Skoda Confirms Citigo Will Not Get a Second Generation
Skoda has decided against developing a second-generation Citigo, citing falling demand for A-segment cars and a shift in focus towards SUVs and crossovers.
Skoda will not build a second-generation Citigo, ending speculation about the future of the city car. The company’s head of sales, Peter Solka, told Australian journalists that declining demand for A-segment hatchbacks means the Citigo will not be replaced. Instead, Skoda will concentrate its resources on expanding its SUV and crossover range.
The Citigo, launched in 2011, was Skoda’s entry into the city car segment, sharing its platform with the Volkswagen Up! and SEAT Mii. Despite a recent facelift and speculation about a possible electric version, Skoda has decided to withdraw from the segment. Solka said the market for small city cars is shrinking in Europe and other regions, making investment in a new generation unviable.
Shift Towards SUVs and Crossovers
Skoda’s decision follows a broader market trend. Sales of small hatchbacks have been declining as buyers move towards crossovers and SUVs, which offer higher margins and greater demand. Skoda has said it plans to double the number of crossovers in its model range, with new models such as the Karoq and Kodiaq Coupé already in the pipeline. The company believes there is no upper limit to the number of SUVs it can offer as long as customers remain interested.
The Citigo had been considered a candidate for Skoda’s first fully electric model, especially as the Volkswagen Up! was offered as the e-Up!. However, with the decision to discontinue the Citigo, Skoda’s electric push will now rely on larger models and crossovers. The company is already working on a new generation of electric SUVs, such as the Enyaq, to meet European emissions targets and changing customer preferences.
What It Means for Buyers and Dealers
For buyers, the end of the Citigo means fewer options in the city car segment from mainstream brands. Dealers will see the model phased out as stocks run down, with no direct replacement planned. Skoda’s smallest offering will now be the Fabia, which sits a segment above. Those seeking a small electric car from the Volkswagen Group will need to look at the Volkswagen e-Up! or used Citigo models.
- Skoda Citigo discontinued, no successor planned.
- SUV and crossover models to expand.
- Fabia becomes Skoda’s entry-level model.
The move reflects Skoda’s wider strategy to chase higher-volume and higher-margin segments, aligning with broader group priorities. For more on the Citigo’s earlier developments, seeSkoda Plans Citigo-Based Electric Car for 2014 Launch.
