Volkswagen Citi Mk1

Before I started writing this driving impression I received two strict instructions: "Don't get too nostalgic about the last Citi", aptly named Mk 1, and "Treat it like you would any other test vehicle". However as spartan and retro as this motoring legend is, the Citi Mk 1 has more character than any other "budget" car that I have experienced in my burgeoning career...

Launched simultaneously with the announcement that the Citi was finally being discontinued after a run of 25 years on the local market, the Mk1 is limited to 1 000 models. But before I do what I was told not to, on to the evaluation...

Despite being based on a design that has remained much the same for longer than 30 years, the Citi has endeared itself to motorists and undergone regular updates that sometimes just seemed like marketing gimmicks to keep in touch with current trends.

Despite the age-old boxy design, the Mk1 has been endowed with a cool set of darkened tail lamps and 15-inch wheels shod with 195/50 R15 Continental tyres. I think that the orange front indicator lenses should have been clear items, or at the very least tinted as well. What really sets the MK1 apart from previous Citi models are special Mk1 badges that indicate its number out of 1 000. And, there are silver stripes between, and above, the wheelarches.

The first modern feature I came across was the remote central locking on what is a very basic key/fob combination. When I got into the driver's seat I was greeted by a sombre interior, thanks to the dark fabrics and plastics used throughout.

Admittedly, the red stitching and detail on the thickly-bolstered seats, seatbelts, handbrake lever- and gear boots, and "golf ball" gearknob add quite a GTI feel to everything, and the silver trim does brighten things up somewhat. If you're wondering why VW didn't opt to stick with the attractive steering wheel first used in the R-Line, find comfort in the fact that the thick boss now houses an airbag.

Turn the ignition and just after you hear the fuel pump kick into life, the 1,6-litre four-cylinder unit barks into life and settles into a bit of a bassy rumble at idle. It sounds a bit gruff on the road, but doesn't quite irritate or annoy the driver as one might expect.
With 74 kW on tap at 5 400 r/min and 140 N.m of torque available at 4 400 r/min, the outputs sure don't sound impressive, but the five-speed single-overhead-camshaft unit revs freely and most of the time overtaking is just a single downshift away. The shifting is smooth (throw is a bit long though) and the clutch is easy to operate - which should please younger drivers.

As has been said many times before, the Citi's handling characteristics are simply delightful. The Mk1 understeers when you coax it into corners at higher speeds - and the push increases depending on corners' entry speeds, but can be easily cured by a easing off the throttle.

Around town the ride is pleasant enough considering the Citi isn't equipped with a fancy suspension and/or much noise-reducing padding. At low speed, the lack of power steering combined with the wide alloys can result in an impromptu workout, especially during parking manoeuvres. Even with the lack of ABS, brake pressure is easy to modulate once you get used to how lifeless the brake pedal feels.

Even in its twilight, the Citi isn't a bad car, but at R113 500 it really needs more safety features (at the very least an extra airbag and ABS) and creature comforts, such as electric windows, power steering and air-con to keep it alive. Still, a look at Citi's sales figures made me wonder if the buying public really thinks these features are all that important...