I select reverse the same in the Citigo as every other car I've driven by briefly selecting first then straight into reverse. Never had a problem with 1st or reverse and the gearbox at 3000 miles is the same as it was when it was new. It is a bit vocal but not unpleasant. I can see Skoda adding some sound insulation come upgrade and think it was a bit of an oversight here. What I do like is miserly fuel consumption.

Cool At least you've never encountered a problem!think it mentions it on page 63 of owners manual about reverse gear selection.