Skoda Citigo set for 2012
Skoda's city car edition, the Citigo, is ready to take on competition in the micro car sector in 2012.
The Citigo is based on the popular Volkswagen Up! and has recently achieved a five star rating In the Euro NCAP tests.
With many new city cars set to be released in 2012 the Citigo will have its fair share of competition. A likely competitor is the Fiat 500, which is on the market now.
So what is the Skoda Citigo?
The Citigo was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011 and is, like all other city cars, designed to be a practical city run around.
As practicality goes the Citigo is available in both three door and five door versions. It has four seats and has a reasonably sized boot with 251-litres worth of storage space.
Engine wise the Citigo's most economical engine is an economic Greenline version of a 1.0-litre petrol. This engine gives off CO2 emissions of just 97g/km and returns 67.3mpg.
Useful interior features include a portable navigation system, hands-free calling with built-in Bluetooth and a number of cubby holes.
A new laser sensor brake system helps prevent collisions by automatically applying the brakes when sensing an object in the way of the car.
How will it compete against the Fiat 500?
The Fiat 500 has recently introduced a new economical 0.9-litre petrol engine to its range called the TwinAir, which emits 95g/km and returns 68.9mpg. This engine gives the 500 a slight edge in terms of emissions, mileage and therefore running costs.
In terms of general practicality the 500 falls behind slightly with 66-litres less storage space at 185 litres and leg room is down too. But both cars deliver when it comes to handling and navigating tight corners, handy in city conditions.
When it comes to exterior desirability the 500 defiantly wins by a nose as the Citigo looks a little boxy.
Fiat 500 prices start from £9,900 whereas the Skoda Citigo prices start from £7,000, so the Citigo beats the 500 in terms of price.
If you want a city car with style and slightly better emissions than the Citigo then the Fiat 500 is the one to go for. But, if you want a roomier practical run around then go for the Skoda Citigo.