What's the news?
As if starting your automotive career with a big car manufacturer like Skoda wasn't enough, imagine then being allowed to create your very own concept car. That's what a team of 16 Skoda apprentices have done and their creation is set to be publicly unveiled at the upcoming Wörthersee event.
The CitiJet is based on the Skoda Citigo and uses the same 75hp 1.0-litre MPI petrol engine. Despite also sharing the same face, this unique creation demonstrates that small cars don't need to be dull and functional. It is the first time that Skoda has commissioned such a project, which began back in November 2013, and the Czech firm allowed its team of apprentices full creative freedom. The result is this two-tone convertible.
Rolling on 16-inch alloy wheels that contrast with the blue and white two-tone metallic paint, the CitiJet also features a unique rollover bar that drops down between the two front seats to give the appearance of it being roll hoops. At the rear is a hand-made spoiler, while the bumper has been modified to accommodate a two-pipe exhaust system.
Aside from chopping the roof off and creating a funky paintjob, the young designers also added some neat touches to the car's interior. A leather-covered steering wheel with racy red stitching and matching gear selector hint at the sportier side to this car and match with the dashboard facia, which is painted in white and red. And if that doesn't all grab your attention, there is also a 300-Watt sound system installed that features music-reactive LED lighting.
Commenting on the car, Skoda's Head of Auto Design, Jozef Kabaň, said; "Our apprentices have put their hearts and souls into this vehicle. Every little detail, no matter how small, was discussed, agreed upon and put into practice by the team. It was a real team effort. The outcome: a unique and emotional car, of which everybody involved should be very proud of."
Anything else?
The CitiJet's debut at Wörthersee will be one of several radically styled design studies being unveiled at the car show from the Volkswagen Group, including the SEAT Ibiza Cupster and something special from Volkswagen itself yet to be revealed.