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In-depth reviews

Skoda Citigo e iV hatchback - Engines, drive & performance (2011-2020)

The Skoda Citigo e iV hatchback feels grown-up for such a little car and is great around town

Carbuyer Rating

3.5 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Engines, drive & performance Rating

4.0 out of 5

The Skoda Citigo e iV is likely to spend the majority of its time in town, and it's a perfect companion for the urban environment. Parking is simple, visibility is great and the car easily negotiates tight city streets that would cause larger models serious problems.

It’s a shame to keep it cooped up in the city, though, because it’s actually well capable of putting a smile on your face, if you show it a challenging road. The batteries carry extra weight compared to the previously available petrol models, so there’s a bit of body lean in corners, but the car never feels unstable. There’s plenty of grip and the steering feels precise, without being too heavy.

Another surprise is how quiet the Citigo is inside, especially with an almost-silent electric motor providing the power. If you’re coming from a petrol version, you might notice a little extra road and wind noise, while shallow potholes and bumpy roads are usually no problem. It’s among the most comfortable city cars in which to tackle a motorway and can actually put a few larger superminis to shame.

Skoda Citigo e iV electric motor

There’s just one electric motor and battery available in the Skoda Citigo and the petrol models have been completely withdrawn. With 82bhp on tap and 0-62mph taking 12.3 seconds, the Citigo is far from fast on paper but the instant torque from the electric motor makes it seem quicker than it actually is. It’s faster than both the 59bhp and 74bhp petrol models and its electric powertrain means it’s quiet - although there’s a bit of wind and road noise at speed.

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There’s only one gearbox offered in the Citigo, an automatic, and it’s very easy to use.

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Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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