Skoda Yeti 2007 Review

Despite the name, which harks back to the reclusive Himalayan abominable snowman, this Yeti is bereft of anti-social tendencies. In fact, it presents a positive, self-confident face in urban environments and offers a degree of horizon-expanding capability beyond its usual habitat, as well as offering expanded capability in places where the road system leaves much to be desired.

The Yeti is deliberately the antithesis of a big, aggressive off-roader. With its front-wheel-drive execution, including all the ‘best practice’ driver aids, the Yeti begs the question of whether four-wheel drive is really necessary for the vast majority of excursions on unsealed roads.

The Yeti’s over-riding purpose is not driving on unpaved or broken terrain, but to transport people to places where they can explore nature on foot, with a bike or canoe, or with climbing equipment.

In recognition of the fact that the days of the single-purpose vehicle are long gone, the Yeti displays versatility, mobility and flexibility – qualities more in demand now than ever before. It also acknowledges the growing role outdoor leisure pursuits play in contemporary and active lifestyles.

The vehicle is a vision of a tremendously functional and extremely compact SUV.

Yeti demonstrates the breadth of design capability and innovative thinking in-house at Škoda. The vehicle test-drives a potential new-look grille, bumper and headlight styling treatment that could be seen on future production Škoda vehicles, and trades heavily on features first presented in the Roomster concept – such as the wrap-around windscreen and coated A-pillars.

Compared with contemporary SUV styling, the windscreen remains somewhat upright, as do the side windows. The reason for this is not only aesthetic, but also functionality – the car's interior is less affected by solar heat load, the driver has excellent forward vision, all occupants have considerable headroom. Interior space is maximised.