• Just one electric powertrain
• Zippy performance in town
• Three driving modes available

The Citigo-e iV makes use of a 61kW electric motor driven through the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. There are no confusing buttons to select gears or anything, just a simple VW Group DSG gearshifter with P, R, N and D choices, the latter of which can be nudged into a B mode (more on that further down the page).

The electric motor delivers an equivalent of 83hp, but a torque figure of 212Nm means it feels far more rapid than you’d expect it to. The 0-62mph sprint takes 12.3 seconds, but of more importance is a 0-31mph time of 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 80.7mph.

Around town, you’ll struggle to find a nippier and more agile-feeling car – it’s really impressive. All of that torque is available as soon as you hit the throttle pedal, launching you forwards with more aggression than any other regular Citigo model. It’s not outrageous though, and feels more than enough for urban driving. the surprising nature of it makes it enjoyable, while remaining satisfying that it’s all in silence, too.

We haven’t driven the car on any faster routes such as motorways, but a drive in the identical SEAT Mii Electric demonstrated it feels mature like the petrol-powered models always did.

It’s very easy to drive too, with no gears to cycle through, it just stops and goes. You can alter the ferocity of the car’s regenerative braking, though. This uses the electric motor to slow the car down without the need to use the brake pedal, with four levels of harshness available.

In its most aggressive form, and with good planning, you can get around town without needing to touch the brake pedal. But because it does feel like regular braking, the brake lights do still come on. You can flick between the levels via the gearlever – selecting the B function.

How does it handle?

• Fantastic around town
• Feels more agile than you’d expect
• Could feel out of its depth elsewhere

As we’ve said, the Citigo-e iV feels agile and nimble around town – the eager powertrain and light steering combination for a car that’s easy to fling around tight turns and mini roundabouts, with excellent visibility all-round aiding the agility.

You sit high and the car can roll a little into corners which might leave you hanging on, but if you’re driving an eco-friendly electric car like this, you may want to be looking elsewhere for a hot hatch.

For most, the serene refinement and composed ride will make it very comfortable indeed, and the ease with which you can potter around town makes it a fine handler.