Given the growing concerns surrounding air pollution it is just a question of time before legislation puts an end to the sights and sounds of fossil-fuelled vehicles in our city centres. 

That doesn't mean we will all have to rush out and buy hair shirts or sign up to a band of eco-fundamentalists, however. Not as long as cars like the Skoda's Citigo-E IV exist. 

The all-electric version of the Citigo may be tailpipe-emissions-free, but it still offers a fun-to-drive character, park anywhere dimensions and the compelling bonus of highly affordable running costs.

What is more, with a starting price of just £16,995 after the £3,500 government grant has been deducted, it effectively puts paid to any lingering criticisms that electric mobility is predominately the domain of champagne socialists. 

Charging time

There is a slight catch in that headline figure, however, because the entry-level SE model does not come with a rapid charging facility. Therefore, although you can replenish the battery from a domestic 7kW wall box in around four hours, you cannot reinvigorate it from a typical service station fast charger, which would typically do the job in an hour. 

You can add the quick-charge facility for around £900, or pay an extra £2.5K and step up to SE L trim, which also adds some additional bling, including alloy wheels, parking sensors and heated seats.  

With relatively cheap electricity rates set to continue for the foreseeable future, the price of running an electric vehicle is likely to remain as peanuts compared with a fossil-fuelled car and because the Citigo's WLTP range potential is 161 miles, it will qualify for the most favourable taxation category in the upcoming 2020-21 tax regime, which will see BIK levied at 0%. 

Fun to drive

The Citigo may have ditched its squeeze-bang power plant in favour of an electric motor (you can no longer buy a petrol-powered Citigo), but that doesn't mean Skoda's baby is any less fun to drive. 

Yes, the additional mass of the battery pack adds 250kg, which is an awful lot in such a small car, but because the 82hp electric motor delivers its power the instant you press the accelerator, the performance is pretty invigorating, albeit up to a rather modest 45mph. 

Realistically, that's probably all the zip you need when scooting around town, but beyond this point the acceleration does plateau and top speed is limited to just 80mph. 

The motor has three drive modes. Normal is for everyday use and delivers full power, while Eco limits matters should you wish to squeeze more miles out of the battery. Eco+ will help out when your range is getting sketchy by limiting the power output and closing down the air conditioning.