Kicking-off Skoda's ‘New Small Family' model offensive is this, the Citigo. Based upon the Volkswagen Up, the Citigo retains its counterpart's dimensions, flexible interior and focus on providing affordable urban transport for the masses. It will go on sale in the Czech market by the end of this year and the rest of Europe in 2012. The three-door city car will later be joined by a four-door version, whose format was previewed in its VW format by the Cross Up at Frankfurt.
To visually distance itself from its Volkswagen roots, the Citigo adopts a Skoda family appearance, with the new corporate grille and more shapely headlights than its VW breathern appearing here. The green hue, whilst a traditional Skoda color, also nods to the environmentally conscious aspects of the car that Skoda is keen to highlight. The downsized engines and stop-start technology are both aspects that are emphasized, the company believing they make the Citigo the ‘ideal city car'.
"The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favorable price and with reasonable operating costs, is growing," said Skoda Board Chairman Prof. Vahland at the car's launch. "Skoda's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract prospects mainly in our European markets."
