Skoda

Yeti/Yeti Outdoor

This multi-award-winning model is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Whether you opt for the 2WD or 4WD versions, there is a Yeti model to suit all tastes. And the Yeti Outdoor is ready to take on Mother Nature’s mood swings every step of the way.

Test Drive

Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 170PS 4×4 Monte Carlo

The multi award-winning Skoda Yeti needs very little introduction as it has been endearing fans the world over thanks to its versatility, practicality, style and performance.

But there is a new trim level that is full of razzmatazz – in fact the Monte Carlo spec takes a truly winning formula and really ups the ante.

In fairness, even the most basic entry-level Yeti is a great looking car but the extra kit that Monte Carlo models introduce cannot fail to impress the fussiest of critics.

For it boasts stand-out 17-inch black alloys, a black roof and door mirrors, a black front spoiler and rear diffuser, a black grille, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights with cornering function, black-looking front fog lights, stainless steel tailpipe trims and plenty of distinctive Monte Carlo badging.

And once you take your seat behind the multi-function leather sports steering wheel you are greeted by a stylish cabin packed with techno treats and creature comforts.

These include an easy-to-operate sat nav system, heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning with humidity sensor, a six-CD changer and radio with MP3 compatibility, special Monte Carlo upholstery, cruise control and plenty more besides.

The interior is incredibly spacious and can easily accommodate four adults (five at a push) and luggage restrictions will never apply either as the generously-sized boot can cater for 416 litres of luggage – a capacity that can easily and quickly be increased to 1,760 litres thanks to 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.

Elsewhere there are numerous handy storage options scattered throughout the cabin, including deep door pockets capable of holding large water bottles, a central bin, practically-sized cup holders and a concealed tray on top of the dashboard.

So the Yeti Monte Carlo model certainly looks the part and is packed with eye-catching design cues and plenty of on-board technology, but how does it perform when put to the test? The answer is very well indeed.

Powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine, it can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 122mph. According to official figures, it can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 44.8mpg with carbon emissions of 164g/km.

The test model featured a six-speed DSG automatic transmission which was beautifully smooth and responsive as it swept through the gears.

A Sport setting cranked up the excitement by sharpening up the car’s handling and driving dynamics.

Despite its size the Yeti is deceptively nimble and easy to manoeuvre and the road-holding also impresses meaning sweeping country lanes with long tight bends pose no problem at all.

In busy town centres the high-seated driving position is a real bonus as it offers the driver excellent all-round visibility and parking is also made simpler thanks to rear parking sensors.

Then out on faster roads, the Yeti is a very accomplished performer and can easily keep pace with fast-moving motorway traffic. There is a little wind noise from the door mirrors when travelling at pace, but engine and road surface sounds are kept to a minimum – which again is impressive for a vehicle of the Yeti’s size.

Comfort levels are excellent and the high roofline, along with large rear windows mean back seat passengers are treated to plenty of light and space.

As one would expect, the Yeti comes complete with a comprehensive array of safety specifications and it’s also worth noting that the test car featured 4×4 capabilities which could prove vital during those cold winter months if Mother Nature gets her way.

All in all, the Yeti is a brilliant all-rounder with a relatively attractive price-tag of £25,690 (increased to £27,635 with options). Its namesake Monte Carlo is renowned the world over for its flair and excitement and this Yeti certainly lives up to that reputation with ease.

Test Drive

Skoda Yeti SE Greenline II

After scooping dozens of awards and accolades galore, the latest face-lifted Yeti now has even more all-round appeal by offering incredible economy along the way.

Buyers can choose from a 2WD model that is ready for any challenge the urban jungle has in store or opt for the 4WD Yeti Outdoor for a more adventurous journey.

My test model was the two-wheel-drive Yeti Greenline – the clue to its economy really is in the name. For this model can achieve 61.4mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of just 119g/km.

All models are highly specced and for £18k (plus £2k options) you are guaranteed plenty of on-board technology along with excellent driving dynamics.

Admittedly, being the green machine that it is, the Yeti Greenline is not the fastest out of the starting blocks and takes 12.1 seconds to reach 62mph from a standing start before redlining at 109mph.

But make no mistake, this car is no slouch either. Powered by a 1.6-litre diesel-driven engine, there is ample zip on tap and it can easily hold its own with fast-moving motorway traffic.

The five-speed manual gearbox is beautifully smooth although when pushed hard I was searching for a non-existent six gear.

But that was my only slight gripe after a week-long test drive that incorporated fast country lanes, motorways and busy, built-up city centre driving, where the high seated position along with excellent all-round visibility was another bonus factor.

The Yeti looks great from any approach thanks to daytime running lights, 16-inch alloys, front fog lights, roof rails and large windows that allow the light to flood into the cabin.

Inside, all occupants are treated to ample space and back seat passengers can really stretch out in comfort.

And, of course, there is plenty of on-board technology to be explored within this four-door model, such as a sat nav system with DAB radio (£1,630 optional extra), rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, a six CD changer with MP3 compatibility, a dual-zone air con system with humidity sensor, cruise control and plenty more besides.

One factor that is vital to potential Yeti buyers is flexibility and the car has it by the bucket load!

For example, the boot comes complete with horizontal rails and sliding hooks that can hold shopping bags or have a net attached to them.

There is also a removable box that is ideal for keeping items in an upright position.

The boot’s generous storage capacity of 416 litres can easily be increased to 1,580 litres with the seats folded flat and there is a large glovebox, deep central bin and covered tray on top of the dashboard.

The Yeti also features Skoda’s notable Varioflex seating system whereby the trio of rear seats can be adjusted forwards or backwards and the central seat can actually be removed to create extra space if needed. All these options are completed with the minimal amount of fuss possible which is one of the reasons it is so successful.

The Yeti boasts such impressive efficiency figures thanks to a number of factors such as the aid of optimised rolling resistance tyres, stop and start technology, kinetic energy recovery and a gear change prompter to make sure you are driving in the most economical manner.

And as one would expect these days, Skoda has ensured the Yeti is fitted out with a comprehensive array of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, anti-slip regulation, mechanical brake assist, electronic stability control and numerous airbags.

All in all, the Yeti really does offer the best of both worlds. It can hold its own with fast-moving motorway traffic and then in busy town centres, the upright driving position, brilliant all-round visibility, agility and parking sensors all come into their prime.

Test Drive

Skoda Yeti (2014)

Some would say if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it. But that’s not the case with the multi award-winning Skoda Yeti.

It certainly wasn’t broken, but the new face-lifted model is better than ever and all those “I wish there was a … model in the line-up” prayers have been answered.

Since it first took the motoring world by storm back in 2009 the Yeti has been a resounding success and now the compact SUV’s appeal has got even greater.

There is a striking new appearance, a fresher richly-equipped interior and two variants to choose from – a 2WD Yeti ready to tackle the urban jungle and a 4WD Yeti Outdoor that is ready for any adventure along the way.

Buyers can select from of four trim levels – S, SE, Elegance and Laurin & Klement – with prices ranging from £16,600 to £27,050.

And there is also a wide selection of engines with a choice of transmissions. The Yeti’s power outputs range from 105PS for the entry-level 1.2 TSI petrol engine up to 170PS for the 2.0 TDI CR diesel while carbon emissions start from as low as 119g/km on the 1.6 TDI CR 105PS Greenline II model which also has a claimed fuel economy of 61.4mpg.

One factor that is very apparent is that the new Yeti and the Yeti Outdoor have their very own identities and unique styling traits.

But that said, they both feature key elements that define the Skoda design ethos, such as a strong emphasis on precise lines and clean edges.

There are completely new front and rear ends that includes new bumpers, headlights, radiator grilles and the new Skoda badge, plus the first time, there are new bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.

And there are stand-out features that are unique to each model.

On the new Yeti the front bumper is body-coloured and the air intake below the number plate has a fine honeycomb structure. But, on the Yeti Outdoor the bumper has a thick black spoiler each side of it and the air intake also has thick vertical lines with an aluminium-coloured surround. There are new-look side mouldings and door sills which are body-coloured or black depending on the model and the taillights have been redesigned and include optional LEDs in the brand’s instantly-recognisable C-shape design.

The interior has not escaped the shake-up either with new seat fabrics, decorative trims and the introduction of a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel across the range.

But some features remain untouched and the Yeti still boasts a load capacity that is the envy of many estate cars – 416 litres with the seats up, 1,760 litres with the seats folded flat.

I tested out a couple of models on a road route that included busy town centres and faster winding country lanes. And I also had the opportunity to take a Yeti 4×4 model off the beaten track.

First up was the highly efficient 1.6 TDI CR Yeti Outdoor with 105PS and five-speed manual gearbox in SE spec priced at £19,605 (£20,260 with extras fitted). This model can sprint from 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds and redlines at 109mph.

But it’s on the economy front that this Greenline model excels with carbon emissions of 119g/km and combined fuel efficiency of 61.4mpg. We managed to see an average of 56.2mpg which was very impressive and close to the official target figure.

The car handled beautifully and gripped the surface like glue, although at times I was looking for a sixth gear on this five-speed manual model.

Another plus-factor was the lack of any engine or road surface noise even when the car was pushed hard.

The Yeti is highly spec’d as standard and all models have a whole host of techno treats to be explored in the uncluttered and extremely driver-focused cabin.

And as one would expect in a successful compact SUV, storage options and ease of use are most impressive – the trio of three individual rear seats can slide and tilt and be easily folded flat when required and Skoda seems to simplify rather than over-complicate features for its customers.

Next on the test drive agenda was a 1.2 TSI Yeti Outdoor with 105PS and a six-speed manual transmission in Elegance spec priced at £19,935 (£23,415 with options fitted). This car can sprint to 62mph in 11.8 seconds and tops out at 109mph. The petrol variant certainly proved livelier and more responsive than the diesel model, but for those edgier driving dynamics there is a price to pay on the economy front with combined fuel economy of 46.3mpg and carbon emissions of 142g/km.

Once again, the build quality, selection of techno treats and use of premium materials throughout was admirable and once again, there was barely a sound to be heard within the cabin.

The higher trim grade also meant more luxury such as leather upholstery and the introduction of a sat nav system.

Finally, in order to prove the Yeti can take on Mother Nature’s mood swings and cope with a rough and ready existence, a 2.0 diesel Yeti Outdoor 4×4 was put through its paces on a tricky, muddy off-road course.

And despite getting totally bogged down on a couple of instances in foot-deep thick mud, it dealt with the conditions incredibly well.

All in all, when you add in the comprehensive list of safety features, the Yeti is quite a success story. It’s very difficult to improve on what is already considered a brilliant vehicle, but somehow Skoda has achieved the impossible and the sales figures are guaranteed to prove that.

Test Drive

Skoda Yeti Elegance 1.8 TSI 160bhp 4×4

With a string of awards and high praise and accolades all round from the critics, the Skoda Yeti has a very big reputation to live up to.

And thankfully, this family orientated, rugged 4×4 with quality styling and features laps up the challenge with ease.

The four-door, five-seater Yeti looks great from all angles with its rumbling bonnet design, rugged chunky shoulders, tinted rear windows, 17-inch snazzy alloys, roof rails, bi-xenon headlights with cornering function and angle control and a front grille that seems to be grinning all the time – probably because it’s having so much fun.

And you are surrounded by creature comforts once you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel.

Features include a very efficient dual-zone climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery with seat warmers, rain sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, sat nav (£1,510 optional extra) and much more besides.

Comfort levels are extremely good and the high sides mean all passengers – front and back – have ample leg, head and elbow space.

The generously-sized boot can easily be expanded thanks to seats that can be folded flat, removed or stowed for later use. In fact, there are 20 different seating combinations to maximise versatility and flexibility.

The high seated driving position means excellent all-round visibility and the Yeti is beautifully nimble on its wheels and can be manoeuvred in and out of tight parking spaces with ease.

But for me, it was out on the open road where the Yeti really came to life. It’s road-holding was exceptional even after severe downpours and the general performance was impossible to find fault with. Acceleration through the six speed manual transmission was smooth and responsive and the 1.8-litre, petrol-driven engine delivered ample power. The ride was so smooth and quiet and there is the added reassurance of 4×4 capabilities which means you are prepared for those harsher winter spells too.

Skoda has packed a comprehensive list of safety features into the Yeti, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, hill hold control and loads more.

All in all, with an asking price of just £22,520 this top-of-the-range Elegance model is likely to send competitors scampering back to the drawing board – it’s the perfect all-rounder.

Test Drive

Skoda Yeti Elegance 1.2 TSI 105bhp

You really have to hand it to Skoda – whenever they introduce us to a new model, it’s guaranteed to have a name that helps it stand out from the crowd.

In the past, we’ve had the Superb, the Fabia, the Roomster and the Octavia – now it’s the turn of the Yeti and when it was dropped off for my test drive, it came complete with a furry yeti foot key fob – need I say more!

The Yeti has been designed to offer the best of both worlds and is perfect for the motorist who enjoys an active and versatile lifestyle but still keeps a watchful eye on running costs and a vehicle’s impact on the environment.

Easily distinguishable as a Skoda by its chrome-framed grille and V-shaped bonnet creases, the Yeti also boasts high-mounted headlights which give it a powerful looking front end.

And at the rear is a large tailgate covering a generously-sized luggage compartment complete with very useful shopping bag hooks.

Once inside, the Yeti is deceptively spacious and offers a very light and airy atmosphere for all occupants mainly due to the panoramic sunroof stretching the length of the vehicle. Rear seat passengers benefit from ample leg and head room and front seat occupants are treated to a host of features such as heated seats with double lumbar support, air conditioning, full leather upholstery, a 4-spoke multi-functional leather steering wheel for radio and telephone, along with remote central locking, rain-sensor and auto-dimming rear view mirror, sat nav plus a whole lot more.

The model supplied for my test drive was the 1.2-litre two-wheel-drive top-of-the-range Elegance specification which proved to be deceptively powerful for its size.

Driving with a full load it certainly held its own as it cruised through the six-speed manual transmission on the faster roads and then tackled steep hills for fun. In fact, it was so impressive, I had to double-check it was only a 1.2-litre engine powering it.

In town, the excellent all-round visibility made driving through busy traffic a simple task and parking was a complete breeze thanks to the vehicle’s size and the parking sensors.

Skoda has crammed the Yeti to bursting with quality safety features, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, hill hold control, plenty of airbags and lots more besides.

All in all, the vehicle has plenty to offer and with a price tag of £20k, there is certainly nothing abominable about this creature.