Skoda has shown its version of the Volkswagen Audi Group's Up! micro-car family. The compact Citigo is the sixth model in the Skoda lineup to be made available initially in the Czech Republic. It will be built at the company's Bratislava plant in neighbouring Slovakia.
The Citigo will be Skoda's cheapest model with pricing anticipated at around 8000 Euros (approx $11,000) by the time it is offered across Europe by mid-2012. That means it could undercut the price of the Volkswagen Up! upon which it is based if it arrives Down Under. VW sources are targeting a local starting price of $14,490 for the Australian-spec Up!
The cost-cutter Citigo is part of Skoda's turned-up product offensive and entry "in a new sector", according to Skoda director Dr Winfried Vahland.
"The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price and with reasonable operating costs, is growing," says Vahland.
"Škoda's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract prospects mainly in our European markets."
Skoda Australia spokesman Karl Gehling admitted details at this stage were very limited from Skoda headquarters, however, the new light car offering "is under consideration" for local showrooms.
The Citigo is expected to be available in three and five-door body forms, however, don't be surprised if we are only offered the five-door as current Skoda/VW Light car offerings here are further differentiated as such.
The Citigo uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and five-speed manual. Two models are offered, in different states of tune: one with 44kW/95Nm and the other with 55kW/95Nm. Two super-economical 'GreenTec' engines will also join the lineup.
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