Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Citigo 5dr

We take to the capital’s busy streets for the first UK drive of the five-door Skoda Citigo

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Skoda Citigo
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The five-door Citigo offers value and practicality in spades. It’s inexpensive to buy and run, but by no means does it feel cheap and nasty. This is a well made, fun-to- drive and smart looking car. It’s missing some of the VW up!’s better styling cues, but if you’re not fussed about that, then it’s a better-value buy than its VW sister model.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We tested the new Skoda Citigo five-door on winding foreign roads in February, but this car was designed for cities. So where better to try it in the UK than the cut-and-thrust of central London traffic?

Our SE Green tec test car looks striking in Tornado Red, while the black and grey interior trim is simple yet smart. It has comfortable seats and there’s enough room for a six-footer.

Video: Watch CarBuyer's video review of the Citigo

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69346","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The navigation system is one of this car’s most talked-about features, and it’s a clever device. Its touchscreen clamps into a mount that slots into the top of the dashboard. This means it’s well positioned for quick glances while driving and easily removed by pushing a button. There’s even a slot in the glovebox for storing the screen away from prying eyes.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

C3

2018 Citroen

C3

66,353 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £6,700
View C3
Mokka

2017 Vauxhall

Mokka

16,600 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £9,400
View Mokka
Golf

2020 Volkswagen

Golf

49,876 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £13,800
View Golf
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

18,314 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £25,100
View XC40

Our test car had the lower-powered 59bhp version of the Citigo’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, which provides plenty of grunt for town driving. It can sound a little rough at idle when cold, but after a few minutes it’s so smooth you can barely tell it’s running. There’s still a hint of the distinctive three-cylinder engine note, but it’s a pleasant yet faint roar, not an intrusive groan.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Put your foot down and there’s sufficient power for lane changes and traffic tussles, but progress is slowed slightly by a somewhat notchy gearshift. Handling is very entertaining, thanks to accurate steering that offers plenty of feedback. But the Citigo is just as accomplished at tackling a cobblestone mews in London as it is on a rural B-road: its comfortable ride means you won’t spill your coffee.

The soft suspension allows for a playful amount of body roll when cornering enthusiastically, but sometimes it’s almost too soft. While you won’t slide out of your seat, you have to be cautious over speed bumps or you’ll scrape the front bumper.

But this is a small price to pay for a car that’s fun to drive yet still returns a claimed 68.8mpg and emits 96g/km of CO2. Those figures come courtesy of our car’s Green tec additions, which include stop-start and special low-rolling-resistance tyres.

So the Citigo is frugal and fun to drive, but is it also practical? The short answer is yes. There’s enough room for adults to sit front and back, thanks to the space under the front seats for the rear passengers’ feet.

The back seats fold flat with a 60:40 split, while there are map pockets up front, along with a console that features a clever cup-holder and space for the largest smartphones. There’s even a shopping bag hook on each side of the boot.

In mid-range SE specification, the Citigo comes with 15-inch alloys, air-con, electric windows and mirrors, plus electronic stability control. But it’s the basic design of the car, rather than any individual features, that really impresses.

It offers no-fuss value for your money and is unapologetically practical. The Citigo shines when driven on poor-quality UK roads, and this underlines its everyday appeal. If it can succeed in the hustle and bustle of London, it can succeed anywhere.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,223 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,711
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,400
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £15,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025