First Drive: Skoda Citigo

Skoda has planned a July launch for the 3-door Citigo, with the 5-door arriving in September

If a photo holder is high on your check list of what matters and you’re in the market for a new city car you might want to hold on until July, when Skoda’s new Citigo hits our shores.

This dinky little car is expected to retail in Ireland around the €10,000 mark for the three-door, with the five door coming in around €500 dearer.

Quirky and modern, it’s aimed at younger and urban drivers, families who’re looking for a second car and at empty nesters.

The Citigo is bigger than you’d think and claims the best in class for shoulder width and boot size.

It’s also the only car in its class to offer City Safe, which prevents fender benders by stopping the car in traffic of up to 30kph if it detects an imminent collision.

The 1litre petrol car will will be available in Ireland in three trims, Active, Ambition and Elegance.

Skoda is marketing the Citigo with the strap line City Clever and there’s lots of clever things about it.

There’s also loads of storage space, including bottle holders on the front seats, a bag hook integrated into the glove compartment and a multimedia holder in the centre console.

I was quite impressed with the car when I took it for a spin in Lisbon at the international launch last week as it had to put up with more than would be expected of the average city car.

It’s much nippier than you’d think, managing to hold its own on ear-poppingly high and windey mountain roads and through torrential rain and flooding.

There was also the delusional Sat Nav to contend with and crazy Lisbon rush hour traffic.

Because of its size, it’s also great in a tight three-point-turn situation, as I found out when I put my trust in the aforementioned Sat Nav.

Leg room in the back is a little bit cramped though for longer journeys. That said, however, I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces on Irish roads.

The 3-door Skoda Citygo is due to arrive in Ireland in July, with a September date for the arrival of the 5-door.

A version of this article first appeared in Metro Herald