Skoda Yeti 103TDI AWD 2011 Review

Prague
Czech Republic

Quick Spin

It doesn’t have white fur or sharp teeth, and it probably won’t assist lost skiers back to their lodgings, but unlike its namesake mythical creature this Yeti does show a lot of conviction on (and we’re told off) road, is dynamically adept and, though it looks a little odd, is well packaged to boot.

Introduced at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show, Yeti shares its underpinnings with Volkswagen’s Tiguan. It runs a MacPherson and wishbone combination front / multi-link rear suspension arrangement, familiar to Octavia Scout. The platform’s ride height is modified for suitable clearance (180mm) over rough terrain.

Yeti measures in at 4233mm long, 1793mm wide and 1691mm high. Its wheelbase is 2578mm. This makes it 194mm shorter, 16mm narrower and 8mm taller than Tiguan and 351mm shorter, 9mm wider and 158mm taller than Scout. The wheelbase difference between the pair is 26mm and 1mm respectively. Compared to the topseller in the segment, Subaru’s Forester, Yeti is shorter, narrower and squatter by 327mm, 2mm and 29mm while its wheels are 37mm closer together.

Depending on market, Yeti is available in three trim levels and offers the choice of three petrol (from 77-118kW) and four diesel (from 77-125kW) engines, with both front and all-wheel drive layouts offered, depending on variant. Similarly, manual and DSG transmissions are available throughout the range.

In Australia, we’ll receive the front-drive 77TSI (petrol) and all-wheel drive 103TDI (diesel) variants from launch, with an all-wheel drive 118TSI (petrol) also said to be under consideration.

Testing the DSG-equipped and all-wheel drive 103TDI version, we find a total output of 103kW/320Nm from the turbocharged 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which Skoda tells us is good for a combined consumption rate of 6.1L/100km and CO2 emissions of 159g/km. Acceleration to triple figures is claimed to take 9.9 seconds, which we have no trouble believing, and a top speed (eventually) of 190km/h.

Driving the front wheels the majority of the time, Yeti, like most of Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive models, uses a (fourth generation) electro-hydraulically controlled Haldex coupling to supply drive to the rear wheels as required. The system is seamless, and is assisted by a comprehensive array of electronic safety features which include traction and stability control, an electronic differential locking system and brake assist.

Incidentally, Yeti is awarded a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating thanks to its long list of driver aids, nine airbags and strong body.

Step up over the sill and into Yeti through its wide-opening doors and you’ll discover a cleverly packaged interior which makes the most of the available space to seat five adults in comfort. Fit and finish throughout the cabin is excellent, the choice of materials indeed suitable for Yeti’s go-anywhere attitude, all crafted with a style unique to Skoda.

Switchgear, amenity and instrumentation is typically Volkswagen (no, that’s not a typo), with many features familiar to previous generation Golf.

The front seats offer a supportive base with decent side bolsters and lumbar support on the driver’s side, and being of raised position offer outstanding visibility.

At the rear, Skoda’s clever VarioFlex seats sit slightly higher than the front pews to offer back seat passengers and equally clear view. The design of this flexible seat arrangement also means the three positions can be individually folded, or removed entirely, the outboard seats further adjustable for travel and lateral positioning (by 80mm) to convert Yeti into a spacious four seater. Accommodation throughout is generous.

ISOFIX child seat preparation is offered on all three rear seats as well as the front passenger seat (the airbag is switchable). This means the driver can travel with an infant on board, and remove the rear seats to carry more cargo. Depending on configuration, Yeti offers between 416 and 1760-litres of cargo space.

On road, Yeti presents many of the handling characteristics of a conventional mid-sized hatch. Indeed, it’s more like a big hatch or medium sedan to drive without the top-heavy feel that some compact SUV propagate.

The chassis is taut and well complemented by suspension tuned to deliver an appropriate compromise between ride comfort, on-road grip and offroad ability. Yeti’s well-weighted steering feel is fittingly tactile and suitably assisted.

Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels Yeti’s road noise is surprisingly well contained, a hint of wind noise the only evident distraction, perhaps generated from the more upright screen and bigger wing mirrors.

Yeti’s full torque figure arrives at 1750rpm ensuring you won’t be left behind in fast-paced urban traffic, and on the open road, runs freely at 130km/h, thwarted only by the combination of steeper hills and overtaking where its significant 1545kg kerb weight is evident.

Our quick drive in the Czech Republic near Skoda’s home base didn’t include an offroad component and as such we are loathed to comment on the car’s abilities or otherwise. Skoda maintains, however, that the car is more capable than its competitors and overseas testing by colleagues tends to back up the claim.

With a choice of up-to-date turbocharged direct-injected engines, more technology and such versatile packaging, Yeti has strong credentials. Just how it competes against its opposition like Subaru Forester, Nissan Dualis, Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35 and Suzuki Grand Vitara will remain a question until we get our hands on one Down Under.

One thing likely to sway opinions is money. Skoda says Yeti will be very keenly priced when it gets here...

Yeti will debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne in July with full specifications and pricing to be announced closer to that time. We expect to see the car in showrooms from October.

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