Skoda Citigo review – small on size, big on quality - Ride and Handling
Not a true thriller, but a competent car in which some fun can be had.
Ride and Handling
Softly sprung, the Citigo takes nobbly city streets in its stride, with the suspension comfortably filtering out the road’s imperfections – only a cavernous pothole will send a crash through the structure.
However, up the pace on winding roads, and the loose-limbed body control translates to plenty of roll. Initial turn in is responsive enough, but the Citigo adopts a leaning stance under sustained loads. While this doesn't scream sporty, the small Skoda clings on gameley with decent control - although mid-corner bumps can unsettle the car.
Opt for the £155 Sport suspension (it’s standard on the Monte Carlo), which lowers the ride height by 15mm, and the Citigo takes on a sportier edge giving some pliancy in the process. The body is better buttoned-down with vertical movements less exaggerated, so it nips into corners with greater alacrity, encouraging you to carry impressive speeds through the bends. Even so, the sportier chassis setup still advertently favours understeer, and the ESP isn’t shy of stepping in when you overwhelm the front tyres or attempt to mobile the rear axle, but it does so smoothly.
The steering rack offers just enough feedback, but it's accurate and light so you can intuitively position the Citigo. As a result you feel confident t driving right up to both the Skoda’s and , the road’s limits, as you strive to sustain momentum. This proves surprisingly challenging, addictive and fun.
A combination of disc and drum brakes, at the front and rear respectively, offer appropriate stopping power. Most of the brake pressure comes in the top half of the pedal, which feels a tad overservoed, so you don't get the extra performance you hope for under with heavier brake inputs.
