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The Yeti not only looks good, it goes well and is priced well too, which is half the battle. Photo Gallery
Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Skoda Yeti 77TSI.
Bingo! It's been a long hard slog but Skoda could finally have a winner on its hands. The compact off road segment is where it's happening and the Volkswagen off-shoot has come up with a little beauty in the form of the Yeti. Yeti (love that name) not only looks good, it goes well and is priced well too, which is half the battle.
POWER
This one is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. You can also get a 2.0-litre turbo diesel but it's considerably more expensive and all wheel drive too. The turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI engine develops 77kW of power and 175Nm of torque. It's available with a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed DSG transmission, with drive through the front wheels.
ECONOMY
Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 6.6 litres/100km for the manual or 7.0 litres/100km for the DSG, a twin clutch box that functions like an auto. We were getting 8.3 according to the trip computer.
OFF ROAD
Being the two-wheel drive version we wouldn't be planning any major off road excursions. But with short front and rear overhangs and 180mm of ground clearance it will make short work of dirt roads.
HOW'S IT GO?
High seating position with plenty of vision. Nice to see a large digital speedo can be displayed. Surprisingly nippy for such a small engine. We really need to start thinking in terms of power and torque instead of outright capacity.
HOW MUCH?
Prices start from $26,290 plus on-roads. The DSG transmission which we heartily recommend adds an extra $2300. It's a lot for the auto but the engine really shines under its stewardship, with seven cogs to spread the load.
SAFETY
Gets a full five starts for safety in crash tests. Seven airbags are standard including a driver's knee bag to protect your lower legs in an accident. It's also fitted with all the latest electronic driver aids to help prevent an accident including electronic stability control.
WADDAYAGET?
All the usuals including aircon, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, remote central locking, 16 inch alloys and a full size steel spare. The steering wheel is height and reach-adjustable, with phone and audio controls. Bluetooth is standard along with an eight-speaker audio system is standard with an AUX input.
The flexible three rear seats can be adjusted independently or removed completely. The two outside seats move backwards and forwards, the centre seat folds down to form an arm rest or can be removed all together allowing the two outside seats to be pushed together.
VERDICT
We like it. We like it a lot. Easy to drive, easy to get in and out of. Reminds us a lot of the original Forester. Nice and safe in the event of an accident too. Boot is not huge but that's the price you pay for a full size spare.
SKODA YETI 77TSI
Price: $26,290 (manual), $28,590 (DSG)
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Resale: N/A
Service interval: 15,000km/12 months
Economy: 6.6l/100km, CO2 152g/km
Safety equipment: seven airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.
Crash rating: 5-stars
Engine: turbocharged petrol engine, 4-cylinder, 77kW/175Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body: 5-doors, 5 seater wagon
Dimensions: 4223 mm (L), 1793mm (W), 1691mm (H), 2578mm (WB)
Weight: 1380 kg (tare mass)
Tyres: 16" 215/60R16, full-size spare.
