Skoda Citigo
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small car that’s surprisingly grown up? The Skoda Citigo might be exactly what you need. This compact city car combines Skoda’s practical approach with impressive build quality that feels well beyond its budget price tag. It’s perfect for drivers who want a reliable, efficient small car without compromising on the essentials.

The Citigo stands out in the crowded city car market by offering more space and refinement than you’d expect. While rivals like the Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta might grab more headlines, the Citigo quietly gets on with being exceptionally good value. The interior feels solid and well built, with clever storage solutions that make the most of every inch.

What makes the Citigo special is how it doesn’t feel like a compromise. The ride is smooth and composed, making it surprisingly comfortable on longer journeys. It’s economical to run, practical for everyday life, and comes with Skoda’s reputation for reliability. If you’re after a sensible small car that won’t let you down, the Citigo delivers exactly that without any fuss or drama.

What's the Skoda Citigo Like to Drive?

The Skoda Citigo focuses on efficiency and smooth urban driving rather than outright performance. The most common engine is the 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol unit producing 60 or 75 horsepower. While these figures might seem modest, the Citigo’s lightweight design means it feels peppy around town. The 75hp version manages 0-60mph in around 13 seconds, which is adequate for city driving and short motorway journeys.

The Citigo’s strength lies in its refined driving experience. The steering is light and precise, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces effortless. The suspension does an excellent job of smoothing out bumps and potholes, creating a surprisingly comfortable ride for such a small hatchback. Road noise is well controlled, and the engine remains reasonably quiet even when worked hard. It’s not exciting to drive, but it’s competent and confidence inspiring in all conditions.

Inside the Skoda Citigo: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Citigo and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the build quality and thoughtful design. The dashboard is clean and functional, with all controls falling easily to hand. The materials feel solid and well assembled, with soft-touch plastics used on key surfaces. Everything operates with typical Skoda precision, from the indicator stalks to the air conditioning controls.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment to find a good driving position. There’s more head and legroom than the exterior dimensions suggest, making it comfortable for taller drivers. Standard equipment includes electric front windows, central locking, and a decent sound system. Higher spec models add air conditioning, alloy wheels, and touchscreen infotainment. The cabin feels airy thanks to large windows, and visibility is excellent in all directions.

The Skoda Citigo is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritise value, reliability, and low running costs above all else. It successfully combines impressive build quality with rock-bottom operating expenses, creating a package that’s hard to fault. The interior feels more premium than the price suggests, and the driving experience is refined and comfortable.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Skoda Citigo Expensive to Run?

The Citigo excels when it comes to running costs, making it one of the most affordable cars to own and operate. Fuel economy is excellent, with real-world figures regularly exceeding 50mpg in mixed driving. Insurance groups are very low, typically falling between groups 1-4, which means cheap premiums especially for younger drivers. Road tax is minimal thanks to low CO2 emissions.

Purchase prices are very reasonable, with good used examples available from around £3,000 upwards. The Citigo holds its value well compared to some rivals, partly thanks to Skoda’s growing reputation for reliability. Servicing costs are reasonable, and parts are generally affordable. The simple mechanical layout means fewer things can go wrong, helping keep maintenance bills low. For budget-conscious drivers looking for car finance options, the Citigo represents excellent value for money.

Skoda Citigo Practicality & Boot Space

For such a small car, the Citigo is impressively practical. The 251-litre boot is reasonable for the class and can accommodate a weekly shop or a couple of small suitcases. The rear seats fold down to extend the cargo area for larger items. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage cubbies, cup holders, and door pockets for everyday items.

Rear seat space is adequate for children or occasional adult passengers on short journeys. While it’s not as spacious as larger cars, the Citigo makes clever use of its interior dimensions. For singles, couples, or small families, it offers enough space for daily needs while being incredibly easy to park and manoeuvre in busy urban areas. It’s particularly well suited to city life, where its compact size is a major advantage. Compared to other used Skoda cars, the Citigo represents the most affordable entry point to the brand.

The Skoda Citigo stands out in the competitive small car market by offering exceptional value for money without major compromises. It combines Skoda’s reputation for build quality and reliability with impressively low running costs and practical everyday usability. While it may not be the most exciting or spacious car in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most to city car buyers.

You choose the Citigo because you want a small car that feels well made and won’t cost a fortune to run. Its understated looks, solid interior, and smooth driving experience make it a pleasure to live with daily. It’s perfectly suited for urban driving but comfortable enough for occasional longer trips. For drivers seeking a reliable and affordable small car with cars under £10,000 offering particularly good value, the Skoda Citigo should be at the top of your shortlist.