What’s it like to live with?
According to a popular encyclopaedia, the scientific community generally regards the Yeti as a legend, given the lack of conclusive evidence that they exist. I therefore fully expect to receive a Nobel prize, and other accolades, just as soon as this review and pictures are published and authenticated. Yes, in what is something of an exclusive, Used Car Expert can bring you and the scientific community the first pictures of a snow-covered Yeti:
The Skoda Yeti has been subjected to Used Car Expert’s rigorous road test programme, which, as you can see, included covering much of England in heavy snow. Such is our commitment to the science of buying the right car.
It was much reported during the snow that BMWs were rendered useless on drives and un-gritted side streets because they are predominantly in rear wheel drive. So while the stock-brokers had to stay home and rue their decision to buy ‘beemers’ I headed out in the Skoda, for a bit of abominable snow driving.
While I didn’t get stuck anywhere or lose control at anytime, I can’t say that having four wheel drive, or the raised ride height, particularly improved the experience of driving through snow. Wheels still span and the car still slipped a bit before turning. It felt about as stressful as the last time I drove in snow, which was in a low slung two wheel drive sports car. Tip toeing is the phrase that comes to mind.
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Left: Snow still falls on the seat when you open the door like cars not called 'Yeti'.
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So what is the point of the Yeti? It shares a great deal in terms of engine, gearbox and interior with the Fabia estate. The Fabia handles fabulously, offers a low-stress, practical solution in the small family car sector. As does the Yeti. The only practical difference is the Yeti’s ride height which is likely to appeal to Mum’s on the school run, as the better view from higher driving positions gives most drivers a sense of safety. But that ride height and the styling differences combine to make the car much more controversial than the Fabia.
Which leaves Skoda and would-be buyers in a sort of Catch-22 situation; the Fabia doesn’t turn heads, but it doesn’t turn up noses either. While looks are subjective, I got the impression all week that the Yeti’s design was divisive. It is a shame because it over-shadowed that this is a capable estate car, which is well made and very pleasant to drive.
Would I buy one for my family? If we wanted a high view-point without the bulk of a big 4x4 then yes, I would. Otherwise, it would be the Fabia every time because it handles better, is just a practical and I prefer my cars to be understated-to-bland than look-the-other-way-abominable.
Which I scientifically conclude is why both the abominable snow man and Skoda Yeti are still rarely seen on UK roads.
What’s the right time to buy?
The 1.2 TSI is more than adequate for the small Yeti and is far cheaper than the 2.0 TDI, which is arguably a bit over-powered. One year old 1.2s can be found for under £15,000 – saving you several thousand on the list price. If it is the 2.0 TDi that you most want, then you should only expect modest discounts of a few hundred pounds, even on one-year-old cars.
What else does this budget buy?
I believe both Renault and Rover jacked up their family hatchbacks (the Megane and 25), added some ugly plastic wheel arches and flogged them as something special. But, unlike the Yeti they weren’t, so there isn’t really much to compare it to.
Sacrifice the ride height and the Fabia becomes an option. And it’s a better used buy as there are 20 on the market to every Yeti.
Summary
A small and easy-to-live-with estate car, that also offers the vantage point of a 4x4 without the bulk.