9 February 2011
New car report: Big footing it with the best.
Let's get straight to the point; build quality, interior space, cabin ambience, performance, handling, innovation and equipment levels of Skoda's new compact SUV, the Yeti are up there with the best.
The quirky exterior styling of the latest offering from VW Group's Czech subsidiary is not unlike that of the Roomster, a model Skoda launched back in 2007, albeit a more testosterone pumped version.
Launched in New Zealand with a 103kW 2.0 litre TDI engine producing an impressive 320Nm of torque, a 6 speed manual gearbox is currently the only transmission available. Combined cycle fuel consumption is quoted at 6.1 litres diesel per 100 kilometres, which equates to 159 g/km of CO2.
The Yeti is left wanting for nothing much in terms of creature comforts.
With a leather clad multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, 6 disc CD with touch screen stereo, a chilled glovebox and cool box in the centre armrest, climate air-conditioning, automatic wipers and headlights all standard.
Front fog lights, 17 inch alloys, rear parking aid, roof rails and electric, heated, folding mirrors with an auto dimming feature cap off the high spec level.
Our test car was also fitted with Bluetooth, which is a $700 option but well worth having.
General Manager for Skoda New Zealand, James Yates says that options being considered for our market include a 6 speed DSG automatic mated to the current diesel powerplant, which should be available mid-2010, as well as possibilities of 1.2 litre and 1.4 litre TSI petrol engines and front wheel drive versions.
One of the cleverest features of the Yeti is the design of the rear seats. Each of the two outer rear seats is able to be individually adjusted to suit each passenger. Alternatively, the middle seat can be removed, giving business class seating room for two rear seat passengers.
Clever design. Versatile practicality.
The rear seats can be tilted to form a relatively flat floor, or in the event that more space is required, they can be flipped over to give floor to ceiling loading capacity, or removed altogether.
In some markets the Yeti is supplied with a tyre inflation kit as opposed to a space-saver wheel that is part of New Zealand's standard equipment. While the wheel is a preferable option, its location does encroach into the rear cargo area a little. Depending on seat configuration, available cargo space is from 322 litres up to 1,665 litres.
As we've come to expect from Skoda, there's no shortage of safety equipment. There is a full array of airbags including a driver's knee airbag, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in the rear and front passenger's seat, and all the electronic active safety aids such as ABS, Stability and Traction Control systems.
Power is transferred to the tarmac via the front wheels under most driving conditions but when slip is detected and additional traction required, a 4th generation Haldex clutch provides drive to the rear wheels.
Towing weight is rated at 1,600kg braked and 550kg unbraked. With an overall length of 4,223 mm, width of 1,793 mm and height of 1,691mm, the Yeti is 170 mm shorter, 22 mm narrow and 6 mm higher than Toyota's diesel powered RAV 4, which at $48,740 is priced just under the Yeti's retail sticker of $49,990.
While that may sound on the steep side, when you consider the equipment level, technology, practicality and beautifully balanced drivability, it's probably about right.
The added cost premium for the forthcoming auto is expected to be $2,500, taking the retail price out to $52,490.
For those who feel the need, the accessory list is extensive, but don't get carried away ticking boxes, as the price can run away on you. Bi-Xenon headlights are Skoda Yeti$2,000, Satellite Navigation $4,200 and panoramic glass sunroof $2,500. So in a few strokes of the pen, it wouldn't be hard to add $10k to the price tag.
Some people we encountered during our time with the Yeti still struggled to get past the Skoda badge. Sadly for them, they are missing out on one of the world's greatest automotive treasures.