Skoda Citigo spun off from Volkswagen Up

The Citigo will be Skoda’s smallest car in its line-up, and will go on sale in its home market before the end of this year, with the UK and other European countries following at the beginning of summer 2012. Unlike the Volkswagen Up on which it is based and is available only as a three-door, the Citigo will be available in both three and five-door variants.

The main styling differences with the Volkswagen Up are limited to the Skoda's front end, like the front bumper, headlamps and grille designs, the alloy wheels, as well as the the tail lamp graphics and the rear bumper. The two cars share almost the same dimensions, with the Citigo measuring just 3,563mm long, 1,641mm wide and 1,478mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,420mm.

Skoda says the Citigo can accommodate four-passengers in comfort. Boot space measures in at 251 litres, which can be extended to 951 litres by folding down the rear seats. Like the Volkswagen Up, the Citigo will be offered with an available portable navigation system featuring a 5-inch screen, which will also provide hands-free calling with built-in Bluetooth and on-board infotainment.

Under the bonnet, the Citigo will be offered with two 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines, producing 60bhp in standard form and 75bhp in Green Tec trim. “The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy. It paves the way for tremendous opportunities in a new segment,” said Skoda Board Chairman, Winfried Vahland.

“The Citigo is literally a ‘Simply Clever’ car. Despite its small size, it offers ample interior space; it is agile while frugal. Put simply: it’s an attractive choice offering many clever ideas. The car offers all of Skoda's values in a compact package and fits perfectly with our aims," Vahland added.