It’s time for our latest mid-week debate, and today’s Car Wars Wednesdays is a blinder! It’s the ultimate battle of city cars: VW up! vs. Skoda Citigo – and with an almost identical mechanical structure, it won’t be easy to pick a winner. Buckle up petrol-heads – it’s going to be an interesting ride!
Design
With its sharper styling, the VW up! is easier on the eye than the Skoda Citigo, and its great-value service pack gives it an edge over its rivals. Don’t be fooled, though – the Skoda shouldn’t be easily dismissed. The Citigo’s boxy appearance is deceptive but, inside the cabin, the car is surprisingly spacious and practical. As these two city cruisers share the same mechanics, it’s tough to call – but we have to agree with other VW up! reviews in this round – the Volkswagen just pips Skoda to the post.
Features
Any Skoda Citigo review will tell you that, due to its low purchase price, this nippy number comes with very little equipment in the basic model. Moving up the range, the SE spec comes with air-con and electric front windows, and is arguably the most popular model – while the high-end Monte Carlo comes with an array of aesthetic add-ons, but considerably hitches up the price. The basic VW’s equipment includes a CD player and airbags as standard – but you’ll have to pay more for the higher end Move up! or High up! models if you want heated seating and 15 inch alloys. Both brands include an optional comfort pack, with VW’s up! coming in at a slightly cheaper price – giving them the points this round.
Performance
In terms of fuel economy, the entry-level Citigo just outsmarts the standard VW up! The VW’s basic 59bhp engine returns 62.8mpg and emits 105g/km of CO2 – making road tax just £20 a year. The entry-level Skoda will give you 64.2 miles to the gallon, with identical emissions figures – meaning that, for overall performance, the Citigo gets our vote.
Price
When it comes to costs, this is where Skoda score well. Skim the surface and the Citigo might share the same DNA as the VW up! – but at £8,210, this Skoda comes in at £500 cheaper than its rival – so the Skoda Citigo wins this race hands down.
The verdict: What a battle – winning two rounds each, these city cars have put up a fierce fight! While the aesthetically appealing VW up! has been an undoubtedly worthy contender, our crown goes to the Skoda Citigo for its attractive purchase price, spacious interior and overall efficiency.
Is the Citigo your winner? Or would you have opted for the up!? Either way, the Car Loan Warehouse can help you find the funds for the car of your choice. Our flexible range of Skoda Citigo finance and VW up! finance options mean you could be cruising in a city car of your own – and sooner than you think! Still making your mind up? Check out our online car finance calculator for a quick quote today.
