Skoda Yeti 77TSI 2014 review

It’s been a struggle for Skoda’s Yeti to get a foothold here because there are so many enticing choices in the compact SUV segment including the car on which it’s based, VW’s Tiguan. More competition is coming so it won’t get any easier for the handsome Czech.

They’ve just revamped five seater Yeti, giving it a fresh new look, some new technology, added some spec and a new 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine with DSG transmission in the mid-spec front wheel drive version out of the VW Golf.

Immediately obvious is the handsome frontal treatment featuring Skoda’s new corporate style. More angular, cleaner, bolder, it makes a whole lot of difference to the car’s road presence. And there are two distinct treatments, one for the front wheel drive models and a tougher look for the 4WD.

Explore the 2014 Skoda Yeti range

• Skoda Yeti 77TSI 2014 review
• Skoda Yeti Active 77 2014 review
• Skoda Yeti Ambition 90TSI 2014 review
• Skoda Yeti 90TSI 2014 review
• Skoda Yeti 2014 review

Inside is mildly revised and features new technology like keyless entry and button start, rear park assist, a multi-function wheel and reverse camera across the range.

ENGINES

Three engines are on offer, two turbo petrols and a turbo diesel. The kick off point is petrol Yeti Active 1.2-litre 77TSi in front wheel drive with a choice of six-speed manual or seven speed DSG manumatic transmission starting at $23,490 for the manual, $25,790 for the DSG.

Next up the scale is the petrol Ambition 1.4-litre 90TSi in front wheel drive with a seven speed DSG transmission at $28,290.

Topping the range is the 4WD Outdoor diesel 2.0-litre 103TDi with a six speed DSG transmission at $33,590.

In ascending order the engines are good for 77kW/175Nm and 6.0-litres/100km, 90kW/200Nm and 6.8-litres/100km, 103kW/350Nm and 6.7-litres/100km. All pass EU 5 emissions regulations. Direct fuel injection is featured on the two petrols that require 95 octane fuel.

Two optional packs are available; the Tech Pack with satnav, bi-xenon headlights, park assist and premium audio for $2900 and the Off-road Pack with black alloys, privacy glass and reversible rear luggage mats for $500.

All models in the Yeti range have multi-link rear suspension. None is particularly light in weight, with the base model tipping the scales at nearly 1400kg and rising to nearly 1600 for the diesel fourbie.

FEATURES

But adding kit into a car adds weight and that’s what’s going on here. The base model has plenty of goodies including 17-inch alloys, roof rails, touch screen audio, cruise control, trip computer, power ancillaries, mobile device interface, height adjustable driver and passenger seats, climate control, and Bluetooth phone and audio.

Naturally, the higher grade models get more. And the diesel benefits from the latest Haldex all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring that’s lifted from the new Golf R.

All models have a clever seat adjustment system called Varioflex that allows up to 22 configurations for carrying passengers or loads or both. All models have a five star crash rating.

DRIVING

We had a crack at all three engines and for all intents and purposes, the base manual is fine for everyday driving though a tad lacking in get go when loaded or driving uphill. It is a sweet little engine that doesn’t use much fuel and makes a good fist of driving the Yeti – especially for the money.

The 90Tsi is a better mousetrap again, with more of everything and no grunt deficiency at all, something aided by the DSG seven speeder. It has a comfortable, controlled ride, good steering and brakes and is frugal on fuel.

The diesel is a more serious animal offering some off road capability and a better ride/handling thanks to the multi-link rear suspension and the clever Haldex drive system.
It has oodles of get go and sips fuel lightly. Can cost a bit if you add the Tech pack which is the only way to get satnav in Yeti.

Some driver assist features are either fitted or available including a 360 degree parking view.

Yeti is a better looking device than the earlier model, runs smoother, has more kit and delivers improved value for money as prices have been adjusted down compared with the previous model’s original recommended retail price.

VERDICT

Like it. There’s a new Tiguan around the corner but it will likely cost a bit more than we are talking here. So, Yeti doesn’t get the latest VW tricky stuff but what it has is plenty good enough for the money.