The Skoda Yeti is far from abominable!
The name may be a pun writer's dream but, in all seriousness, the Yeti shouldn't be hard to spot on Irish roads with prices starting at €19,995. It offers space and practicality in a safe, chunky body.
There are two engines in the line-up for Ireland, a 1.2 litre TSi petrol front-wheel drive only version and a 2 litre diesel (2 or 4-wheel drive), which is the more practical choice as a family car with lower road tax and fuel consumption. More engine options will be added in time.
The standard transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox with a 7-speed DSG version available with the 1.2TSi. The Yeti is built in the Czech Republic using bits from Skoda's Octavia 4X4 and a few VW Passat suspension bits thrown in among the usual VW parts, bin switches etc.
The exterior is dominated by the unique front bumper and headlight arrangement. Side on the car looks like a tough Roomster, while at the rear the car screams practicality with its large, upright tailgate. Ground clearance is impressive and the body mouldings add to the car's rugged look. The Yeti has a nice high driving position that is so loved these days by SUV/Crossover buyers.
Inside the car feels just as you'd expect from a manufacturer that is part of the VW Group - well built and solid. The cabin is spacious and there is plenty of headroom for passengers in the back. The car is a strict five-seater with the centre rear seat best used for kids that don't need a booster cushion, as it is a bit narrow at best.
The boot is set high and at worst offers 410 litres of space with the three individual rear seats set furthest back and reclined. The Yeti expands into a good-sized van when needed, which is a pleasant surprise as the Yeti doesn't have a big footprint (sorry!) - I mean to say that Yeti doesn't take up much road space.
This week I have been driving the top of the range four-wheel drive version and boy, was I glad of it at times living in snowy Wicklow. My car had all the electronic driver aids imaginable including Park Assist (like the high end Lexus system that will actually parallel-park the car automatically!). There is even an 'Off Road' button you can press to remap the way that ABS, ESP, hill-decent control etc interact.
Generally the system kept me moving where two-wheel drive cars had given up. Of course - as many four-wheel drive drivers found out to their cost - just because you've better traction going forward you still have to stop and stay stopped! I had one hairy moment when stationary with my foot on the brake. I was facing downhill when gravity took over. I slid for about 10 metres before coming to a halt, thankfully without contacting anything - phew!
Entry, Active, Ambition and Experience are the trim levels on offer. Active models upwards get ESP & Bluetooth. The Yeti performs very well in crash tests also. The options list has all the racks and bike carriers you'd expect for leading an outdoor life.
The Yeti is a fine machine and yes, we can expect more sightings - sorry!
Michael Sheridan
