Yeti almost ready

You can officially add the Yeti crossover to Skoda Australia's growing list of future additions. The Czech brand Skoda will unveil the production version of the Yeti crossover at the Geneva motor show next week, and the company's local boss is keen to see it on our shores.
 
But Carparazzi was able to snap these shots of the car undergoing cold weather testing last week, ahead of the official reveal.
 
Matthew Wiesner, Head of Skoda Australia, tells the Carsales Network that the Yeti is on the agenda to join the brand's growing Australian fleet next year.
 
"As far as we're concerned it's on our shopping list," Wiesner says. "But realistically assuming all our discussions go smoothly, because of the staged launches of the engine variants, I wouldn't expect to see anything before mid 2010."
 
Similar in size to Volkswagen's popular Tiguan, the Yeti would fill a valuable slot in the Skoda line-up according to Wiesner. He believes high-riding compact crossovers will remain a popular choice for buyers looking to maximise interior space in smaller cars.
 
"It's a good demographic to be involved in. SUV buyers are traditionally not as loyal [to a particular brand] and are more open to experimenting with funky European styling."
 
These shots show the car has grown slightly from the 2005 Geneva concept. Rear load capacity has been increased and Wiesner said the Skoda designers have produced a "very smart design inside" for both passenger comfort and load lugging capability.
 
Given the early stages of the project, details of Australian specification for the Yeti are still some way off in the future. In Europe it is expected to be offered in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models.

The Yeti's suspension, brakes and transmission are reportedly sourced from the Roomster. Engine wise expect the option of 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and 1.9-litre turbodiesel.
 
While some of the interesting features of the concept haven't made the production model, the clever bike carrier has. The tailgate's glass window hinges at the top, while the bottom section folds horizontally.

At the push of a button, the number plate flips down and two struts for attaching a cycle to lift up from the lowered bottom half of the tailgate. Bikes can then rest on this. A cover also hinges up from the lower door to seal the boot area.