2011 Skoda Yeti Reviews

Graham Smith reviews the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Skoda Yeti as a used buy.

 VERDICTThe Sportage cleverly suits a wider range of buyers than the Skoda, primarily because of its value-for-money price and its desirable looks. But their culture is as wide apart as their language. Translate this and they suit different buyers.

Dreams of touring the Outback with your family may be just that - dreams. But at least there is a growing batch of affordable SUVs that could make the wish come true.

Skoda is slowly edging its way into the Aussie psyche with some interesting, well priced models. All use Volkswagen underpinnings including the new Yeti compact SUV.Leveraged from the Skoda Octavia Scout platform with some VW Tiguan thrown in, boldly styled Yeti has the credentials to lift the brand to a new level in Australia. It ain't pretty but is practical and despite being a soft roader in 4x4 guise, will go almost anywhere thanks to its clever drive system. Equally, the front wheel drive models will win over plenty of punters if only because of the price. Yeti has taken too long to arrive here but the wait could have been worth it.THE LINE-UPFour models are initially offered, the turbo petrol front wheel drive only 77TSI six-speed manual for $26,290, add $2300 for the seven speed DSG model and then there's the all wheel drive turbodiesel 103TDI six-speed manual at $35,690, add $2300 for the six-speed DSG.A 118TSi petrol model is a likely starter next year possibly in all wheel drive.The engines are transversely mounted to optimise interior space and provide better crash protection.The 103TDI has an four-wheel-drive system incorporating a fourth-generation Haldex clutch. Peak power (103kW) is reached at 4,200 rpm with the TDI engine producing up to 320Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Fuel consumption for the 103TDI averages 6.2 l/100kms for the manual, a little more for the DSG.The tiny 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine features direct injection and delivers 77kW/175Nm output, the latter from 1550rpm. It is capable of returning a creditable 6.6 litre/100 kilometres for the manual.FEATURESAll Yetis have Skoda's innovative VarioFlex rear seating system in addition to air conditioning, power steering, seven airbags including dual front, front side, curtain and driver's knee airbags and central door locking.Standard kit in 77TSi  includes 16-inch alloys and a 16-inch steel spare, black roof rails, cruise, six air bags, power windows and exterior (heated) mirrors, height adjustable halogen projector headlights,  height and reach-adjustable four-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel (with radio and phone controls), aircon, eight speaker audio, remote central locking and other practical goodies.The significantly more expensive 4WD 103TDi gets more again.SAFETYYeti's crash rating should be five stars as it shares underpinnings with five star cars in the VW stable. Six air bags, stability control, crumple zones, a high strength body and discs all round are in its safety arsenal.THE DRIVESurprisingly firm but comfortable in the rough. Skoda seems to have arrived at an ideal suspension calibration for Yeti in both spec'. The petrol 77TSi can struggle when loaded but goes surprisingly well considering its lack of cubes under the bonnet. Fuel economy is a strong point as is the seven-speed DSG which does a lot to cover for the diminutive engine.The diesel 103TDi is the one to get albeit at nearly 10 grand more. It has oodles of grunt and is quite a spirited performancer on the highway, and plonks away nicely off road where it is surprisingly competent. Fuel economy is exceptional and the vehicle is a good size inside and out.Generous equipment levels are appreciated.VERDICTYeti doesn't make chosing a compact SUV any easier. It ticks most of the boxes and the chunky styling has special appeal all of its own. Gets a bit pricey when you opt for diesel auto and add a few options. Definitley worth a look.

A TOUGH little SUV with distinctive styling is just what Skoda needs to expand its Australian audience. Skoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner says the Yeti - officially launched this week - will overtake the Octavia models to become the brand’s volume seller here. The company is confident about success.This week, getting dusty and dirty in territory that  would bring sweat to the bonnet brow of a Prado, Skoda’s hopeful shows it has promise as an adventurous off-road wagon and even more potential as a very versatile, well built and comprehensively kitted out family wagon.Features such as the Varioflex seating - which at the flick of a few levers reconfigures the roomy cabin from a five-seater to a van and everything in between - holds appeal with Mums and surfers, cyclists and advanced shoppers. But the Volkswagen Tiguan-based wagon from VW’s subsidiary in the Czech Republic possibly isn’t the discount buy for which Skoda has been renown.VALUEThere are two models at launch - a $26,290 two-wheel drive petrol version that will find happy homes in the suburbs and the $35,690 all-wheel drive that takes on the Korean SUVs, the Subaru Forester and a couple of others. The AWD costs only $1000 less than the Volkswagen Tiguan and though it has more features, may become second choice given VW’s name and the Tiguan’s less arresting styling.But there are no doubts about the 2WD model that - for its price - has a hell of a lot of appeal and is likely to even take big sales from conventional hatchbacks and sedans. A 1.8-litre turbo-petrol joins the Yeti range early in 2012.DESIGNThe guy who penned the awkward Roomster - off the market now but back early next year - obviously had some input into styling the Yeti but was clearly told to tone it down. The Yeti is distinctive - a good thing given the cookie-cutter parade of many SUVs today - but functional. Its vertical tail promises loads of cabin space - true - and the short bonnet aims at improving driver visibility and making parking easier. Also true. The seating is excellent and the ability to rearrange the cabin so quickly and easily makes it very flexible for different motoring tasks. The dashboard is heavily influenced by Volkswagen - notably Golf and Polo - which is a good thing. Options include a different colour paint for the roof (add $390).TECHNOLOGYMost components are borrowed from Volkswagen, including the 77kW 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine in the 2WD. The 103kW/320Nm 2-litre turbo-diesel is common to most Audi and VW models and has a strong reputation for durability. The DSG auto is a $2300 option, with the 2WD getting a seven-speed unit and the 4WD gets the six-speed version. The Haldex drivetrain system on the AWD is a fourth generation unit and is a top-notch device that quickly moves torque to the required wheel. The system goes under the name of 4Motion by Volkswagen. The Yeti is a simple car with no radical engineering and so should be easy and hopefully inexpensive to service and repair.SAFETYSkoda announces a five-star crash rating. The Yeti comes standard with loads of safety it as standard, including seven airbags, electronic stability control, brake assist and hill start assist. The AWD gets an “off road package’’ with specially tuned ABS brakes and ESC for dirt roads, plus hill descent and a refined hill holder system.DRIVINGSkoda launched the Yeti rage AWD version with a brisk bitumen run followed by a difficult 30km drive along the Northern Territory’s Finke River which, fortunately, was mostly dry. This is a mix of riverstones and soft white sand and not the place for an AWD with no low-range gearing, low-profile road tyres and a measly 180mm of ground clearance. A few became bogged due to a loss of momentum but most kindled respect for the compact wagon for its strength during the pounding over the rocks and the ability of the 2-litre turbo-diesel engine to keep the torque on stream. The uneven terrain also proved the rigidity of the body.There’s more respect for its on-road manners. The car is impressively quiet on the open road - despite the coarse bitumen - and is devoid of any wind noise that normally is the bugbear of SUVs. The compliant ride was also a surprise, as was the road handling and the pep of the engine when mated to the six-speed DSG auto (a $2300 option). Though borrowing a lot of gear from the VW Tiguan, the Yeti has a less firm ride and may better suit seekers of comfort rather than performance handling.VERDICTIt’s an excellent effort from Skoda and one worth a solid look. More dealers means better choices and deals. The 2WD version was unavailable this week but will be tested soon.

Funny name and unusual looks hide a very practical offering from that most pragmatic of carmakers, Skoda. Here in September and loaded with family-friendly features, Skoda says its Yeti SUV is bound for sales success.To help ensure victory, Skoda is upping the numbr of its dealers by about 20, making about 60 outlets with the feather logo in ction within a year. Skoda Australia is keeping its distance when talking price.But, as a dartboard exercise, about $27,000 for the front-wheel drive 77kW petrol manual and about $33,000 for the all-wheel drive 103kW turbo-diesel with the DSG auto is about right. That's also in rival Japanese and Korean territory.Skoda's head in Australia, Matthew Wiesner, says other engine variants, including a 118kW turbo-petrol with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, will follow later.VALUESkoda will show the Yeti at the Melbourne motor show - along with a new Superb model and the Fabia range - and then put it in showrooms in September-October.At an estimated $28,000 for the front-drive petrol, it equates to the Nissan Dualis 2WD Ti at $29,690; Toyota RAV4 2.4 CV ($28,990); Kia Sportage Si 2WD ($26,490); Mitsubishi ASX 2WD ($25,990); and Hyundai ix35 Active ($26,990).A lot of the Yeti's value lies in its reliability, safety features, durability and functionality. But customers may baulk - at least with this entry-level model - by the manual transmission and unorthodox styling.TECHNOLOGYThe underpinnings are all VW Tiguan but, like the difference between the Polo GTI and the Skoda Fabia RS, there's an awful lot of detail in how the suspension has been tuned and how the steering is set up.The base engine is the superb 1.2-litre 77kW turbo-petrol engine also found in the Polo and Fabia. The 103kW turbo-diesel has been around for a long time and is in no need for a change.It gets mated to the all-wheel drive system and a six-speed DSG box. The drive system is a Haldex arrangement that on dry roads puts 96 per cent of torque through the front wheels. It has sensors that detect speed variations between front and rear wheels and then can divert up to 90 per cent of torque to the rear.There's also a rear limited slip differential to ensure torque goes evenly between the two wheels.DESIGNThe Yeti is the same length as a Volkswagen Golf but has considerably more cabin room - mainly in height - so can afford to have the rear theatre seating and cary tall cargo. Subjectively, it's a Roomster without the quirky bits.In fact, despite its unusual round driving lights up front, its profile and rear views show it as a neat, functional family wagon. The fact that so much thought has gone into things like versatile cargo space, personal storage for occupants, big windows for visibility and so on, that it just feels so functional.Part of the Yeti's appeal is its flexibility. It has Skoda's VarioFlex seating arrangement so individual seats can move on runners, split and fold, reclined and even removed. The rear seats are 20mm higher than the front so this theatre seating gives children a better view.SAFETYIt gets a five-star crash rating, all the necessary chassis aids including the full suite of airbags and Volkswagen's electronic safety gear such as stability and roll control. It even has a full-size spare wheel.DRIVINGIts height makes it look like a people mover and that may indicate it has the same bodyroll and vague handling of such a van. In fact, the Yeti is beautifully taut and controllable. It sits flat on the road and is always composed.It can be flung into a corner and the steering wheel rolled on without any dramas. The 103kW tested is a lazy engine and that masks the fact that the performance is pretty special. With the DSG it will slip quickly up through the gears and cruise quietly and frugally at 120km/h (Czech posted speed limit) though has plenty in reserve for overtaking.The dashboard is simple and effective but I wasn't alone in making more than a few attempts to get comfortable behind the wheel. The high seating position, angle of the steering wheel and location of the pedals creates a sit-up-and-beg attitude by the driver that takes some time to get used to.In its favour, the high seats make it very easy to get in and out of the vehicle - a bonus for the frail and elderly - and reduces the need to lean into the car to extract babies from capsules and grocery bags from the boot.VERDICTChange your mind about what you want your car to do and the Yeti may just fit into all your parameters. A surprisingly practical and efficient car.

The Yeti is said to be a creature that is rarely sighted. But for Skoda, the Yeti crossover SUV could increase the visibility of the brand in Australia.The question is whether it has enough difference to stand out in an increasingly crowded segment, with nearly every carmaker scrambling for the money in one of the healthier categories in a global industry with a downturn of 20 per cent overall.But added to the Octavia and Roomster here – and the new Superb being launched this week – the Yeti does show Skoda has a few more tricks up its sleeve, and some clever ones at that.It fills out the range for the Czech member of the Volkswagen group, and has the advantage of borrowing some good bits from that stable.DrivetrainsBased on the same Golf platform that underpins the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Yeti comes in seven drivetrains – four 4WD and three front-driven 2WD – with diesel and four-cylinder engines offered in both drive formats.The 2WD trio kicks off with a 1.2-litre fuel-injected, turbocharged petrol unit developing 77kW of power at 5000rpm and 175Nm of torque between 1500-3500rpm, mated to either a six-speed manual or the seven-speed Volkswagen DSG (twin clutch) automatic from the Golf GTI.The diesel 2WD carries the base output level of a 2-litre common-rail injected engine with a particulate filter, developing 81kW at 4200rpm and 250Nm between 1500-2500rpm, mated to a five-speed manual.The same diesel engine appears in the 4WD range with a six-speed manual, and is topped by two higher-tuned versions. The first puts out 103kW at 4200rpm and 320Nm between 1750-2500, and the second gives 125kW and 350Nm at the same rev points.The petrol 4WD has a 1.8-litre fuel-injected turbocharged unit mated to the six-speed manual, developing 118kW between 4500-6200rpm and 250Nm between 1500-4500rpm.Official performance, economy and emission data was available only for the 1.8-litre petrol (top speed 200km/h, 0-100km/h 8.4secs, 8L/100km combined, CO2 189gm/km) and the 103kW 2-litre diesel (top speed 190km/h, 0-100km/h 9.9 secs, 6.1L/100km, CO2 159gm/km).4WD system The Yeti uses a Haldex multi-disc clutch, a limited slip diff on the rear axle, and interaction with the electronic stability program and anti-skid and force-distribution brake systems. Using all the technology in concert, the coupling sends up to 96 per cent of the torque to the front wheels under normal driving conditions, but can send up to 90 per cent to the rear axle when it detects slip at the front, and can send up to 85 per cent to any single wheel if it decides that’s the best corner to get you out of trouble.For those who want added mountain goat, there’s an optional off-road package that revises the braking, traction and diff systems for loose surfaces, adds in a hill start assist, and hill descent control that allows the Yeti to ‘walk’ down steep slopes in neutral but still let you have control over the throttle to give a bit more acceleration when you need it. Our instructor at the time didn’t demonstrate the ability to vary the rate of the ‘walk’ by having the transmission in a chosen gear, which doesn’t use the gear ratio as such but recalibrates the descent speed from the ABS system.Underpinnings, dimensions and geometry Skoda claims there’ll be a lot of parking versatility – a clue to where they think the main market for the SUV will be – in the Yeti’s shortish length of 4223mm and narrow 1793mm width. But with a 180mm ground clearance it also has some claim to get off the bitumen.And with 1691mm in height and a wheelbase of 2578mm, it offers decent proportions for passenger space.The suspension system uses McPherson strut and wishbones at the front, and a multi-link rear axle (borrowed from the Octavia but widened 30mm for the Yeti) with torsion stabiliser, mounted on a sub-frame to damp vibration.The base model rides on 16” steel wheels and 215/60 R16 rubber, with higher-spec versions getting 16” or 17” alloys with 225/50 R17 tyres on the larger metal.Weight starts at 1520kg for the petrol version, while the diesel engines add 25kg, and the 4WD system stacks on another 100kg.Cargo capacity increases from 416 litres to 1760 by folding the rear seats, and can be loaded with a 545kg payload, while towing ability is 1800kg.AppearanceThe nose has the ribbed Skoda grille with the round logo blistering out of the heavy chrome top bar, but with some strong character lines flowing back along the bonnet. There are the usual softroader cues of swelling wheel arches, roof rails, high-set light clusters, black lower protection panels and underbody nudge plates front and back.But it’s not a brutal dress-up. If Skoda can be accused of going overboard with anything, it’s restraint. So while there’s enough bulging and plating to let everybody know it’s an offroader, there’s nothing there to scare the wildlife either.Fit-out and equipment The interior has the advantage of being able to dip into the large amount of good inventory in the VW warehouse, so it gets the tick for good quality materials and instruments.The rear seats are raised slightly higher than the front for visibility, and also split, fold, tumble and remove easily in three sections, with the outer ones able to slide further inward for more shoulder space.The standard ‘Active’ spec equipment list for Europe includes things like height and reach steering adjustment, daytime running lights, roof rails, twin front and side airbags, while upper ‘Ambition’ spec includes knee and curtain airbags, foggies, climate control airconditioning and tinted windows. The top spec level, ‘Experience’, adds in goodies like the off-road assistance package, leather on the steering wheel and lumbar support for the front seats.And there’s a long list of options, including bi-xenon swivelling headlights, nav and multimedia systems, Bluetooth, park assist, leather upholstery and a rough-road package of protective plates.The optional sunroof is easy to use, but follows the worrying European trend of having only a mesh screen to pull across between the glass and your scalp. And even in the Slovenian spring’s peak of 30C, that meant a hot car when you came back to it, and a fairly hot head if the sun was at the wrong angle when you were driving. Very nice for thawing out from a winter hibernation in the northern hemisphere, but could be a liability down under in sun cancer central.But that bugbear aside, the Yeti – in signature Skoda habit – has some other natty tricks, like sliding shopping bag hooks that proved sturdy enough to handle the weight of a 10kg computer backpack, and a flexible semi-circular ‘fence’ to capture other items.Pricing and sales There’s no word yet on which variants will come to Australia, when they’ll come, at what price and how many they expect to sell. So what can we tell you? It won’t come this year, partly because local HQ is still in discussion about what we can have.“We need the pricing and specification to be right for the Australian market,” says spokesman Karl Gehling. “It will come down to which drivetrains are available.”However, Gehling does admit they’d like to get an entry level version into the country under the strategic $30,000 bar, and possibly far enough under it to allow addition of the DSG — $2300 elsewhere in the stable – with the price tag still snuggling close to the 30k mark.He says that ideally they’d like to give us both petrol engines and the upper two power levels of the diesel one. And with the popularity of the DSG in other VW group vehicles, they’re very keen to have that on offer across the range too.DrivingIt’s basically a very compact box, but with some Tardis qualities. That squared roofline allows for a lot of headroom, and despite it being fairly narrow and short, there’s no sense of leg or shoulder cramp either.On paper, the 1.2-litre 77kW petrol variant looks like it wouldn’t have enough oomph to push a shopping trolley, let alone the Yeti. But with the turbo’s help and the low torque entry, we had no trouble with three adults on board, even on steep slopes. It’s no race car – and not intended to be – but it gets along quite happily, albeit a bit noisily if you try and push it too hard.This 2WD handles and rides well, aided by the lower weight, while the 4WD 1.8-litre petrol variant, despite the 118kW and 250Nm on tap, felt a little more reluctant to be thrown around. With identical suspension, the extra resistance was coming from the extra kilograms of the all-paw system.However on gravel roads the 1.8-litre was a champion, with the Haldex system working fluidly at keeping the traction where it was needed, and the cabin staying surprisingly quiet – given what we were crunching through underfoot.But our favourite of the vehicles tested was the 4WD diesel in the 103kW/320Nm tune level, which happily sang its way through some high-speed freeway running, sitting comfortably around 150km/h and promptly giving a bit more when needed for overtaking. Which suggests the 125kW/350Nm could be fun.But the most impressive performance was taking the diesel with an offroad pack over a series of fairly serious tasks. The moguls, cambers and water hazard wouldn’t have startled anybody who’s driven a rural Aussie road outside grading season. But the steep slope sections were worthy of the worst Cape York can throw up, and with a bit of rain would have rivalled wet season.This is where the hill descent proved its worth, clambering comfortably down the track and smoothly taking up the task again after being put into an intentional stall.Skoda knows that the 2WD Yeti versions will likely be the most popular, but the 4WD would be a handy gadget for those who live in semi-rural areas or want to hit remote beaches and rivers for the weekend. Whether or not those buyers line up for one will come down to whether or not they like the styling. The looks are not going to set the world alight, but the capability is certainly there.Skoda Yeti Drivetrains2WD 1.2-litre fuel-injected, turbocharged petrol 77kW@5000rpm, 175Nm@1500-3500rpm, six-speed manual (top speed, 0-100km/h, economy and emissions data not available at launch)2WD 1.2-litre fuel-injected, turbocharged petrol 77kW@5000rpm, 175Nm@1500-3500rpm, seven-speed DSG automatic (top speed, 0-100km/h, economy and emissions data not available at launch)2WD 2-litre common-rail diesel, 81kW@4200rpm, 250Nm@1500-2500rpm, five-speed manual (top speed, 0-100km/h, economy and emissions data not available at launch)4WD 2-litre common-rail diesel, 81kW@4200rpm, 250Nm@1500-2500rpm, six-speed manual (top speed, 0-100km/h, economy and emissions data not available at launch)4WD 2-litre common-rail diesel, 103kW@4200rpm, 320Nm@1750-2500, six-speed manual (top speed 190km/h, 0-100km/h 9.9 secs, 6.1L/100km, CO2 159gm/km)4WD 2-litre common-rail diesel, 125kW@4200rpm, 350Nm@1500-2500rpm, six-speed manual (top speed, 0-100km/h, economy and emissions data not available at launch)4WD 1.8-litre fuel-injected turbocharged petrol, 118kW@4500-6200rpm, 250Nm@1500-4500rpm, six-speed manual (top speed 200km/h, 0-100km/h 8.4secs, 8L/100km combined, CO2 189gm/km)Pricing: TBAOn sale: 2010Rivals Nissan DualisSuzuki Grand VitaraKia SportageHyundai Tucson

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.