Skoda Citigo-e iV promises affordable price tag and 164-mile range

Skoda has announced its first electric car will have an official range of 164 miles and is likely to be priced at around £15,000 when it goes on sale early in 2020.

Based on the standard Citigo city car, the Citigo-e iV is closely related to the Volkswagen e-Up, with an 83PS electric motor and batteries situated under the floor. These can be charged to 80 per cent in one hour using a 40kW fast charger. 

Using a 7.2kW wall box at home, it'll reach 80 per cent of its capacity in a little more than four hours, while a 2.3kW home charger takes around 12 and a half hours.

With maximum torque of 210Nm available as soon as the driver presses on the accelerator, the Citigo-e iV reaches 62mph in 12.5 seconds. Top speed is 81mph.

The five-door electric car will be based exclusively on Ambition and Style trim levels, with only minor tweaks to separate it from the standard Citigo range. These include a restyled radiator grille and front bumper, while fog lights and LED daytime running lights are standard.

The Citigo-e iV Ambition comes with 14‑inch steel wheels, while the Style features two-tone 16-inch alloys.

It can be specced in four standard colours - Candy White, Tornado Red, Sunflower Yellow and Kiwi Green. Metallic finishes in Deep Pearlescent Black, Crystal Blue and Tungsten Silver will be available as optional extras.

The interior has also been refreshed for the Citigo-e iV, while standard equipment includes a smartphone docking station on the dashboard, electric front windows and a Lane Assist feature. A new mobile online service lets drivers check on the battery or air conditioning remotely.

An optional comfort package adds heated front seats, four additional speakers and parking sensors at the rear. A winter package is also available, with heat-insulating glass for the windscreen and a rain and light sensors. Further options include an adjustable boot floor, cruise control and tinted glass for the rear and rear side windows.

Prices for the Skoda Citigo-e iV are yet to be announced, but it's expected to start in the region of £15,000 - making it significantly cheaper than the Volkswagen e-Up and Renault Zoe.