Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Citigo review – small on size, big on quality - Engine and gearbox

Not a true thriller, but a competent car in which some fun can be had.

Evo rating
Price
from £8,860
  • Well-screwed together, lightweight
  • Long gearing

Engine and gearbox

With no turbocharger to boot peak torque comes on stream at a high 3,000 rpm in both engine applications. However, peak power arrives at different crank speeds: at 5,000rpm in the 59bhp model and at 6,200rpm in 74bhp model. However, you don't notice the latter’s extra oomph unless you work it hard.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That said, the recent facelift has  lumbered the Citigo with ridiculously  long-gearing (of both transmissions). It’s clearly a move designed to improve official efficiency claims, but the changes make the car feel sluggish to respond, with second gear taking you past 60mph and third past 90mph.

A shorter final drive would add a layer of involvement, forcing you to use more of the gears with greater frequency. That said, the shift is action is rubbery and notchy so you’re not missing out. Although changes can at least be dispatched quickly to avoid losing hard-gained momentum. Furthermore, the heavy flywheel sees the engine hang onto revs after an upshift which can make for jerky going.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024