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So far there has been evidence of the existence of the Yeti just a few supposed footprints and the statements of mountain climbers suffering from mountain air. Of the Skoda Yeti, on the other hand, is still pretty real in the used car market.
The Skoda Yeti, which was built between 2009 and 2017, was assessed as being more than just appearing. The compact SUV was not a lifestyle product, but rather like the eponymous mythical creature from the Himalayan mountains, it was also suitable for more robust use. In addition to the all-wheel drive option, the Yeti also offered many practical features. There was only one beauty prize that the Czech couldn't really win. The question remains, how will his appearance at TÜV turn out.
Body and interior
Visually, the 4,22-meter-long Skoda Yeti is more reminiscent of the Skoda Roomster high-roof station wagon than of a chic off-road vehicle. Many corners and edges characterize the appearance. From the outside it can hardly be seen that the SUV uses the technology of the VW Tiguan. It is around 21 centimeters shorter than its big brother from Wolfsburg, but the trunk is hardly smaller. Depending on the seat configuration, the luggage volume varies between 416 and 1.760 liters.
Speaking of seats: the three seats in the rear can be moved lengthways separately; if the middle seat is removed, the outer seats can also be moved towards the center. If you need the entire rear for transport purposes, you can also remove the three seats. The occupants benefit from the airy feeling of space that the height of almost 1,70 m and the straight roof line convey.
The interior is factual and clear. The Skoda Yeti can also score with good workmanship and simple operation. The Czech received a facelift at the end of 2013. Since then he no longer wears his cute four-eyed face, but rather conventional headlights. In addition, it is now available in two versions, a city and an off-road version. The off-road version has black plastic on the bumpers and sills, while the corresponding parts of the city version are painted in the same color as the car. There is also a difference in the shape of the front and rear bumpers.
Motors and drive
As usual with Skoda, the four-cylinder petrol and diesel, which are available with front or all-wheel drive, come from the VW shelf. The basic unit at the market launch was a 1,2-liter turbo gasoline engine with 77 kW / 105 PS. The engine is not a powerhouse (175 Nm), but like the 1,4-liter with 90 kW / 122 PS and 200 Nm is enough for everyday use. Both turbos are only available with front-wheel drive and consume between 6,4 and 6,8 liters on average. If you are looking for a combination of all-wheel drive and gasoline engine, you have to resort to the 1,8-liter turbo, which is available in the versions with 112 kW / 152 PS and 118 kW / 160.
The small 1.8 series is coupled to a six-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG), the large one to a manual six-speed transmission. This also transfers the power to the front wheels of the 1.2 and 1.4 Skoda Beti, or a seven-speed DSG was available as an option.
Also on offer were a 1,6-liter and two-liter diesel. The 1,6-liter develops 105 hp and was also only delivered with front-wheel drive. The 2,0-liter was available in the expansion stages with 81 kW / 110 PS, 103 kW / 140 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS. An average of 4,6 to 6,1 liters flowed through the pipes. The most powerful diesel engine came from the factory with all-wheel drive, the other two-liter units could also be ordered with 4 × 4 drive instead of front-wheel drive. The diesels with 105 and 110 hp have a manual five-speed gearbox, as an alternative to the manual switch, DSG with six or seven gears were available.
With the facelift, Skoda tightened the engine range a little. The 1,8-liter turbo gasoline engine was deleted without replacement, but the 1.4 series got a version with 110 kW / 150 PS and all-wheel drive. In the diesel segment, the two-liter engine with 110 hp and 150 hp (previously 140 hp) remained in the range.
Equipment and safety
As is so often the case, the basic equipment lines ("Easy" and "Active") on the Yeti are also something for those willing to do without. Those who value comfort, on the other hand, prefer to look for an “Ambition” model. Radio and air conditioning are standard features here. If you want a little more: The comfort levels "Elegance" and "Laurent & Klement" offer, among other things, bi-xenon light, reversing camera, leather, navigation system and two-zone air conditioning. In addition, Skoda repeatedly produced special models such as “Monte Carlo” or “Adventure”. In the NCAP crash test, the Yeti achieved a five-star rating. Even the oldest vintages have ESP anti-skid protection on board.
Quality
In the general inspection (HU) of the TÜV, the Yeti cuts a very good figure. He usually passes the chassis test without any problems, as does the emissions test and the functionality of the brakes. On the other hand, problems are caused by the brake discs and oil loss. The TÜV inspectors also repeatedly had to complain about the lighting system. Those interested in used cars should also ensure that they do not catch a copy with timing chain problems. The 1,2-liter turbo gasoline engine causes trouble in this regard, but the 1,4-liter turbos are also affected. The best thing to do is to look for cars that have already been repaired.
Conclusion
The Yeti is practical and variable, solidly made and is also available with all-wheel drive. Anyone who opts for the compact SUV must invest at least 4.000 euros. The vehicles in this price range, however, have many kilometers under their belt. If the mileage is less than 200.000, around 6.000 euros are called.