A COUPLE of decades ago, it would have been unthinkable – laughable even. A designer Skoda aimed at a niche market of yuppies (or whatever you want call upwardly mobile young professionals).
But times have changed, and more significantly so has Skoda. The Czech maker, once the cruel butt of jokes, is a super successful, highly respected player both in the small and medium sector...and fast challenging wider sales.
It was something short of a quantum leap to produce its first SUV, tilting at established opposition from Honda, Toyota and Nissan. And so, the Yeti emerged – a slightly quirkily styled tall, practical family-mobile that comes in diesel or petrol, two-wheel-drive of four-wheel-drive and doubles as a spacious shopping trolley or a trendy SUV.
As with other Skodas, the VW-Audi parts bin is there for the plundering allowing a huge variety of engines from the miniscule but very advanced 1.2-litre petrol to the thumping 2.0 TDI 170bhp diesel. At around the centre of the range is the 2.0-litre diesel 110bhp version I drove which came with front wheel drive rather than go-any-where four-wheel-drive.
Priced at £17,310, the SE version (three up from the basic E model), comes with parking sensors, alloys, dual zone air con, leather steering wheel and chunky seven-inch alloys. Privacy glass, halogen lights with washers and trip computer are all there too.
The Yeti manages to blend street-chic with genuine practicality – vital for even cool trendy families. The rear seats can be moved forwards and backwards and the backs recline as well as fold to expand the already huge loading area (416 litres to 1,760 litres). There’s also a neat plastic ‘brace’ on the floor of the boot to gather together loose shopping or bits and pieces so they won’t scatter.
Seating position is distinctly upright which seems appropriate in this type of car with its high stance and good visibility. It also allow extra legroom within its compact dimensions.
Trim standard is of a high level and the plastic moulding are heavy-duty and durable. There’s a bit too much use of dark materials which lends a sombre tone to the otherwise bright and chirpy Yeti character. Time to lighten up a bit, Mr Skoda!
This car came with optional panoramic sunroof – a huge glass aperture which also slides open. At £870, this is a boon if you enjoy open-air motoring. It also brightens that rather dark cabin.
Unsurprisingly, the Yeti feels somewhat familiar...even if you’ve never before been behind its wheel. It shares so much with VW, SEAT and Audi that a family ‘feel’ exists.
The trusty 2.0 TDI might not be the most refined engine in the diesel world, but it delivers the goods and polishes off 62mph in a useful 11.6 seconds. Top speed is 110mph. Expect a fuel consumption of around the mid-40s in normal driving, although it might be possible to hit 50mpg with a light touch.
Despite its tall stance and chunky shape, the Yeti is secure and swift enough around the windy bits with well-weighted steering and not too much body roll.
Endearing in appearance, and supremely practical, there’s nothing ‘abominable’ about this Yeti.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI CR 110 SE 2WD
Price: £17,310
Mechanical: 109bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 11.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 140 g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles