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If you’re considering getting a new car, December is an ideal time to buy. Car dealerships will be trying to sell as much stock as possible in the New Year. Slow sales in January and February mean you can also get great deals throughout Winter. But what should you buy? If you’re going to splash out on a brand new vehicle, make it one of the best of the year.
The Skoda Citigo Hatchback is a prime choice. The small city car has received numerous awards for its practicality and affordable costs. Here are some of the reasons why the 2016 Citigo is one of the best cars of the year.
Skoda Citigo: Startlingly Cheap
Whether you want to buy new or used, the Citigo is relatively cheap. WhatCar rewarded it with the best city car under £10,000. But despite the low prices, you won’t be getting poor quality. It has many of the same features as its competitors Volkswagen Up! And the SEAT Mii, but at a much more affordable price. In fact, it may even be preferable in many aspects.
The vehicle suits drivers looking for a basic and practical city car. New learners without much money to spend can get one of these models for a fantastic price. Those looking to downsize from a larger vehicle will also be happy. There are many upgrades which make it cost more, but nonetheless, you’ll be getting a fair deal.
Stand-Out Safety Rating
The roads are dangerous, and safety is a key concern for many people. New drivers and those with families especially will want a car they feel secure in. That’s why Citigo is a prime choice.
The Skoda Citigo has a full 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. It scored 89% in safety for adult occupants and 80% for children. As well as keeping you safe, it can also save you on insurance. You can compare car insurance and find cheap coverage for this vehicle.
It’s durable in crashes and keeps passengers safe with airbags and impact protection. It also has safety technology such as automatic emergency braking and electronic stability control.
Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency of the Citigo depends on the model and engine you opt for. The 1.0 MPI 60PS petrol engine scored 51.4mpg for city driving and 74.3mpg on an extra-urban cycle. Other engines peaked slightly higher at 76.4mpg.
It’s not quite the best fuel efficiency you’ll see in a car this size. In fact, many of its competitors beat it out here. But it’s an efficient vehicle for the price that can get you a long way. In addition to the purchase price and low insurance costs, it adds up for one of the cheapest vehicles to run.
Satisfying Driving
As an efficient compact car, it’s obviously no powerhouse. But you’ll be satisfied at how smooth and responsive the driving feels.
The basic 1.0-litre petrol engine will give you 59-bhp and go from 0-62mph in about 14.4 seconds. However, you can also get a more powerful engine with 74-bhp and reach 62mph in 13.5 seconds.
It isn’t the fastest, but the driving is highly practical. You’ll get smooth and direct steering when driving through city roads. The handling is sharp and makes it feel quicker than it is. Some models also include infotainment features such as a Garmin sat-nav and smartphone connectivity. All of this makes for a pleasant drive that can handle your regular commute or even family road trips.
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