Page 17 - index

TOP cover aUtUmn 2012 17

the citigo is just over three-and-a-half metres long, yet its boxy profile
and wheel-at-each-corner stance afford it class-leading interior space.

deSign
Quite clearly we did not choose the Citigo for its outright looks the car handles safely and without any drama. I spoke to Nick,
but beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. The car has the sales executive from Wings of Peterborough, after he had just
been designed to maximize space and provide ‘a big car’ type returned from a long trip to North Yorkshire with some mates.
driving experience. We opted for the three door version as it kept He was amazed at how well the Citigo dealt with the journey, the
the cost down by some £360. The Citigo is just over three-and- ride being comfortable, quiet and the car returning over 60mpg.
a-half metres long, yet its boxy profile and wheel-at-each-corner Although labeled a Citycar this is a real world vehicle.
stance afford it class-leading interior space.
equiPment
interiOr This may be a small car but it packs a mighty punch when it
When I first sat in the car I was amazed just how much space comes to standard equipment: alloy wheels, front fog lights,
there was. The front seats with their built in headrests were electric windows, four airbags, ABS, ESP, heated electric mirrors,
supportive, and had an easy entry system to the rear seats. The heated front seats, satellite navigation, bluetooth, iPod/MP3
driver’s seat also has a height adjustment. The dark cloth interior connector and trip computer! Not bad for a little city runabout.
was well finished and certainly gave the impression that it would The infotainment device is brilliant. It’s basically a unit that
survive the onslaught of any kids using the car as a playground or incorporates your sat nav, bluetooth, car computer and media
for dropping half sucked sweets on to the seats and carpet! The player. It’s easy to set up, and I mean that, as I managed it without
Elegance model comes with a leather bound steering wheel and asking one of the kids! You can also remove the unit from the car
gear knob and a smart chrome surround around the air vents, and use it out and about.
radio and air-conditioning unit. The rear seats fold down when
you need a little extra space. With the rear seats up there is 251 buying And OWning
litres of space, folded down this increases to 951 litres. The boot There are deals to be had, although if you are thinking about
itself is quite deep which also helps with storage. popping in a showroom and trying to haggle a grand discount
forget it! These cars are becoming very popular and therefore
PerFOrmAnCe And eCOnOmy holding their value well. Skoda expects the Citigo to be their top
You don’t buy a Citycar for its performance figures! That said the selling vehicle this year. It’s hardly surprising given the quality
little Skoda still performs admirably. The 1.0 litre 75bhp engine and running costs. Our car is congestion charge free, road tax
takes the car from 0-60 in a storming 13.2 seconds accompanied free and delivers a claimed 67.3mpg combined. Add to this a
by a rather sporty exhaust tone, a trait from the three cylinder comprehensive three year 60,000 mile warranty and three year
mechanics. Top speed is 107mph where permitted. Pick up is very RAC cover including Europe it really starts to make sense. The
good, even from fifth gear. Even with three burly guys in the car car is in insurance group 2E. If you opt to finance the car you can
the engine coped well. What does impress is the fuel economy. also benefit currently from two years free servicing. Our car will
Now I know many manufacturers claim all sorts of figures based on be used as a pool car, and will be kept from two to three years ■
combined, urban and extra urban, well I only look at real life figures!
I test drove a Kia 1.25 Rio and managed just 28mpg on a 15 mile
test drive, the Skoda over the exact same journey was doing 44mpg. the verdiCt
Early indications are showing a combined figure of over 55mpg.
Whether it’s a car for a family or a pool car for a charity, the
same principles apply: safety, comfort, economy and value.
ride And hAndling
The car rides like a big car; it feels strong and it feels well bolted this little skoda, which i must admit to ever so slightly falling
together. The ride is quiet for such a small car, and the suspension in love with, is a superb car. it is capable of being driven on
soaks up the normal UK poor standard of roads, even worse I long journeys, easy to park, cheap to run and fun! it may not
hasten to add in the Cambridgeshire Fens! The 14” alloy wheels look like a range rover evoque or perform like an astra vxr,
also do a good job soaking up the road surface and look smart. but who cares, because in everyday life all you need is here
Cornering is well balanced and although not quite go-kart like and it won’t break the bank!