► Revised looks for smallest Skoda
► Improved interior includes under-seat umbrella
► But no new 1.0-litre TSI engine at this stage
Taking a step closer to the styling of the Daewoo Matiz than anyone would ever think sensible, this is the new-look Skoda Cigito, which will be gently invigorating an area of the Czech firm’s show stand at Geneva 2017.
Mid-life facelift time for the Skoda version of the VW Group’s littlest runabout has brought not just a new bumper but new bonnet, grille and foglights as well. Plus some ‘specially designed’ 15-inch alloy wheels – presumably better than raiding the local Demon Tweeks catalogue.
Better yet, the interior’s been upgraded, and there’s an extra ‘Simply Clever’ feature in the form of an umbrella that fits under the passenger seat.
2017 Skoda Citigo: specifications and details
The bodywork changes see the new Citigo grow 34mm in length to 3,597mm. But that aside, the smallest Skoda retains its compact footprint and remains ideal for urban-dwelling pothole dodgers.
Trim level choices are S, SE, SE L and Monte Carlo, plus a couple of UK-specific Colour Editions, which include contrasting white or black door mirrors and roof. A Kiwi Green bodycolour is new for 2017, as is the optional cornering function for the foglights.
The interior upgrade is said to be ‘even more refined and more functional’, with tow designs of instrument cluster on offer, depending on spec. There’s also a new generation of radios, called Blues and Swing.
Perhaps inevitably, the Swing model likes to party with wider ranging connectivity. (It adds Bluetooth and a colour display.)
Simply Clever?
Sat-nav is only available via smartphone; Skoda’s Move&Fun app includes this as well as infotainment functions.
In addition to the umbrella, Citigo ‘Simply Clever’ features include storage compartments, cup holders, smartphone holders, a bag hook on the glove compartment and a netting for the boot. Sounds ‘Simply Normal’ to us.
As before, an autonomous emergency braking system is available. And as before, this only works up to 19mph. Newer systems cope with higher speeds and detect pedestrians.
2017 Skoda Citigo engine choice
No 1.0-litre TSI for the Citigo it seems, as engine choice remains static.
This means 59bhp or 74bhp from a non-turbo 1.0-litre MPI, that also produces 70lb ft. 0-62mph takes 14.4sec and 13.5sec with top speeds of 100mph and 107mph, respectively.
The gearbox is only a five-speed manual, but you do get stop-start and brake energy recovery.