Review Spec Price and Manual

•  Skoda Citigo 5-door, 2013

Škoda presented the new Citigo 5-door subcompact. Following a successful debut in its Czech home market, Škoda will be introducing its seventh and most recent model line in other European markets this spring as both a 3- and a 5-door version. This 3.56 metre long car is Škodas entry into the fast-growing subcompact segment. The Citigo stands for a perfect price-value ratio and offers a maximum of space, clever features, high safety, perfect handling and an attractive design. The Škoda Citigo is produced in Bratislava.

"Following our record sales result in 2011, we intend to keep on growing in the coming years. The Citigo is of crucial importance to this growth strategy. This new model will open up the fast-growing subcompact segment for our brand," says Škoda CEO Winfried Vahland. "This will provide a lasting boost to our favourable market position in Western and Central Europe and Europes big cities. The Citigo is the perfect car for the city: compact yet roomy, economical yet agile, attractive, safe and featuring many clever ideas. The Citigo offers all of Škodas brand values on the smallest possible footprint. This is especially true of the 5-door version," said Vahland.

Compact and roomy
At 3.56 metres long, 1.65 metres wide and 1.48 metres high, the Citigo ranks among the most compact and at the same time among the roomiest cars in its segment. The Citigo is to conquer new customer groups for Škoda especially in Europe. Says CEO Vahland: "The Citigo puts us on the map in a car segment that today represents almost 10 percent of global car sales. Europe accounts for one quarter of these sales. In the years to come, demand for cars with low fuel consumption, an attractive price and low operating costs will grow sharply. This means the Citigo is coming at just the right time and will win over many customers for Škoda, especially in Europe."

A subcompact for all generations
In marketing the Citigo, Škoda is targeting young drivers just as much as families looking for a second car or so-called "best agers." "Our new model is a subcompact that transcends generations and caters to individuals that are highly cost-conscious and have a high demand for quality, practicality, design and safety," Winfried Vahland stresses. It is exactly the combination of these qualities that the Škoda Citigo embodies perfectly. Three trim lines are available: Active, Ambition and Elegance.

Clever all around
True to the "City Clever" motto, the car is an allrounder made for the city. It handles easily and offers superior visibility. At the same time, the car offers Škodas typical interior values, providing a high level of "Value for Money". No competitor from outside Volkswagen Group has a bigger boot volume (251 litres) and interior width (1.36 metres). Folding down the back seat rest increases luggage volume to 959 litres. Thanks to a 2.42 metre wheelbase, four can sit in comfort even on long trips. In the three-door version, an Easy Entry function facilitates access to the rear seats.

Quite a character
This city runabouts design shows a character typical of the brand. The first look will tell you: her comes a real Škoda. The Citigo is the first model ever to bear the brands new logo. Škodas new crest, set into the moulded front edge of the bonnet and onto the cars rear has been reduced to bare essentials and is executed in chrome and black. The winged arrow is contoured more precisely than hitherto and comes in chrome where it used to be green. The round emblem carrying the arrow at its centre is black with an enclosing chrome ring. The laurel wreath and Škoda lettering have been dropped from the new logo.

The chrome-framed slat grille and the precisely moulded headlights combine with the new logo to create the typical Škoda face. The designers also outdid themselves in the lateral body layout, which impresses with its clear contours and large glass surfaces. The brands typical C-shape in the taillights and the logo make the Citigo as unmistakable from the rear as it is from the front.

Simply Clever
The clean and clear layout of the cabin and the bicolour dashboard in the higher-value trim lines create a sense of wellbeing on board the car. A number of ingenious features make the Citigo a real "simply clever car" à la Škoda. One expression of this are the many storage options, cup and multimedia holders and the storage nets on the sides of the front seats back rests. Other clever solutions include the bag hook integrated into the glove compartment opening mechanism or the photo holder on the dashboard. A convenient range of nets permits safe transport of objects in the boot.

Safety writ large
The Škoda Citigos designers placed great emphasis on safety. As a result, the Citigo - together with the Volkswagen up! and the Seat Mii - was awarded the top score of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. For the first time in a Škoda, head-and-thorax airbags are available for the driver and front seat passenger. This and other features amount to an exemplary passive-safety package. The new "City Safe Drive" braking assistant is an innovation and a safety highlight. This optional city emergency braking function activates itself at speeds below 30 kph. A laser sensor will detect an impending crash. Depending on speed and traffic situation, the subsequent automatic brake actuation can reduce the severity of an impact or even prevent them altogether. This significantly lowers the risk of inner-city rear-end crashes. Together with the VW up! and the Seat Mii, the Škoda Citigo is the only car in the subcompact segment so far to offer this emergency braking function.

Efficient engines
Two new three-cylinder petrol engine in two power variants has been available in the Citigo from its launch: the engine has a displacement of 1.0 litre (999 cu cm) and output 44 kW/60 hp or 55 kW/75 hp. In Green tec, the most efficient variant, average fuel consumption is 4.1 l/100 km. CO2 emissions are 96 g/km. Engines and transmissions have been designed for optimum fuel efficiency in the city and in an urban environment. They will reach their operating temperature quickly even during short trips and will thus operate extremely economically.

Despite their small displacement, the engines achieve a high torque at a low noise level. Based on current plans, a gas-powered engine will be available besides the petrol engines. In this version CO2 emissions will be 79 g/km. In addition, an automated transmission will complement the manual gearbox before year 2012 is out, further improving the Citigos efficiency.

Distinctive front end
Innovative and fresh, the Citigo immediately conveys the message: Im with the Škoda family! The cars appearance displays all the elements of Škodas new design.

Škodas redesigned logo rests prominently in the bonnets moulded front edge. Clear and precise, the winged arrow is now executed in chrome on a black-matte base. The Škoda logo rests atop the distinctive grille, whose 19 slats are enclosed by a finely drawn chrome frame. Expressive headlights flanking the grille create the unmistakable face of the car, which endows the front of the Škoda Citigo with additional optical width.

The new Škoda Citigos headlights give the car a pleasant appearance. Chamfers in the cover glass create optical vibrancy and a precise grinding of the glass. The reflectors in the main headlights, blinkers and daytime running lights all contrast with their shiny black cover plates, thus creating three-dimensionality and optical depth. The front bumper displays a clear and orderly layout. The air intake with its vertical slats and integrated horizontal bar complete the new Citigos distinctive appearance, as do the circular foglights with their black frames.

Designers went all out in creating the cars side section. The cars lateral contour shows a 1 ½ box design with a short engine area and generous passenger space, one of Škodas basic brand values. The Citigo impresses with its cleanly modelled surfaces, precisely drawn lines, clear contours and ample side windows. A slightly rising beltline conveys dynamism without obstructing rear seat passengers visibility. The wheelhouses vigorous arching and ample lateral surfaces makes the wheels appear larger and underlines the cars solid appearance.

A long wheelbase and minimal overhangs at the front and at the rear make for good proportions and perfect handling in the city. The Škoda Citigo may be ordered as a 3-door or as a 5-door model. In the three-door version, the doors will open to circa 130 cm at an angle of about 80 degrees, permitting easy entry and exit.

The Citigos rear section displays an equally clear and distinctive layout. The new Škoda logo is positioned centrally on the ample tailgates raised area. The tailgates contours run on into the taillights, whose brilliant and three-dimensional execution is typical of Škoda, as is the C-design with a finely drawn reflector band creating unmistakable recognisability both by day and by night. Slender and vertical, the taillights make room for the wide tailgate, which is handsomely framed by the pillars on either side and by the bumper. A clearly designed bumper unit with an integrated numberplate holder underscores the optical width of the cars rear thanks to its horizontal lines, rounding off the Škoda Citigos solid and high-quality appearance.

Just as compelling is the new subcompacts interior. The first impression on boarding is a surprise at a space that is generous and airy for its class. The cockpit shows a horizontal layout, clearly conveying optical width. Depending on the trimline chosen - Active, Ambition or Elegance - the cockpit is available in interesting colour combination. At the centre of the drivers attention is a steering wheel with lots of grip displaying the new Škoda logo and a combination instrument in a compact design. For good ergonomics, the control unit for the air conditioning, radio and other functions has been placed in the middle of the dashboard. Atop it sits a wide flat-jet nozzle providing draft-free ventilation inside the car. Round jets that can be completely shut have been positioned near the pillars.

The seats with their integrated headrests have been ergonomically designed and provide optimum lateral hold. A large number of combinations of colours and materials convey quality and lots of wellbeing. Numerous storage compartments in the centre console, the glove box and the doors offer enormous storage space and deliver on the Citigos functional promise. A multitude of Škoda-typical "Simply clever" solutions such as the bag hook on the glove compartments opening handle, the photo holder on the dashboard or the optional "Move&Fun" navigation system will turn every trip in this car into a special experience.

The Škoda Citigo proves its enormous space offering not just to the driver and the front seat passenger, but also to rear seat occupants. Comfortable seating elements can be tilted to permit an enormous increase in boot capacity.

The new Škoda Citigo is a completely new car with a clear and attractive design, perfect functionality and an excellent price-to-value ratio which is bound to set new benchmarks. Here is a car with extremely compact dimension representing a milestone in the ultracompact segment regarding precision and space economy.

Generous space, perfect comfort on board
One of the longest wheelbases in its segment - engines positioned far out front - newly designed axles: the Škoda Citigos engineers pulled out all the stops to make optimum use of space in the car down to the last millimetre. Its a success: occupants ride with space to spare, in comfort with no hint of tightness. The new Citigo demonstrates that even a subcompact can be roomy on the inside.

The cars interior width is another best in segment. At 1.36 metres, it is way above what most competitors have to offer and makes for good freedom of movement. Headroom numbers in the back also leave nothing to be desired.

The three-door versions "Easy Entry" function enables effortless access to the rear seat. This involves pushing front seats forward and simultaneously folding down its backrest with just one motion of the hand so that rear-seat occupants can sit down easily.

Ergonomic aspects impress with their excellent design, as does seating comfort. Seating position is not too low, and sufficient thigh support in conjunction with knee room creates a comfort level not generally associated with a subcompact. In this connection, designers paid special attention to the positioning of the steering wheel column including the steering wheel itself

At 251 litres, the Citigos boot space is the largest in its class. The boot also impresses with its height: it will hold objects up to 58 cm high. The boot lid will open to 185 cm. On folding down the rear seat backrest, boot volume increases to 959 litres (Škoda Citigo 5-door). In addition, the resulting loading surface is almost level, permitting to transport objects up to 2 metres long in the Citigo. Other practical items include four hooks in the boot for bags or other objects. In addition, a double storage net attachment suitable for holding objects up to 3 kg in weight in space is available for the boot.



Practical through and through
The Škoda Citigo is a practical car for the city. This is thanks to its agility and easy handling, but also to many simple and practical solutions in its interior. First and foremost, practicality means enough storage space, but without wasting even a millimetre. There are storage areas in the centre console and in the glove compartment. Bottle (up to 1.0 litre) and cup holders are also available. An extremely practical and unique detail is the bag hook attached to the glove compartment. A document and photo holder on the dashboard is also bound to come in handy. A multimedia holder is for storing a mobile telephone, an iPod and other mobile little helpers. The Citigos "storage net programme" offers practical options for holding small objects on sides of the boot. List of simply clever solutions includes also storage pocket on front seats.

The small car - big on safety
Modern small cars today do not compromise on safety. The Citigo boasts exemplary active and passive safety features, which Euro NCAP, the consumer protection organisation, awarded a top rating of five stars only a few weeks ago. An innovation and a highlight in the subcompact segment at the same time is the "City Safe Drive" automatic braking assistant. This optional automatic emergency braking function helps prevent urban accidents. This assistant automatically activates itself at speeds of 5 to 30 kph. In the first stage, a laser sensor integrated into the windshield will scan the space 10 metres ahead of the Citigo. If an impending collision is detected, the braking system will be conditioned in the second stage if the driver shows no reaction, with the hydraulic braking assistant being switched to increased sensitivity. Depending on the situation, the third stage involves an automatic emergency braking action through to standstill or support for the driver to achieve maximum braking deceleration if the driver himself does not brake hard enough. In case of extreme collision danger, deceleration will reach 10 m/s2. Depending on speed and the actual traffic situation, "City Safe Drive" can reduce an accidents severity or prevent impact altogether.

In all this, a driver will retain full control and responsibility for the vehicle at all times. A driver can deactivate the systems function at any time by accelerating, steering or pressing the clutch pedal. He may also choose to switch the function off by pressing a button. In this case, a symbol with the wording "off" will indicate deactivation. This indication will be visible for 5 seconds, reappearing whenever the car is in motion within the 5 to 30 kph speed band. In case of malfunction, the symbol will flash slowly and continuously.

The mobile information and navigation with "Move&Fun"
The Škoda Citigo also proves clever when it comes to modern multifunction systems. Available for the first time ever in a Škoda is the optional "Move&Fun" mobile multifunctional infotainment system. "Move&Fun" is about navigation, telephone, information and entertainment. The system was developed in cooperation with Navigon, the German navigation system specialists.

The system will not just show the right way while driving, it can also be carried outside the car. In addition, important vehicle data such as onboard computer information or parking sensor signals are displayed via the mobile systems touch screen. To fix "Move&Fun," simply click into place in its sturdy holder located on the middle console. This will connect the system to the cars electronics.

"Move&Fun" combines four info- and entertainment offerings in one device: a navigation system, a hands-free telephone, a media player and a vehicle information system. The content is organised correspondingly: car, media, navigation and telephone. A 5-inch colour touchscreen serves as interface for activating and operating the system.

The "car" menu area holds all of the onboard computers relevant information regarding range, consumption data, trip time and speed. An instrument panel that is generated digitally but features analogue displays shows engine speed, engine oil temperature and coolant temperature. In addition, status displays show whether all doors are closed.

The "navigation" menu area contains the navigation system. It includes maps for a total of 37 countries. In addition, it will display so-called "Points of Interest" (PoI): up to 500 personal favourites, in full detail and in in 3D. Also, "Move&Fun" can point out 2 million landmarks. Other useful features include a search function for parking lots and parking garages, import of Outlook addresses or a "vehicle log".

In cars fitted with the "Funky" Radio-CD system, the "Media" menu area allows operation of Radio and CD or MP3 player via "Move&Fun" as well. Select stations or tracks and play them on the radio, from a micro SD card readers (for cards with up to 32 Gigabyte) or via the "Funky"s CD/MP3 player. Or play music from your iPod or iPhone via Bluetooth. Photos can be displayed from an SD card. In addition, the driver or front seat passenger can still actuate radio functions on the radio itself. Thus, when "Move&Fun" is being used for navigation, tracks or volume can still be selected and adjusted on the radio without affecting the on-screen display.

Finally, the telephone menu area: At the core is the hands-free function, which connects to a Bluetooth-enabled telephone to allow safe and legal conversations. The touchscreen will display a keypad and a connected telephones entire phonebook as well as numbers dialled last. Voice operation is also possible.

The safety: at the highest level
The Citigo ranks among the safest cars in the subcompact segment. This is down to exemplary safety features as well as a comprehensive safety package in case of an accident. The Citigos high safety level was especially confirmed even before its introduction by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), the European consumer protection organisation. Awarding an optimum score of five stars for the Citigos performance in the renowned Euro NCAP crash test, Euro NCAP praised the Citigos overall package including occupant protection, child safety, pedestrian protection and safety assistance systems.

In the active safety area, the Škoda Citigos safe and assured on-road behaviour played an outstanding role. In many countries, the Citigo comes with ABS and ESP as standard. The cars compact package with short overhangs front and rear in combination with a long wheelbase and a stiff body structures create the basis for good driving dynamics and suspension setup.

The front axle is a MacPherson system with wishbones. A subframe is its central element, anchoring the single-shell wishbones as well as the stabiliser, the steering and the engine mounts pendulum support, with the stabiliser directly connected to the strut. The subframes walls are only 1.88 mm thick and made from high-tensile S420MC steel, providing high strength even in a lightweight construction. The torsion beam rear axle also impresses with its low weight and compact assembly. A very stiff axle body was designed for a high torsion rate. A special shape and mounting of the beams cross-section with a downward opening ensures the rear axles self-steering behaviour is geared precisely to the driving dynamics specifications.

The Škoda Citigos brakes provide short stopping distances and high reliability. The front ventilated disc brakes are a completely new design. Compared with corresponding-size brake disks hitherto employed in Volkswagen Group, vehicle weight is reduced by 1.5 kilogrammes, also improving ride comfort. The rear axle is fitted with drum brakes that also serve as the mechanical handbrake. The brake servo has a tandem main braking cylinder and an integrated brake light sensor. The brakes operate to two performance maps. The comfort map emphasises good control. If harder braking becomes necessary, the system triggers the second map, which includes a boost factor. This significantly reduces the necessary so-called stepping force required of the driver, improving safety.

The braking systems special highlight is the new active "City Safe Drive" braking assistant. An innovation and a highlight in the subcompact segment at the same time is the "City Safe Drive" automatic braking assistant. This optional automatic emergency braking function helps prevent urban accidents.

Depending on speed and the actual traffic situation, automatic braking actuation can reduce an impacts severity or prevent it altogether. Together with the up! and the Seat Mii, the Citigo is the only subcompact so far to offer this emergency braking function.

The assistant automatically activates itself at speeds of 5 to 30 kph. In the first stage, a laser sensor integrated into the windshield will scan the space 10 metres ahead of the Citigo. If an impending collision is detected, the braking system will be conditioned in the second stage if the driver shows no reaction, with the hydraulic braking assistant being switched to increased sensitivity. Depending on the situation, the third stage involves an automatic emergency braking action through to standstill or support for the driver to achieve maximum braking deceleration if the driver himself does not brake hard enough. In case of extreme collision danger, deceleration will reach 10 m/s2. Depending on speed and the actual traffic situation, "City Safe Drive" can reduce an accidents severity or prevent impact altogether.

In all this, a driver will retain full control and responsibility for the vehicle at all times. A driver can deactivate the systems function at any time by accelerating, steering or pressing the clutch pedal. He may also choose to switch the function off by pressing a button. In this case, a symbol with the wording "off" will indicate deactivation. This indication will be visible for 5 seconds, reappearing whenever the car is in motion within the 5 to 30 kph speed band. In case of malfunction, the symbol will flash slowly and continuously.

Euro NCAP testers awarded high marks to the Citigos occupant protection. This involved testing crash safety in front-end and side crashes, the pole test and the so-called whiplash test, which determines strain to the cervical spine in a rear-end crash. Škodas most recent models also scores well in child safety, taking full marks in the test involving protection of a dummy simulating a three-year old toddler.

Also contributing to child safety is the fact that Isofix child seats can be anchored in special Isofix fixation points and Toptether attachments in the rear of the car, securely connecting child seats to the car.

Euro NCAP testers were also impressed with the performance level of the Citigos assistance systems. Standard seat-belt fastening reminders on all seats and the standard offer of an ESP electronic stability programme in many markets especially made a very positive contribution to the result. Head-and-thorax airbags as standard equipment also added positive notes. Yet another strong point was the Early Crash Sensor integrated into directly behind the front bumper. This activates seat belt tensioners ahead of a front-end crash which then tighten fastened seat belts within milliseconds, with belt force limiters then reducing impending strain to the ribcage while front airbags catch the occupants torsos.

The Škoda Citigo features electromechanical power steering with an actuator on the steering column. Power steering operates on demand that is to say only when it is needed. This reduces power consumption resulting in a mileage improvement of about 0.2 l/100 km as compared to hydraulic steering. The steerings active return to a central position increases steering comfort and a safe feeling while driving because less correcting movements become necessary. The Citigos steering column is designed to telescope in a crash, with specially designed deformation elements with defined force paths reducing the risk of injury.

Body structure: stiff, light, safe
Innovative manufacturing technologies enable low vehicle weight, low fuel consumption and high safety. The Citigos body structure has been consistently designed to focus on the goals of lightweight construction, safety and comfort. From the earliest stage of development on, designers paid utmost attention to a high body stiffness concurring with a low body weight and competitive costs.

8.1 percent of the Škoda Citigos body are so-called "hot-formed" parts, meaning their steels properties are tuned during production: this involves stamping the red-hot plate in a single step and subjecting it to a defined cooling process inside the stamping too. These parts are used in places taking high strains in a crash, especially in the front floor and in the B column. Use of hot-formed parts alone reduced body weight by 13 kilogrammes.

In addition, the bodys forward side rails, rocker panels and lateral roof frame are made from so-called dual-phase steels. These high-tensile steels combine with the hot-formed parts to make up the basis of the safety passenger cell. Additional reinforcements, such as in the door sills, improve passive safety. A proportion of 39.3 percent highest-tensile steels and 17.2 percent high-tensile steels means the Citigo sets new benchmarks in the segment just as the VW up! and the Seat Mii do. The share of conventional deep-drawn steel is down to less than a quarter (24.9 percent) of body weight, their use being mainly confined to optically demanding parts such as the outer elements of the bodys side panels or the rear wheel houses.

The Škoda Citigos body structure not only sets benchmarks in terms of safety, the cars especially stiff body also provides such comfort as usually expected from cars one segment up when it comes to acoustic and vibration behaviour. This is thanks to a dedicated layout of joints and so-called force transmission points. A triple-shell structure permits optimum use of available space so that the passenger space is enclosed in stable, mathematically optimised cross-sections. The Citigos static torsion stiffness is 19.800 Nm/° - "best in class" again, and the best guarantee of a balanced comfort and driving dynamics setup. At 49 Hz, the car also scores high in dynamic stiffness, improving acoustics, vibration behaviour and riding comfort.

Engines: powerful, efficient and light
Debuting in the Citigo is a new generation of three-cylinder petrol engines (EA211). These engines mounted transversely in front put out 44 kW/60 hp and 55 kW/75 hp, respectively, and drive the front wheels. Displacement is 1.0 litre (999 cm3) for both engines. All engines conform to Euro 5, the EU-wide emissions standard.

The entry-level engine is the 1.0 litre with 44 kW/60 hp. Maximum torque of 95 Nm is available between 3,000 and 4,300 rpm. The 1.0 MPI/55 kW engine delivers 90 percent of its maximum torque between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm, providing the Citigo with a high agility at almost any engine speed.

In the 44 kW version, the Citigo will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 14.4 seconds. Top speed is 160 kph. In combination with the five-speed manual transmission, the 44 kW engine will consume an average of 4.5 l/100 km and emit 105 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The especially efficient Green tec version (with automatic start-stop, recuperation and tires optimised for low rolling resistance) achieves values of 4.1 l/100 km and 96 g/km. This versions notional range thus works out at 853 kilometres.

Featuring the same displacement (999 cm3) and identical bore and stroke (74.5 mm and 76.4 mm), the Citigos more powerful engine variant outputs 55 kW/75 PS. The increase in power is a result of a modified engine management. Maximum torque is 95 Nm. Maximum power is available at 6,200 rpm. Fuel consumption of the 55 kW engine is an average of 4.7 l/100 km in conjunction with the manual transmission, translating into CO2 emissions of 108 g/km. In its Green tec version, the more powerful engine will consume Motor 4.2 l/100 km and emit 98 g/km of CO2. Top speed for the Citigos 55 kW version is 171 kph (with manual transmission), acceleration from 0 to 100 kph will take 13.2 seconds.

At a later date, the Škoda Citigo will be available with a natural gas engine based on the same engine design and putting out 50 kW/68 hp while consuming no more than an average of 2,9 kg/100 km (gas). This translates into CO2 emissions of only 79 g/km. These low values are achievable thanks mainly to natural gass high energy density. Gas will be stored in two underfloor tanks near the rear axle with a total volume of 72 litres/11 kg CNG. One tank will be positioned in front of the rear axle together with a 10-litre backup petrol tank. The second tank will be lodged in the spare wheel recess. Besides this omission of the spare wheel recess, no other restrictions on usability will be necessary. In combination with the backup petrol tank, the natural gas version of the Citigo has a notional range of more than 550 kilometres. Compared with the pure petrol engines, the gas engines compression ratio will be raised from 10.5 : 1 to 11.5 : 1. In addition, valves and seat rings will be strengthened to allow for higher strains as occur in combustion of natural gas. The necessary dedicated stainless steel gas distributor is mounted on dedicated fixation points on the intake manifold.

Green tec - especially efficient
Both the Škoda Citigos 1.0 litre engines can be ordered with a Green tec package. Its core elements are start-stop system, brake energy recuperation technology and tires optimised for low rolling resistance - innovative solutions contributing to less fuel consumption and less emissions, thus permitting to preserve the environment.

The most important technology step in significantly reducing fuel consumption is the start-stop system, which lowers the Citigo combined consumption by almost 11 percent, even more in pure city driving.

During waiting times at red traffic lights, for instance, the engine will switch off automatically and not use any fuel. To enable this, the driver stops the car, shifts into neutral and takes his foot off the clutch (or presses the brake pedal in a car with automatic transmission. The engine will switch itself off, restarting automatically as soon as the driver presses the clutch (or steps off the brake).

Recuperation is another intelligent technology. This involves making ideal use of the energy used for driving. Whenever the driver steps off the gas or presses the brake pedal (during coasting and braking phases), generator voltage is increased and used to charge the battery. On subsequent acceleration or at constant speed, generator voltage can then be decreased, reducing the strain on the engine and cutting down on fuel consumption. In addition, a fully charged battery will power the cars electrical network even during engine-stop phases. Recuperation requires special energy management software and modified software in the engine control unit.

Perfect to the last engine detail
The new engines high efficiency is down to different parameters. Low weight and low friction are among the most important influences. The engines design has been consistently geared to optimising friction and weight.

Both the compact petrol and the natural gas engines are made from aluminium. The aluminium crankcase is a die-cast open-deck design. Ancillary units are mounted directly onto attachments on the crankcase, eliminating the need for traditional an auxiliary drive mount. This results in significant weight savings.

A toothed belt drives the twin overhead camshafts. The intake camshaft is adjustable, further reducing emissions and consumption values and increasing performance at the low end of engine speeds. A roller cam follower with especially low frictional resistance actuates the valve gear. Dual-circuit cooling and an integrated water-cooled exhaust manifold contribute to the engines short warming phase and quick transition to its optimum temperature band. Each cylinder has its own ignition coil. Bore and stroke are 74.5 and 76.4 mm respectively. Compression ratio is 10.5:1 and 11.5:1 in the natural gas version. A type ME 17.520 Bosch Motronic control the engine.

The crankgears design reflects an emphasis on reducing weight and friction. Weight reduction in the piston rods attached at the bottom and in the pistons means countershafts commonly necessary in three-cylinder engines can be dispensed with. Optimum layout of the small main and piston rod bearings reduces engine weight, interior friction and thus fuel consumption. Six counterweights on the crankshaft lower internal forces, easing strain on the main bearings, a great contribution to a longer engine life.

The Škoda Citigo engines four-valve cylinder head is made from cast aluminium alloy. Valves hang in the upper combustion chamber at an angle of 21 degrees for intake valves and 22.4 for exhaust valves. Valve shaft diameter is 4 mm. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head to permit the engine to quickly warm up to operating temperature. Exhaust channels run together in a central flange, resulting in radiator water warming up faster during cold-start phases. In normal operation, by contrast, radiator water cools the exhaust stream, enabling the engine to operate at an optimum fuel-air ratio, again reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The engines pendulum mounting also creates advantages. Rubber-metal elements effectively uncouple the engine from the body, also resulting in the competitions lightest solution. In addition, soundproofing and damping concepts in the engine room have been optimised for weight. Thus, the cars design allowed for sufficient room between the engine and the firewall to enable firewall soundproofing to be executed as a single stamped part. Structural dampings have been specifically tuned and the body systematically sealed. These measures and a comprehensively sound damping and soundproofing concept result in the Citigo featuring a noise level perceptibly below that of competitors.

Transmission: newly designed
The new five-speed manual transmission internally known as the MQ100 is a completely new design for the Citigo, as is the optional automatised SQ100 transmission. In designing these gearboxes, the focus was on saving weight and space.

The manual MQ100 transmissions operating scope is directly adjacent to the MQ200 which was the smallest transmission until now. The MQ100 impresses with its short and compact build at 341 mm length and 462 mm width. The designers also managed to optimise all components, thus reducing weight, and to implement a number of measures resulting in increased efficiency. The MQ100 weighs a mere 27 kilogrammes including oil (1.2 litres), making it the lightest transmission in this torque class worldwide. Maximum input torque is 120 Nm (same as for automatised transmission).

The transmissions automatised version- the SQ100 ranks among the lightest automatic gearboxes ever built, weighing it at just 30 kilogrammes. It will select gears and operate the clutch for the driver, leaving him to just choose "D", "N" and "R" using a newly designed selector level. In addition, the driver may switch to manual mode at any time. In automatic mode "D", the gearbox will choose the optimum shifting moment and forward gear to maximise efficiency, reducing fuel consumption yet again as compared to the manual version. Gear changes will be timed based on various maps depending on trip profile and vehicle acceleration.

Unlike a conventional automatic transmission with torque converter lock-up clutch, the Škoda Citigos automatised gearbox dispenses with the "P" setting. Starting the car thus is done in "N" (neutral) as is stopping the Citigo.

Introducing a new Škoda logo
The Citigo represents a first in two ways: it is not just this Czech manufacturers first subcompact, it is also the first model to bear the Škoda brands new logo. Following a successful introduction of a new corporate design in 2011, the new vehicle logo on the Škoda Citigo and new models to come signal this manufacturers appetite for success.

The new logo concentrates even more on essential. The visual message is about precision and clarity. Basically, the trademark is now in chrome and in black where it used to be green, white and black. The winged arrow features much more prominently and is now all chrome. It is positioned in the middle of a round black emblem, itself enclosed by a chrome-coloured ring. The new logo drops the laurel wreath and the lettering.

Škoda has also changed the logos positioning at the front end. Instead of being integrated in the grille, it now sits prominently atop it at the centre of the bonnets moulded front edge. The logo stands out more and is more easily visible.

At the rear, the new logo is positioned on the lower centre of the tailgate. For the first time, the brand name Škoda is written in large silver letters on the cars rear.

The new vehicle logos premiere is a continuation of Škodas wide-ranging innovations in corporate and product design. Škoda had first presented its new corporate identity in early 2011. Since then, the companys corporate design including its company logo, lettering and colour schemes have shown new freshness and clarity. Whether in advertising, publications, press kits or exterior signage, Škoda today appears significantly more modern and younger. The new vehicle logo marks the next logical step toward new optical freshness and underscores the brands confidence especially in its new products. Another important step is the steady modernisation of Škoda dealers showrooms and exterior appearance.