Skoda have introduced a Monte Carlo-badged model to the range. It first appeared on the previous generation Fabia, offering sporting looks without sacrificing comfort or efficiency. Effectively a sheep in vRS clothing.

That same formula has been applied to the Citigo and, although it’s significantly more expensive than the SE model - £1,520 more expensive – it does come loaded with kit that means it’s actually better value than it might first appear.

Standard kit includes 15-inch black alloys, black trim on the rear spoiler, door mirrors and grille, plus chequered decals on the doors and boot.

Inside you get handsome striped seats, a sculpted, leather-bound steering wheel, gloss-black dash and the wonderfully clear Portable Infotainment Device (PID) that includes Bluetooth, sat nav and audio functions.

You also get a built-in smartphone holder built into the top of the dash. Download Skoda’s Move&Fun app and your phone can display supplemental information such as fuel economy and revs. It’s a great idea, but I didn’t find it particularly useful in practice, not least because the fuel economy figures displayed never exceeded 49.9mpg

Air con, a split-folding rear bench and electric front windows are also thrown in. You have to make do with manually-operated door mirrors but, in a car as narrow as the Citigo, that’s largely forgivable.

The additional detailing suits the little car well. It was already a great-looking hatchback, and now it’s a great-looking hatchback with a little attitude.

Unfortunately it really is all show and no additional go because the Monte Carlo has to make do with a non-Greenline 59bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It’s not all bad news, though,, as you’ll get a return of 64.2mpg and emit just 105g/km in the process.

Don’t be fooled, however, like other models in the range the Monte Carlo has all the ingredients it needs to entertain, despite the paucity of power. The engine is a little cracker. It revs smoothly, produces a satisfying but unobtrusive three-cylinder thrum and is peppy enough to take urban traffic in its tyre tracks.

The suspension has been lowered, although don’t expect any significant dynamic improvements because, like all the other changes, it’s all about improving the show rather than the go. It’s not as if the Citigo lacks grip, quite the opposite in fact. It turns in eagerly and holds its line with real commitment and, considering how supple the suspension is, with little in the way of body roll.

The steering is light, as are most of the controls, but direct and with bags of feedback. Changing gears is slick and precise too

The supple suspension and quite cabin also means that the Citigo is refined enough to tackle longer journeys too.

The Monte Carlo, at first glance, appears an expensive proposition compared to the rest of the Citigo range but, factor in the generous equipment and cosmetic changes and it starts to make a lot more sense. Skoda’s smallest hatchback, in any guise, has already shown that you don’t need hundreds of horses beneath the bonnet to deliver a fun drive and with the extra equipment on offer, and the sporty aesthetics, the Monte Carlo drives home the argument.

Skoda Citigo Monte Carlo 1.0 MPI 60PS 3-door

Price: £11,315

As tested: £11,370

Engine: 1.0 MPI 60PS

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Max power: 60PS

Max speed: 101mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 14.4 sec

Combined: 64.2mpg

Emissions (CO2): 101g/km

For more information visit www.skoda.co.uk