MORE and more carmakers are now joining the rush to have fully electric models in their line-ups and a new era in ŠKODA’s history is about to begin with the arrival of the new CITIGOe iV, the brand’s first fully-electric production car which arrives here the UK early next year.

Based on the multi-award winning Citigo, the new CITIGOe iV has been completely re-engineered to incorporate a compact battery pack and efficient 61kW electric motor, and has a Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test (WLTP) range of up to 170 miles on a single charge.

Designed to be the perfect vehicle for modern cities, the new CITIGOe iV will be available in two value-packed trim grades that will be familiar to owners and buyers of the current petrol-powered model; SE and SE L. Both models feature the same battery and electric motor and offer identical levels of performance. Despite the addition of the new battery and electric motor, the CITIGOe iV has the same generous levels of boot space as the standard model with 250 litres available with the rear seats in position and 923 litres with them folded flat.

Mounted in the chassis floor, the CITIGOe iV’s battery delivers a range of between 140 and 170 miles on the WLTP cycle. Both models can be charged using a domestic or workplace wall box to 80 per cent in four hours 15 minutes, or 12 hours 37 minutes using a lower-powered 3.6kW home charging station.

CITIGOe iV’s electric motor produces an instantaneous 210Nm of torque, which provides it with exceptional agility and acceleration. 0-62mph takes 12.5 seconds, while top speed is 81mph.

The CITIGOe iV line-up starts with the SE model, which is priced at £20,455. This figure excludes the Government Plug-in Car Grant, that currently allows buyers to receive a £3,500 reduction on the list price of the vehicle. SE models are equipped with climate control air conditioning, three spoke leather steering wheel and handbrake lever, plus Swing DAB radio and remote central locking.

CITIGOe iV will be open for orders on December 10 with prices starting from just £20,455 and with first deliveries expected early next year.

Warning not to be sniffed at

ROAD safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is warning motorists about the dangerous effects some medications can have on driving.

Some cold and ‘flu treatments, painkillers and other drugs can cause drowsiness, reducing a driver’s ability to concentrate on the driving task. Driving while affected by drugs of this kind (even those prescribed by a doctor) is not only very hazardous, but also likely to be a criminal offence for which the penalties will be severe, warns GEM.