My 2013 Citigo SE 60ps has always had an odd feel to its steering, mostly manifesting itself as an occasional reluctance to self-centre after turning at junctions, but it has never been light or communicative. My local dealer (Robinsons in Norwich) looked at it and found no issue, but they did suggest that I had a full alignment check done. I fid that, and the check showed that the castor angle was out of spec on both front wheels, by exactly the same amount. I'm still waiting for a response from Skoda, and Robinsons are chasing them, since castor is not adjustable and the car must have been made that way.
Anyway, I've now put a new set of steel wheels with Goodyear Ultra Grip 9 winter tyres on the car, and I'm astonished to find the steering magically lighter, linear in feel, and self-centreing properly. So, odd castor angle aside, the problem seems to have been the truly horrible Falken Sincera tyres that it came with. Interestingly, there is fine cracking in the continuous grooves of both the front tyres. I would never buy a cheap Far-Eastern tyre like this, but since the car came with them I've tolerated them so far, but when the regular wheels go back on in the spring, the Falkens will be getting binned for something of better (European) quality.
All that aside, plus an occasionally obstructive gearbox and the sheer inconvenience of the single window switches, the Citigo is great. I love its refinement, settled ride, good seats and (most unusual in a newish car) the good rear visibility. Servicing has been inexpensive and Robinsons have been really good too.
Anyway, I've now put a new set of steel wheels with Goodyear Ultra Grip 9 winter tyres on the car, and I'm astonished to find the steering magically lighter, linear in feel, and self-centreing properly. So, odd castor angle aside, the problem seems to have been the truly horrible Falken Sincera tyres that it came with. Interestingly, there is fine cracking in the continuous grooves of both the front tyres. I would never buy a cheap Far-Eastern tyre like this, but since the car came with them I've tolerated them so far, but when the regular wheels go back on in the spring, the Falkens will be getting binned for something of better (European) quality.
All that aside, plus an occasionally obstructive gearbox and the sheer inconvenience of the single window switches, the Citigo is great. I love its refinement, settled ride, good seats and (most unusual in a newish car) the good rear visibility. Servicing has been inexpensive and Robinsons have been really good too.