same car as the Citigo, with different badges. They are its closest rivals and just as easy to recommend, while the recently introduced up! GTI is especially fun to drive, even if prices for this diminutive hot hatchback start at £13,000.
The Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto are tough adversaries with their keen pricing and longer warranties; reliability and build quality are also good. You get strong value, low running costs and smart styling with the Citroen C1, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo, but the trio aren’t as grown-up dynamically.
Another very good alternative is Suzuki’s Celerio, while you could also consider the Renault Twingo and Smart ForFour; this mechanically related pair offer clever packaging and excellent agility.
What to look for
Stability
At first, entry-level S editions weren’t fitted with ESP, although SE models and above did include this safety feature.
Gearbox
The auto is generally reliable and perky, although because it’s an automated manual, check you’re happy with its characteristics when driving.
Tyres
Some Citigos come with 165/70 R14 tyres, which are scarce, but these can be can be swapped for 175/65 R14-specification rubber.
PID
New replacement Portable Infotainment Devices cost £300 to buy, although used VW or SEAT items can be reset to feature Skoda branding.
Interior
Despite the tiny proportions, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, with decent room for four adults and a 251/959-litre boot. The design is mature and doesn’t feel too cheap, but facelifted cars are noticeably better in this respect. The steering wheel only adjusts for rake and not reach, while entry-level Citigos miss out on a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and don’t feature a rev counter, either.
Prices
You can buy a nearly new Skoda Citigo for between £4,490 and £11,999 on our sister site BuyaCar.
Running costs
All Citigos need servicing after 9,000 miles or 12 months, with the first two check-ups costing £179 and £249.
From a car’s third birthday the maintenance regime moves to a fixed-price menu, with services alternating between minor and major, at £169 and £279.
The brake fluid needs changing after three years, then every two years, at £54. It’s recommended the cambelt is replaced every five years, at £399, although there isn’t a set interval. Various service plans are available, up to the point when a car has covered 120,000 miles. These cost between £19 and £22.50 per month.
Recalls
The Citigo has been recalled four times. The first was in May 2013, over faulty airbags. Problems with child locks on five-door cars led to a campaign in July 2016. Two months later, models with a panoramic sunroof built in March and April 2016 were recalled because the roof could detach. The latest action came in December 2017 and covered towing eyes that could fail during use.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The Citigo last appeared in our Driver Power new car survey in 2016, when it came an impressive 11th; it scored poorly for in-car technology (ranking 117th) and performance (92nd). Mid-table scores for comfort and practicality were more encouraging, while top-10 places for reliability, running costs, handling, ride quality and ease of driving all helped to secure that 11th position.
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