Skoda Citigo 2012-2019 review

Upgrade to the SE and you'll find 14in alloy wheels, darkened rear lights, body coloured wing mirrors and door handles, LED day-running lights, manual air conditioning, height adjustable driver's seat and Skoda's latest infotainment system with a 5.0in colour display and smartphone dock fitted as standard.

Choosing a Colour Edition Citigo allows you to choose whether you have black or white 15in alloy wheels, metallic paint, front foglights and tinted rear windows.

The sporty looking Monte Carlo model gets black 15in alloy wheels, lowered suspension, an aggressive-looking bodykit, a leather steering wheel, floor mats and lots of red interior trim, while the range-topping SE-L trim gets 15in alloy wheels, chrome door handles, leather clad steering wheel, gearstick and handbrake, rear parking sensors, heated front seats and electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors.

Testing the Skoda Citigo's city car credentials

The Citigo is willing and peppy to drive, well engineered and ticks all of the car-about-town boxes. In 74bhp form, the three-pot, 999cc engine is quite refined and, as well as its urban prowess, feels capable of handling motorway cruises without any fuss. But don't discount the 59bhp version, which with the same peak twist as its more powerful sibling, is equally gutsy and refined, happily taking motorway cruising in its stride.

The light-but-precise electro-hydraulic power steering reinforces the sensation that this is a fairly agile car that's easy to guide in and out of traffic. The Citigo's low- and medium-speed ride, however, isn't as outstanding as that of the related Volkswagen Up. Lower-end versions on 14in steel wheels cross uneven town surfaces with noticably less comfort and finesse than the most refined cars in the class.

Both cars offer decent fuel economy and are cleaner than their predecessors. In five-door form, the 59bhp car returned a claimed 68.9mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 96g/km of CO2, while the 74bhp version the same CO2 output and a simple combined cycle result.

In terms of layout, the cabin is sensibly thought-out, with all the controls in logical positions and easy-to-use switchgear. Taking centre-stage on the dashboard is a removable 5.0in multimedia device that can be used for navigation, as a hands-free phone or on-board computer, and is integrated into the car’s audio system. Some hard plastics on the dashboard, however, provide a reminder that this is a low-cost machine.

Despite that, the cabin is a pleasant place to be, with more width than you’d consider possible when you survey the Skoda Citigo’s svelte dimensions from the outside. There’s enough rear legroom for adults of medium height to sit line astern, but a pair of six-footers might struggle for space, particularly on longer trips.