Skoda Yeti 103TDI vs VW Tiguan 103TDI

The $300 cheaper Skoda runs the Tiguan sibling close for standard features and safety gear. There are tinted windows, dual-zone climate control (the Tiguan gets manual aircon), 17-inch alloy wheels, underbody protection, rainsensing wipers, Bluetooth, chilled glovebox and, in the boot, tie-down loops and adjustable hooks.

The Tiguan goes line-ball with the Skoda twin-undertheskin for standard kit. The major difference is it has an optional seven-speed DSG. There are daytime driving lights, body-coloured bumpers, tinted glass, Bluetooth with audio streaming and iPod connectivity and much more. Metallic paint costs more than in the Yeti.

There's method to the Yeti's boxiness. It's like stepping inside a barn. The rear pew (comprising three separate seats) is absolutely a work of genius, sliding forward and back. Each can be reclined and the middle seat can be removed entirely while the outer seats can be moved in towards the middle of the car.

The Tiguan follows in the footsteps of the Golf. It looks good inside and out, so there's nothing wrong with layout, fit and finish, or quality of materials. There's plenty of room in the front and the rear seats and the latter recline and can be slid forward and backwards as in the Yeti. Boot space is slightly greater at 395L, though less with them down at 1510L.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel produces 103kW/320Nm and uses 6.2-6.7L/100km. The six-speed manual is precise and the optional six-speed DSG is superior to the seven-speed DSG in the Tiguan. Traction is via a fourthgeneration Haldex clutch and limited-slip diff .

The Tiguan uses the same turbo diesel as the Yeti and runs all-wheel drive. In common with the Yeti 10 per cent of drive is sent to the rear wheels normally but when grip is limited up to 96 per cent can be directed aft. The Tiguan uses slightly less, 6.0-6.2L/100km, depending on transmissions.

Twinned again: seven airbags and five-star ANCAP rating, four-wheel discs and a full complement of electronic traction aids, including hill-hold control. The optional Off Road Technology Pack adds Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Assist, plus off -road modes for ABS, ASR and EDL.

The Tiguan gets seven airbags and a five-star ANCAP rating as well as a bunch of active and passive safety aids, such as Anti-Slip Regulation, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, electronic differential lock, ESP, engine braking control and 4Motion all-wheel drive.

You're never left wanting for overtaking squirt. The Yeti is slightly lighter than the Tiguan and feels just a bit more sprightly. It feels better when you get to the bends, too, with compliant yet still quite sporty suspension. The AWD gives plenty of grip in all conditions and the steering is well weighted and direct.

This is where the cars diverge. The Tiguan, while giving an excellent ride, doesn't feel as sharp as the nimble and athletic Yeti and the body rolls more in corners. The steering has a similar overall feel, although the weighting is slightly lighter. The brakes are strong and the AWD endows excellent grip.