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.

Prices start at $32,990 for the manual and $35,290 for the auto version of what is basically a small offroader from VW's bargain brand -- but more of a jacked up wagon than the current crop on the market. 

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 turbcharged 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?)

The manual is slick and can be worked hard to deliver a sporty driving experience. While not as spirited the DSG also performs flawlessly. Fuel consumption is 8.2L/100km for the DSG and 8.4 litres/100km for the manual. We got 11.1 and 10.8 respectively on the test drive, but we weren't exactly holding back.

ON THE ROAD 

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 spec'ed to the same level as the diesel, but costs $2500 less.

It's easy to get in and out of. Comfortable and easy to drive, with plenty of zip and a reasonable amount of luggage space. 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. Bluetooth is standard along with a trip computer, auto lights and wipers, roof rails and 17 inch alloys. Nice to see a full size spare is standard. And that it gets a full five out five stars for safety with seven airbags, stability control and a host of safety systems.

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).