Yeti is the latest compact SUV by Skoda. It is not a full size big and bulky SUV but has got a small and compact design. Its design is something which has got a varied response. Some feel Yeti is a great SUV to be sported in small cities as well as in the larger ones, thanks to its compact design. It gives the comfort and style of an SUV and yet doesn’t take up too much of space or looks very bulky. On the other hand many feel Yeti is not a good looking car which hasn’t got anything that could make it fall in the SUV category. They criticise its size, structure and the concept on which it is based. Different people, different views, but one thing is for sure, Yeti has been the hot topic lately when Skoda comes into the picture. So let’s move ahead and read the review in detail to decide whether really Skoda Yeti is worth it.
Engine and technical specifications
The Skoda Yeti is available in only diesel engine option. It has got a 2.0 litres, 1968 cc, 16 valve, 4 cylinder, DOHC, turbocharged, liquid cooled high pressure direct injection TDI CR diesel engine 4×4 version that produces 140 Bhp maximum power at 4200 rpm and peak torque of 320 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm. It has got a 6 speed manual transmission gearbox. This engine is a four wheel drive type. The 4×2 version of the Yeti which is the two wheel drive type produces 110 Bhp maximum power at 4200 rpm and 250 Nm peak torque at 1500-2500 rpm.
The kerb weight of the 4×2 version is 1445 kg and the 4×4 version weighs 1543 kg. The minimum turning radius of the Yeti is 10.0 meters. The ground clearance of the vehicle comes to 180 mm and the total wheelbase measures up to 2578 mm. The exterior measurements of the Skoda Yeti are 1691 mm height, 1793 mm width and 4223 mm length. The size of the tyres is 215/60 R16. The front brakes are disc brakes with inner cooling and single piston floating calliper and the rear ones are disc brakes. The front suspension are Mc Pherson with lower triangular links and torsion stabiliser type and the rear ones are multi-element axle with three traverse links and one longitudinal with torsion stabiliser.
Exterior design
There are four variants of the Skoda Yeti which are Elegance, Ambiente 4WD, Ambition 2 WD and Active 4×2. This car is available in a good range of shades which are magic black, brilliant silver, aqua mist, mato brown and corrida red. Yeti is compact and looks stylish to many; however its looks have been the talk of the town since its launch. Where more and more companies are opting for muscular and bold designs to give to their SUVs, Skoda is trying to break the trend with their small size SUV. The chrome radiator grille still has got a bold and aggressive look.
The headlamps and large fog lamps have a sporty design and the front of the car has been made stylish and elegant. The bumper brush guard too has got a chrome finish which is quite unique. The turn indicators integrated ORVMs and the door handles are body coloured. The roof rails have got silver touch to them and the 16 inch alloy wheels make the car look good.
Interiors
The interiors are better looking than the exterior of the Skoda Yeti. The cabin is roomy and spacious and the dual tone styling brings a beautiful look to the car. The dashboard of the Yeti resembles that of Laura. The audio controls are steering wheel mounted and boreal wood design has been given in the décor of the car, namely in the centre console and dashboard. The seats are leather made and the height and length is adjustable in the steering wheel. There is a 6.5 inch LCD TFT display touch screen that displays all the audio control too.
The VarioFlex space management system is responsible for giving the rear part of the car a spacious look and comfort to the passengers seated. The storage in the side panels, front glove box, under luggage compartment floor is ample. There is cooling and illumination done in the glove box which is a nice feature. The air-conditioner has got an automatic air circulation system with air quality sensors. There is a 6 CD changer with SD/MMC data card reader and eight speakers installed in the Yeti.
Performance
Skoda Yeti’s big tyres help the car become stable on all road conditions. The suspensions work fine and the braking system is also fairly good. The safety features of Yeti include ABS, EBD, ASR, ESP, EDL, TCS, hill descent control, six airbags, remote central locking, protective covers for engine and engine immobiliser with floating code system. The mileage given by the 4×4 version gives a mileage of 17.67 kmpl and the 4×2 version gives a great 17.72 kmpl.
Pros
- Great safety and handling features
- Good storage space
- Great mileage
Pros
- Too small size for an SUV
- High maintenance
- Pricey
Verdict
Skoda Yeti is an arguably stylish SUV that can be bought if you are ready to spend between Rs. 13,90,000 and Rs. 17,19,950 (ex-showroom Delhi). You can count on its beautiful interiors, safety features and mileage.
