The Skoda Citigo, particularly the facelifted 5-door version produced from 2017 to 2019, represented Skoda’s entry into the city car segment. This variant, equipped with the 1.0 MPI 75 horsepower engine and an ASG (Automated Shift Gearbox) transmission, was positioned as a practical and economical choice for urban drivers. It was part of the broader Citigo range, which itself was a collaborative effort with Volkswagen (resulting in the VW up!) and SEAT (resulting in the SEAT Mii), all based on the Volkswagen Group’s New Small Family (NSF) platform. The 2017 facelift brought styling updates and improvements to the interior, enhancing the Citigo’s appeal in a competitive market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Citigo |
| Generation | Citigo (facelift 2017, 5-door) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 MPI (75 Hp) ASG |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 103 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp, 87.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9 kg/Nm, 110.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3000 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHYB |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 857 kg (1889.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1290 kg (2843.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 433 kg (954.6 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 251 l (8.86 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 959 l (33.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3597 mm (141.61 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1914 mm (75.35 in.) |
| Height | 1478 mm (58.19 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2420 mm (95.28 in.) |
| Front track | 1428 mm (56.22 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1424 mm (56.06 in.) |
| Front overhang | 633 mm (24.92 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 544 mm (21.42 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 136 mm (5.35 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.315-0.325 |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 14.3° |
| Departure angle | 22.3° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission ASG |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer lateral stability |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Citigo variant is the CHYB engine, a naturally aspirated 999cc three-cylinder petrol engine. This engine is part of Volkswagen Group’s EA211 family, known for its compact design and efficiency. The CHYB utilizes multi-point fuel injection and four valves per cylinder. Its relatively simple design contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance. The 75 horsepower output, while modest, is sufficient for city driving. Paired with this engine is a five-speed ASG (Automated Shift Gearbox) transmission. This is essentially a conventional manual gearbox with automated clutch operation and gear changes, offering a degree of convenience without the full complexity (and cost) of a traditional automatic transmission. The ASG, while improving ease of use, isn’t known for particularly rapid shifts and can sometimes exhibit a slight jerkiness, especially at lower speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.0 MPI 75 hp/ASG Citigo delivers a driving experience geared towards practicality and fuel economy rather than performance. Acceleration is leisurely, taking nearly 15 seconds to reach 60 mph. The ASG transmission, while convenient, doesn’t offer the responsiveness of a manual gearbox or a conventional automatic. Gear changes are noticeable, and the transmission can sometimes hunt for the right gear, particularly on inclines. However, for typical urban commutes, the power delivery is adequate. The light weight of the Citigo (around 857 kg) helps to mitigate the modest power output. The steering is light and precise, making maneuvering in tight spaces easy. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride on typical city roads.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.0 MPI 75 hp ASG Citigo typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included central locking, electric front windows, a basic audio system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as SE or Elegance, added features like air conditioning, alloy wheels, a trip computer, and upgraded interior trim. Optional extras included parking sensors, a navigation system, and heated front seats. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. The dashboard layout was simple and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Citigo’s chassis is a typical front-wheel-drive configuration with a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are drums – a cost-saving measure common in this segment. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance in emergency situations. The relatively light weight of the vehicle contributes to its braking efficiency.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Skoda Citigo 1.0 MPI ASG was generally well-received by critics as a sensible and affordable city car. Its fuel economy was a major selling point, and its compact size made it easy to park and maneuver in urban environments. Compared to the manual transmission version, the ASG offered added convenience, but at the expense of some performance and refinement. Compared to higher-powered variants within the Citigo range (which were not commonly offered), this version prioritized economy over outright speed. It competed directly with other city cars like the Volkswagen up!, SEAT Mii, Hyundai i10, and Kia Picanto.
Legacy
The Skoda Citigo, and specifically this 1.0 MPI 75 hp ASG variant, has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The EA211 engine is generally considered robust, and the ASG transmission, while not without its quirks, has a reasonable track record for longevity with proper maintenance. On the used car market, these Citigos represent a good value proposition for buyers seeking an economical and practical city car. They are often praised for their low running costs and ease of maintenance. However, potential buyers should be aware of the ASG transmission’s potential for occasional jerkiness and ensure it has been serviced according to Skoda’s recommendations.
