Skoda Yeti

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The Yeti is the missing link in the Skoda range, giving the Czech firm a credible crossover model above its Octavia Scout 4x4 model. Part off-roader, part MPV with a bit of family hatchback mixed in for good measure, the Yeti lives up to its crossover tag. Although the new car is capable off-road, most won't come with the wilderness-enabling 4x4 hardware, instead featuring front-wheel drive only, though the raised suspension and wide track means it'll tackle the mountainous speed humps, cavernous potholes and killer kerbs around town with utter impunity.

Is it any good?

Sure is, so long as you understand its limitations. Most crossovers try to handle like conventional cars and the Yeti doesn't. As a result it's not hugely entertaining in the corners, but the welcome trade-off is a brilliantly pillow-like compliance to the ride. The Yeti soaks up lumps and bumps in the road with aplomb. That's a great deal more useful around town than fast cornering and zero body roll in the bends.

The comfort doesn't just stop at the ride either, as the Yeti is also very refined. There's little noise from any of the five engines on offer, neither is there much in the way of road or wind roar inside. The cabin feels massive and with all the same functional seating solutions of its Roomster compact MPV relative it's very practical too. The seats in the back tumble and fold, slide fore and aft and can even be completely removed. Leave the middle seat at home for real comfort, as its removal allows the two outward rear seats to be moved slightly inboard to create individual seats with loads of shoulder room. Up front there's plenty of comfort, though the central armrest does impede the use of the handbrake somewhat.

That armrest is a rare blip in an otherwise intelligently thought out interior. It all feels very well built, with Skoda clearly using the same interior material providers as its VW parent group. Emissions and economy impress too, with the 140bhp 4x4 TDI returning 46.3mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 159g/km of CO₂.

Off-road, the 4x4 models will romp around like proper off-roaders, with the posher models getting an off-road button that includes a hill descent system, which will tip-toe the Yeti down some quite terrifyingly steep slopes. High suspension and gaping wheel arches give it plenty of ground clearance, adding credence to the Yeti's off-road looks.

Should I call the bank manager?

Skoda might be seen as a good value brand, but with starting prices expected to be around £14,000 for the entry-level models you may still need a loan. Four-wheel drive models will be more expensive, and pick one of the diesels and you'll pay a bit more for it. They're worth it, all three of the 2.0-litre TDI units performing well, the lowest output 108bhp version the sweetest in the line-up. If you're a petrol die-hard there's a choice of a 1.2- or 1.8-litre TSI units, the 1.2 also offered with a seven-speed, DSG paddle-shift, automatic transmission. Start adding options like the fancy touch-screen satnav and dual-zone climate control and you could find yourself writing a fairly hefty cheque.

Summary

Hugely comfortable, surprisingly capable in the rough stuff and very practical, the Skoda Yeti fulfils its crossover role very impressively. It's comfortable and refined too, meaning that this Yeti is far from abominable. Indeed, it's actually rather good.

Kyle Fortune