Skoda Citigo vs. VW up!: which is better?
We're comparing the VW Group's quirky city cars in our Skoda Citigo vs. VW Up! review
)
The Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen Up sit at either end of the budget of the VW Group’s range of city cars – the Up being the pricier and flashier of the two.
This doesn’t mean that the Citigo is lacking – it’s still an impressive compact cruiser that’ll suit new drivers, city dwellers, and those who want something simple and reliable.
There’s also the SEAT Mii in the middle of the pair, and it’s worth considering if its Up and Citigo siblings aren’t quite doing it for you.
So, between these two city cars – which is best for you?
)
Skoda Citigo vs. VW Up!
Our guide will answer:
Which model has the better styling?
Is the Skoda Citgo or VW Up better to drive?
Does the Skoda Citgo or VW Up have better tech?
Is the Skoda Citgo or VW Up more reliable?
What are the Skoda Citgo or VW Up dimensions?
Skoda Citigo vs. VW Up: styling
)
You have to look quite closely to see any major differences between the VW Up and Skoda Citigo as they are the same car in many ways.
Built on the same platform, they share the same boxy shape and flat rear end.
The differences are in the details. While the Up has a bumper reminiscent of a grille-less electric car, the Citigo offers a small grille detail with chrome surround.
You’ll also be able to tell the two apart at the rear. The Up favours a larger glass panel at the rear, while the Citigo replaces that space with the typical body-coloured boot.
It’s a small difference really, but it makes all the difference in terms of aesthetics.
The Up tends to appeal to a younger crowd because of its unique looks, but you do have to pay a bit more to get them.
Skoda Citigo vs. VW Up: what are they like to drive?
)
Both the Skoda Citigo and the VW Up are powered by the same 1.0-litre engine, with two different power outputs.
The Volkswagen is also available as the Up GTI – a sportier model that’s been turbocharged for some extra pep in its step.
Despite the Citigo being the more affordable option, it really doesn’t feel any less fun to drive. Comfortable suspension means it takes on bumps easily and it still takes on motorways with no issue, despite being a smaller model.
The Up is very much the same, feeling secure, smooth and easy to drive. You might find that the Up isn’t quite as capable on motorways and feels purely a city car, but there is the added option of the GTI engine that the Citigo doesn’t offer.
Skoda Citigo vs. VW Up: interior and technology
)
The interior of the Citigo is more stripped-back than the Up but doesn’t feel any lesser in quality.
Everything feels solid and well-built, with handy features like a smartphone cradle.
The Up has a flashier interior design with an urban feel, compared to the functional focus of the Citigo.
You still get touches like the smartphone cradle, and special models like the Up Beats Edition add a 300W Beats sound system.
To keep costs low, neither the Citigo and Up are the techiest options on the market. They're functional, well-built, and have everything you need for everyday use – but you won’t be blown away by the interior tech on offer.
Skoda Citigo vs. VW Up: boot space and practicality
)
Both the Citigo and the Up are practical options, especially when you consider the tight parking spaces, and busy cities and town centres.
The compact size makes both cars easy to live with.
The VW Up offers a 251-litre boot at the rear and plenty of other storage areas around the car.
There are hiding spots behind the gearstick, hefty door bins, and a sizeable glovebox.
The Skoda Citigo has the same size boot and much of the same storage space, so you’re going to find it hard to choose between the two based on space and practicality.
Skoda Citigo vs. VW Up: dimensions
The Volkswagen Up is 3,600mm long, 1,645mm wide and 1,504mm tall, making it a really compact little car.
You won’t find much difference in measurements by opting for the Citigo. It’s 3,597mm long, 1,645mm wide and 1,478mm tall.
Used Volkswagen up! vs. used Skoda Citigo: which should you buy?
Deciding between a used Volkswagen Up and a used Skoda Citigo is no easy job.
Sam, our motring editor, says the Citigo is "nippy and fun to drive, with plenty of room inside."
He thinks the VW Up is: "a cracking city car that’s surprisingly spacious, very reliable and has a turbocharged engine that’s punchy when you need it to be."
The similarities between the two mean you’ll have to get right down to the details to find your winner.
Most obviously, the styling of the cars is slightly different, and you’ll likely prefer the Up if you enjoy a quirkier and urban feel.
The Up is the pricier option, so consider whether that VW badge and extra few bits of tech are worth the extra cost. For most people, the Skoda Citigo will be more than enough.
In fact, despite the popularity of the Up, the Citigo is often the preferred pick. It’s sleek, comfortable, easy to drive and ideal for a daily cruiser.