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The Czech car manufacturer, Skoda Auto has made its presence in the Indian automotive market for a long time. However, strangely like most other car manufacturers, it didn’t have any intentions of entering into the hugely popular small car segment market. Instead, it has always kept it focus on catering to the luxury vehicle consumers both in the sedan and the SUV segment. However, the enormous potential of the Indian small car market is sure to lure any auto manufacturer and Skoda is no exception. The Czech based auto maker already showcased its hatchback called the Citigo in its home market and is planning to introduce the same model in the European and Asian markets as well soon.
“Following our record sales result in 2011, we intend to keep on growing in the coming years. The Citigo is of crucial importance to this growth strategy. This new model will open up the fast-growing subcompact segment for our brand,” Winfried Vahland, Škoda CEO, said.
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With Skoda looking to boost its sales volumes in India and along with Volkswagen which has aggressive plans to capture the Indian small car market, the Citigo holds lot of promise to be launched in the Indian market. The Skoda Citigo is powered by a 1.0 litre gasoline engine that produces 60 BHP of power and 95Nm of torque between 3000 to 4300 RPM. It also has an option of a more powerful engine variant that churns out 75 BHP of power. The Citigo boasts of an acceleration figure of 0 to 100 kmph in just 14.4 seconds with a top speed of 160 km/h. This engine is mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox.
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The Skoda Citigo concept also boasts of green technologies like Start-Stop system, Brake Energy Recuperation and Low Rolling Resistance tires, things that might not trickle down to the Indian production version to keep costs in check. It also boasts of safety features like ABS, ESP, “City Safe Drive” braking assistant and a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. According to Skoda, the “City Safe Drive” braking assistant activates the automatic emergency braking function and prevents urban accidents. At 3.56 meters long, 1.65 meters wide and 1.48 meters high, the Citigo is sure to provide decent interior space and legroom, both at the front and the back. One of the other interesting facts to note about this car is that it is not only going to be the first one from Skoda in the hatchback segment but will also feature the brand new Skoda badge.
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