We review the Skoda Citigo Monte Carlo from price to economy and all its features

SKODA has put sex into the Citigo.

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That sounds mighty close to my greatest hate on the TV, Sex And The City — a telly show based on four women blethering about shoes, fashion, moaning about men and PMT.

Basically, Loose Women in New York. Yawn.

I never thought I'd see the day when Skoda and Sarah Jessica Parker shared the same paragraph.

However, Skoda has gone from frumpy to hugely fashionable. Add a few decals and alloys, and suddenly the Citigo goes from Lidl to Louboutin in the style stakes.

This is the Skoda Citigo, now available in Monte Carlo trim and priced from £10,590. On sale now.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

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Lidl to Louboutin … Skoda Citigo

It looks the business. Based on midrange SE spec, the new variant is available as a three- or five-door.

There are black design details featured on all versions of the Monte Carlo, helping the latest incarnation of the city car stand out from the rest of the range.

Included are alterations to the alloys in very cool black, front and rear spoilers, rear diffuser, grille and door mirrors.

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DRIVE TIME

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Nippy … Monte Carlo

Despite its hot-hatch personality, the engine is the same 59bhp 1litre three-cylinder as in the SE.

With 0-62mph in over 14 seconds and a top speed of 99mph it certainly wouldn't live with most cars that touch Tarmac in Monte Carlo.

But it's far from dull. The five-speed manual gearbox is tight and precise, and so much fun to throw around, surprisingly nippy and the steering is nicely weighted.

INSIDE STORY

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Sporty styling … red upholstery

It's certainly dazzling inside, perked up by red seats. A sports steering wheel and Monte Carlo red/black upholstery make up the main visual changes to the interior, although Skoda's PID infotainment system is also fitted as standard, featuring sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity, a media player, and trip and vehicle information.

VERDICT: Whether all the extra livery warrants a price hike of £1,810 than the equivalent SE model depends on what your budget dictates. But, for me, it adds a bit more style to what is already the best car of the Up! and Mii triplets.