Skoda begins series production of its all-new Citigo small car at its advanced production facility in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Unveiled at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the Citigo will be introduced in Skoda’s home market of the Czech Republic at the end of this year. Initially it will be as a three-door model, with a five-door variant appearing early in 2012. A pan-European roll-out will follow next summer and will include the UK.

“The Citigo is a central component of our growth strategy,” said the Chairman of the Board of Skoda, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “With this automobile, we are starting our model offensive in Europe. It opens up the important small car market for Skoda and perfectly applies our values in the shape of a city car. Citigo is compact yet spacious, economical yet agile, attractive and equipped with many innovative ideas. This car is ‘city clever’.”
With an overall length of 3.56 metres, a width of 1.65 metres and a height of 1.48 metres, the Citigo is among the most compact models in the segment. It may be small on the outside but is big on the inside, and offers space for four adults to travel in comfort.

Citigo sets new standards for occupant safety. For the first time, a head/thorax side airbag for the driver and front passenger are included in a new Skoda. In conjunction with other advanced technologies, such as the new City Safe Drive active brake assistant, the Citigo will offer drivers an outstanding passive safety package.

Customers will have the choice of two 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines, developing 60 and 75bhp.