Car of the Year: Skoda Citigo

Why it won...

Any car that scoops the Auto Express Car of the Year award is a truly outstanding machine – and the Skoda Citigo is no exception.

This revolutionary city car brings brilliant packaging, remarkable refinement and stunning value for money to a sector that is already filled to bursting with talented, low-cost rivals.

Like its VW up! and SEAT Mii siblings, the Citigo delivers the sort of cabin space that you’d normally expect from cars in the class above, while the quality inside is a cut above the competition.

The Skoda also sets the standard from behind the wheel, thanks to its smooth and eager three-cylinder engine, secure handling and composed ride. It’s also very refined, ensuring it’s a relaxing choice for long motorway journeys. And the dinky dimensions, light controls and excellent visibility make it equally at home on crowded city streets.

GreenTech models benefit from fuel-saving stop-start technology, which pushes CO2 emissions below 100g/km, while all versions will return 50mpg without breaking a sweat.

There’s also the lure of value pricing and generous equipment levels – the Elegance gets sat-nav and heated seats, while brilliant City Safe autobraking can be added for just £180.

And don’t forget Skoda’s award-winning customer care, as seen in our Driver Power owner survey. The Skoda Citigo really does prove that bigger isn’t always better…