Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Citigo vs SEAT Mii vs VW up!

Which of the VW Group’s city car class leaders offers the most for your money?

Skoda Citigo vs SEAT Mii vs VW up!

This is the city car showdown the world has been waiting for. The Volkswagen up! left rivals trailing in its wake when we first tested it in December, setting new class standards for quality, practicality and refinement. But now it faces a tougher challenge.

The Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii share the new VW’s mechanical DNA under the skin, although thanks to their manufacturers’ different pricing and trim strategies, each offers an alternative take on the same brilliant theme.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ll use this test to crunch the numbers and evaluate what each range has to offer, and see which one of this talented trio gives buyers the best value for money. We’ve brought together an example of each for an on-road clash, but the entire line-ups will be under the microscope come the final reckoning. Let battle commence...

Verdict

Before we hand out the final judgement on these three cars, it’s important to point out that they all do a fantastic job. No other class rival can match this trio’s impressive blend of brilliant driving dynamics, practicality, refinement and value. But there can only be one winner.

The Volkswagen up! is still a class act. It’s the best-looking car here and comes with a wide range of trim levels. And while it’s the most expensive to buy (although the price gap to the SEAT is smaller than you think), it’s available with Volkswagen’s great-value service pack. So it narrowly beats the Mii in this test.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2018 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

22,196 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,787
View Range Rover Evoque
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

11,970 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,700
View Corsa
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

29,225 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,900
View Puma
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000
View Golf

The SEAT doesn’t really put a wheel wrong, but it doesn’t look quite as sharp as its rivals, plus it doesn’t have as much standard equipment as the VW and Skoda: you have to pay extra for sat-nav on the top-of-the-range model. Yet both cars have to give best to the Skoda.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It shares the dynamic and packaging brilliance of its cousins, but trumps them on price. Plus, our Elegance Greentech test car returned the best economy and emitted the least CO2 here.

Winner: Skoda Citigo 1.0 Elegance ★★★★★

The Skoda is the complete city car package. Like its sister cars, it’s brilliant to drive, surprisingly spacious and cheap to run, and as a result it sets new standards for the class. Yet it’s also the cheapest to buy across the range and returned the best fuel economy and lowest emissions.

2nd: VW High up! ★★★★★

While the VW’s reign at the top of the class was short, it’s still a brilliant choice. With sharper looks and an upmarket badge, the up! is the most desirable choice, while the pre-paid servicing pack is hard to ignore. But it’s more difficult to gloss over the higher purchase prices.

3rd: SEAT Mii 1.0 SE ★★★★

SEAT shouldn’t be disappointed with its last- place finish here, because the new Mii is every bit as brilliant as its VW and Skoda relatives. Yet the pricing strategy and less generous kit let it down, while our road testers preferred the smarter looks of the up! and Citigo.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025