Skoda Yeti 112TSI 2012 Review

The more I see of the Skoda Yeti the more I like it. In many ways it feels like the original Subaru Forester, before it morphed into just another compact SUV. It is likely to appeal to the same kind of people too. The small Yeti off roader from Skoda is more of a jacked-up wagon than the current crop of compact SUVs.

VALUE

Prices start at $32,990 for the manual and $35,290 for the auto.

TECHNOLOGY

Until now you have been able to get a front drive petrol or diesel all-wheel drive, but not petrol all wheel drive Yeti. The 112TSI with its 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine changes that and it's a beaut, especially the sporty manual. 

The 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers varying amounts of power depending on the transmission attached. With the manual its 118kW at 5000 revs and with the auto 112kW at 6000 revs.

Torque remains constant at 250Nm from 1500 revs. Although it is turbocharged, we like the fact it has a larger capacity than seems to be the current norm which conceivably means it is not under as much stress.

You get a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG manumatic style transmissions. The Octavia however with the same engine gets the seven-speed engine. It's got something to do with the car being developed originally for the Russian market (say what?)

ECONOMY

8.2 for the DSG and 8.4 litres/100km for the manual. We got 11.1 and 10.8 respectively on the launch, but we weren't exactly holding back.

SEATING

Rear seats are raised for a better view. The variable layout features three separate rear seats with adjustable backrests. The outer seats slide backwards and forwards. With the middle seat removed, the outer seats can be moved towards the centre. Or the seats can be folded and removed completely.

SAFETY

A full five out five stars for safety with seven airbags, stability control and a host of safety systems.

DRIVING

Let's face it, not many people are going to take this car off road.  Sand and dirt roads are probably the limit, so the front drive version is worth consideration. Having said that the 112TSI comes specc'ed to the same level as the diesel, but costs $2500 less. 

The manual is slick and can be worked hard to deliver a sporty driving experience. While not as spirited the DSG also performs flawlessly. Easy to get in and out of. Comfortable and easy to drive, with plenty of zip and a reasonable amount of luggage space.

Bluetooth is standard along with a trip computer, auto lights and wipers, roof rails and 16-inch alloys. Nice to see a full size spare is standard.

VERDICT

Great little car that should do very well for Skoda. Maybe it's the one that will finally put the company on the map in Australia (we think so).

Skoda Yeti 112TSI

Price: from $32,990 (manual); $35,290 (auto)
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 1.8 Litre
Thirst: 8.4L/100km man; 8.2L/100km DSG
Transmission: Manual 6 speed; 6-speed DSG
Outputs: 118KW/250Nm
CO2: 197g/km manual; 194g/km DSG
Warranty: 3 years
Body: 5-door SUV
Dimensions: (L) 4223mm, (W) 1793mm, (H) 1691mm, (WB) 2578
Tyres: 16inch  Alloy 215/60 R16