Nissan are set to release the new popular Qashqai in February 14` and the prices are actually slightly higher than the previous model starting at £17,595 for the petrol model. However the Qashqai does eventually work out cheaper as it’s in a lower BIK tax band due to its CO2 emissions, the diesel model also works out even cheaper in BIK tax saving you more money on a yearly basis, and after the big reveal last week the Nissan Qashqai looks to be a major competitor in the market. (more…)

The Skoda Citigo launched as recently as 2012, and in its short time has collected quite a few accolades and they are beginning to tally up. It won Auto Express Car of the Year and Best City Car by What Car and Auto Express and the superb car as received yet another. Great reviews all around, structured by a cheap buy new price and having low emissions have all turned in the favour of the Citigo.

The car does have negatives however from some critics but I think their arguments are irrelevant, most people claim that the Citigo either isn’t attractive or the engine is too low powered. I don’t understand it being labled as too low powered, the hint is in the name it’s a Citigo, if you still didn’t get it I was hinting at City Car, you don’t need to reach high speeds in traffic which is what it was designed for. The other saying that it’s not attractive, cheap cost effective cars that get you low emissions often aren’t the best of looking because the money is saved elsewhere and for good reason.

Regardless the award the Citigo received was the Sunday Times award of “Top City Car” which is just adding to Skoda’s trophy cabinet and judging by the popularity of this model they should be looking at increasing their cabinet’s size. This is what the judge of the Sunday Times had to say about it, “we chose the Škoda because we judge it to be the best value, a more important consideration in this class than any other. It is fun to angle around city streets, and its lively engine heightens the entertainment.” Another Sunday Times reporter said “we’re delighted that The Sunday Times has bestowed its top City Car honour on the Skoda Citigo. It’s a car that perfectly embodies Škoda’s philosophy of delivering high quality products with attractive designs, at extremely affordable prices.” Comments I’m sure that Skoda will cherish.

Skoda have made somewhat of a comeback and are now a major player in the car industry,  they’ve had a few recent successes such as the Fabia, Rapid, Octavia, Superb, Yeti and the Roomster. They are beginning to make a fantastic name from their selves with all the recent vehicles being a real success.