:coffee:

As i was driving to work over the Beacons, looking at all the various styles of vehicle around me, I started musing a bit vacantly about why we (on here) have decided upon a Yeti. Why not one of the "jelly mould" 4*4s? Why a 4*4 at all?

And given that so many of the Yetis being ordered are 1.2 li 2wd, it got me thinking. Dangerous - and painful - I know, but I am curious about our reasons.

Personally I do not wish to be isolated by snow again, so a 4*4 was a prerequisite - and the Yeti provides that, with decent economy, and decent performance too, in a shape i find attractive. I'd researched many others, and in terms of ticking boxes, only the X-Trail came near!! I am fed up with vanilla saloon/estate looking cars, and I do NOT like the jelly-mould blobs that most of the others are. And so we were left with the sit-up-and-beg Yeti.

Why do others choose to drive a crossover? Especially with only 2wd? Is it just styling? Price?

Answers on a postage stamp!

George

:coffee:

<snip>

Personally I do not wish to be isolated by snow again, so a 4*4 was a prerequisite - and the Yeti provides that

Answers on a postage stamp!

<snip>

George

You could do better by purchasing changing your tyres to winter ones or compromising by having all season tyres with snow and mountain ratings

The Yeti comes with high speed rated tyres and not tyres best able to cope with snow.

You cannot fit snow chains to the rear wheels so there is a danger of 180 turn especially if you accept from Skoda tyres that are not designed to provide maximum stability

You must ensure that you purchase a Yeti model where you can fit snow chains if needed in this country or are legally required when travelling to other ECC Member states.

Read more on other Briskoda Yeti threads before you invest in a dream.

Edited 10 March, 201016 yr by Y4YETI

Chose my 1.2 2wd partly because of the dire state of the roads locally.

Specification for the money was pretty good in Elegance trim (I had ordered a golf with £2k worth of extras that the Yeti had as standard (apart from reversing camera!) but still lacked Xenons).

Previous Skoda owner, happy with reliability. Not bothered about "the badge". Low insurance / servicing.

1.2 a cracking engine (ordered without a test drive).

My mum was disgusted that i could have had a BMW / Audi / VW, but chose a Skoda.

When she saw the Yeti she fell in love with it, and admitted she'd had to eat her words.

You could do better by purchasing changing your tyres to winter ones or compromising by having all season tyres with snow and mountain ratings

The Yeti comes with high speed rated tyres and not tyres best able to cope with snow.

You cannot fit snow chains to the rear wheels so there is a danger of 180 turn especially if you accept from Skoda tyres that are not designed to provide maximum stability

You must ensure that you purchase a Yeti model where you can fit snow chains if needed in this country or are legally required when travelling to other ECC Member states.

Read more on other Briskoda Yeti threads before you invest in a dream.

Getting back on topic..... :wonder:

Firstly, I like something a little different to the norm... I like the fact that the 1.8TSi is a bit of a Q car. Personally I love the looks also.

I used to own a 4x4 Octavia and swapped it in for a new VRS. In terms of traction this was a mistake imo so I wanted the safety values the 4x4 system brings with it again on the UK roads - typically wet or damp for most of the year! :(

I wanted a compact 4x4, nothing too big as it needs to be parked up in tight streets a number of times a day. It also does about 20 speed humps a day due to my work location so the extended suspension travel will provide better comfort.

The flexible rear seating is great for when Im heading to B&Q, the local dump, off camping... etc

And I knew the quality of the brand and support from the dealer as I'd experienced this previously and liked it very much

I also wanted a full panoramic sunroof that opened - this was almost a prerequisite for me as its something Ive simply always wanted on a car and very very few of the competitors roofs actually open.

I guess that 60% of the above would have been answered with the 2 wheel drive version but for me, for some reason, I'd probably have looked elsewhere if it didnt have a decent four wheel drive option.

Lee

Edited 10 March, 201016 yr by FocusZtec

I have gone for the 2.0D but hopefully I can contribute to the main part of the thread if not the Why 1.2 2WD?

I was looking for a 2.0D hatchback that can take two adults and two children. It needs to do a modest daily commute, an occasional big journey for work, family days out and trips around the country to visit relatives. In essence it will be the typical family all rounder. The Yeti offered a different and fun shape to the usual blandly styled cars along with a high seat position for all in the car. This makes it a comfortable car for all in it and helps reduce travel sickness. The finish in the car is excellent and it drove wonderfully well, something that was a critical factor as I like comfort. The Yeti also had a pretty high spec for the money which did appeal although it was not the clincher for me, the previous points did that.

I also looked at an X-Trail but the MPG in the Yeti was superior and that helped to win the day. With fuel being so expensive now that has to be factored in. This also helped to eliminate a number of other similar styled cars.

I was originally going for the 2WD, still the Yeti, but the recent weather led me to the 4WD. Whilst I take on board the issue of winter tyres I absolutely can not believe that the Yeti will not be an improvement over my current 2WD car. I will not be taking it off road nor up snowy mountains so it should surely cope reasonably well with standard UK snow and ice. I will still drive slowly and carefully in those circumstances but the grip has to be better for what I need. Had the 4WD been an old style system that drank fuel I would not have gone for it but the Haldex system seems to have resolved that.

Hi,

Working through my personal reasoning for opting for a Yeti.

Needed to get a tow car as we purchased a caravan the end of last year (first time) and my car wasn't suitable for pulling it. I equally didn't want to go the big 4x4 route for a number of reasons (I do 17 to 20,000 miles a year so economy counts, didn't want the bulk and the anti social aspect of the larger vehicle).

I'm a big fan of VAG vehicles having had a number of VWs and Audis and my wife has had a Roomster for a year or so and that is a great car. We equally wanted to get our mountain bikes in the car (the Roomster will do this) so decided to have a look at the Yeti.

Went for a look and test drive, absolutely blown away by the quality of the finish, the ride and driving experience, sold on the spot. Test drive was on the Sunday, did the deal on the Monday, picked up the demo on the Tuesday evening and I can honestly say that 5500 miles later I have not had a car I have enjoyed more than this.

As an observation, I am old enough to have driven some cr*p cars over the years and don't really care about labels, either Crossover, MPV etc, or for that matter badges, just 'does it fit my needs' and the Yeti is as close to perfect for me as you can get.

Cheers,

Tony

I have gone for the 2.0D but hopefully I can contribute to the main part of the thread if not the Why 1.2 2WD?

I was looking for a 2.0D hatchback that can take two adults and two children. It needs to do a modest daily commute, an occasional big journey for work, family days out and trips around the country to visit relatives. In essence it will be the typical family all rounder. The Yeti offered a different and fun shape to the usual blandly styled cars along with a high seat position for all in the car. This makes it a comfortable car for all in it and helps reduce travel sickness. The finish in the car is excellent and it drove wonderfully well, something that was a critical factor as I like comfort. The Yeti also had a pretty high spec for the money which did appeal although it was not the clincher for me, the previous points did that.

I also looked at an X-Trail but the MPG in the Yeti was superior and that helped to win the day. With fuel being so expensive now that has to be factored in. This also helped to eliminate a number of other similar styled cars.

I was originally going for the 2WD, still the Yeti, but the recent weather led me to the 4WD. Whilst I take on board the issue of winter tyres I absolutely can not believe that the Yeti will not be an improvement over my current 2WD car. I will not be taking it off road nor up snowy mountains so it should surely cope reasonably well with standard UK snow and ice. I will still drive slowly and carefully in those circumstances but the grip has to be better for what I need. Had the 4WD been an old style system that drank fuel I would not have gone for it but the Haldex system seems to have resolved that.

Seems to me that our reasons are pretty similar - MPG, high spec, value for money, 4wd for negotiating Welsh hills, space for a load of kit and just me as driver, flexibility. Not fussed about tyres or chains (she left a few years ago - so in all, not a dream, but practicalities!

G

One aspect of the styling that I really really like and is, unless anyone corrects me, UNIQUE to the Yeti and that is the black A pillar, as well as the C and D pillars. It gives a wonderful impression of a "lid" to the car, supported on a single stalk.

G

Not fussed about tyres or chains (she left a few years ago

G

An interesting debate.

My 1.2 DSG arrives in a couple of weeks (horray!).

The reason I went for a Yeti in the first place was that I wanted something a bit different to the default choice of the 'middle class with a young family', the Volkswagen Golf. I also really liked the styling (though shame they watered it down as much from the concept,) a Yeti it would be usufully larger than a Golf, the Varioflex would come in handy and the value, particuarly of the Elegance spec, was attractive.

My reasons for going for the 2WD were many. Living in London, I really couldn't justify 4wd for the one day a year it might be helpful. I spent a long time in Quattro Audi's and then swapped over to rear wheel drive BMW's. In 99.9% of driving with modern traction control and ESP systems being what they are, I really didn't feel any less safe in 2wd as opposed to 4wd, therefore I must admit I do see 4wd as a bit of a marketing con! But then thats coming from me who lives in a town!

As to why the 1.2 itself, my wife doesn't really get on with manuals, and I really like DSG, so if we wanted a DSG the only choice at the moment is the 1.2. Also, I'm quite curious to experiment with a small capacity, turbo and see how it gets on the real world. I think that this sort of engine, especially combined with a high tech transmission such as the 7 speed DSG, is the future for internal combustion engines, and I feel a bit of a pioneer testing the future! Of course it also helps all reviews of the 1.2 DSG were favourable- not sure if they would have been less complimentary that I would have been quite so brave.

Edited 10 March, 201016 yr by mwas123

Read more on other Briskoda Yeti threads before you invest in a dream.

May I suggest...

http://briskoda.net/forums/forum/116-cars-for-sale/

I'm sure they will be able to help you out.

Alan Sugars ? advice:

"If you think you've been sold a dummy get rid of it quick"

Mine - "Life's too short for moaning - instead make sure you enjoy it... SELL YOUR YETI"

Edited 10 March, 201016 yr by Lady Penelope

Reasons why I chose a Skoda Yeti Elegance CR 170 4x4:

After voluntarily creating some distance between me and the rat race by going part-time employed (and taking a not too insignificant cut in income), I wanted a vehicle that was not only cheaper to run but provide all round practicality (including the internal transportation of a mountain bike), would cope far easier with adverse winter conditions than a 2wd, light and wide-wheeled TT can but still provided an element of driving pleasure. Key selling points of the Yeti were:

1.) The right size, looks and proportions (many crossovers/4x4s are either too big or look like a saloon on stilts).

2.) Love the interior (this exudes a VW/Audi look and feel)

3.) Wonderful combination of fuel economy with performance (46 mpg / 0-62 in 8.6 secs)

4.) Varioflex seating provides ultimate interior flexibility.

5.) Huge range of options and accessories to give it a unique, personal look.

An interesting debate.

My 1.2 DSG arrives in a couple of weeks (horray!).

When did you order? i have exactly the same car meant to be arriving in 2 weeks.... but i don't believe it will be on time. Given the fact i orderered beginning of February....

Well in my case I was due to replace my company car and had looked at our list and nothing really ticked all the boxes for me. Everything was either too expensive or too compromised in some way.

I'd narrowed it down to either a Mazda 6 or another Octavia but luckily the Yeti came on the scheme in the nick of time. Although it's not perfect it's a pretty good fit for what I wanted. It's inexpensive, economical, spacious cabin, different to what I had last time and slightly unusual. The only concern I had was the size of the boot which is a bit small when you're used to an octavia estate.

I was going to go for a 4wd model but the 1.2 TSi was so much cheaper I decided to give that a try. I really don't think I'll miss 4wd for the amount of times it would be useful. If I'm honest I'm a little concerned about going for such a small petrol as I've driven diesels for a few years now. Now I can't wait for April but all the reviews and comments I've read rate it so hopefully it will be fine.

May I suggest...

<snip>SELL YOUR YETI"

Why the hell should I sell my Yeti at a loss because of Skoda providing the image of a 4WD Snow Monster yet a vehicle that cannot accept snow chains and comply with the requirements of other European states.

Hope my negoitiations and protests to Skoda will ensure better options are available in future and at the end of the day they will realise that the vehicle may have been misdescribed by the retailer insofar a snow handling capabilities. It's obviously essential that things are changed otherwise those of us visiting European ski resorts could be in serious trouble with the law.

I certainly prefer to follow the patient negotiation route in circumstances such as this. If you read the correspondence I have received from Skoda they too appreciate things could be improved in this particular area.

This is completely on topic because I sold a comfortable, spacious, powerful and economical automatic Superb Elegant 2.5 TDI purely because it was stuck on the drive and I thought the Yeti was the answer.

The Yeti is really a poor persons Chelsea Tractor without the off road capabilities of many such so called tractors. Some Chelsea Tractor drivers offered their help to the community in the heavy snow conditions. Perhaps the next batch of snow they and Land Rover Defender types will be rescuing marooned Yeti drivers

Edited 10 March, 201016 yr by Y4YETI

For me, it's the combination of higher ground clearance and economy. I've owned 4x4's in the past, the most recent being a Subaru Forester 4x4 2.5l turbo. Great car, but so expensive to run. We traded that in 2 years ago for a small 1600cc car, but this last winter we really missed having the ground clearance as we struggled on our country roads with all the potholes and broken edges.

I don't need 4x4, just higher ground clearance for the country roads up here in the north Highlands. I can't think of any other car that has the ground clearance, economy, and a DSG gearbox as well.

Can't wait to get our 1.2 DSG Elegance. Ordered early December, expected April (build week 11 confirmed).

Edited 10 March, 201016 yr by tarbat

The Yeti is really a poor persons Chelsea Tractor

Y4YETI- How to endear yourself to the members of this forum! I wouldn't exactly describe myself as poor. The Yeti is a entirely rational choice for the use I will put it to- cost wasn't really an issue- value was.

I'm sorry you feel like you do about your car, but maybe you should have done a bit more homework on your purchase and not quite so readily accept images sold by marketeers! This is no excuse to insult other members of the forum on their choices.

Why the hell should I sell my Yeti at a loss because of Skoda providing the image of a 4WD Snow Monster yet a vehicle that cannot accept snow chains and comply with the requirements of other European states.

Hope my negoitiations and protests to Skoda will ensure better options are available in future and at the end of the day they will realise that the vehicle may have been misdescribed by the retailer insofar a snow handling capabilities. It's obviously essential that things are changed otherwise those of us visiting European ski resorts could be in serious trouble with the law.

I certainly prefer to follow the patient negotiation route in circumstances such as this. If you read the correspondence I have received from Skoda they too appreciate things could be improved in this particular area.

This is completely on topic because I sold a comfortable, spacious, powerful and economical automatic Superb Elegant 2.5 TDI purely because it was stuck on the drive and I thought the Yeti was the answer.

The Yeti is really a poor persons Chelsea Tractor without the off road capabilities of many such so called tractors. Some Chelsea Tractor drivers offered their help to the community in the heavy snow conditions. Perhaps the next batch of snow they and Land Rover Defender types will be rescuing marooned Yeti drivers

OMG - its like a one man campaign that unfortunatly seems to send all threads off in the same direction.

Firstly, the Yeti is not designed to be an off roader. Its a soft roader. An on-roader with some additional rough terrain capability.

For this, the Yeti, in my opinion, excels. I quick glimpse at You tube will also offer some valuable evidence of this and none of the ones Ive viewed are using snow chains.

Ive sat in the passenger seat of Aerofurbs Yeti and as we chatted in a car park covered in snow, we watched (chuckling away somewhat!) at the sight of the Mondeo and Golf that tried to drive off.The Golf; probably considered the defacto family hatch had considerable issues). I was then shown how the additional traction offered by the Yeti 4x4 system meant that we had no issue whatsoever driving off in 10 inches of snow and round the car park (the other vehicles were trying it in just a few inches!)

A few days later I got the chance to try a 140tdi 4x4 SE Yeti in very poor conditions. It handled it amazingly well. It felt safe and secure, finding every bit of grip possible. This compared to the fwd fiesta I arrived there in was a massive contrast!

If you are genuinely suggesting that a 4x4 Yeti is no more capable than a fwd Mk1 Superb then I am gobsmacked!

FocusZtec I think you're spot on about the Yeti. It's a cross over, half way between a hatch and an SUV designed primarily for on road use. To be honest I'm suprised at how good the 4wd ones seem to be off road, they're better than I expected.

I think for people who live in remote areas and need a 4x4 but don't want the expenseof traditional ones it's ideal. It's not really designed for heavy off road work though.

FocusZtec I think you're spot on about the Yeti. It's a cross over, half way between a hatch and an SUV designed primarily for on road use. To be honest I'm suprised at how good the 4wd ones seem to be off road, they're better than I expected.

I think for people who live in remote areas and need a 4x4 but don't want the expenseof traditional ones it's ideal. It's not really designed for heavy off road work though.

That sums it up for me in a nutshell.

Ive been really impressed with the capability of the 4x4 Yeti. If I'd have wanted better off road ability I'd have started my search in a different car segment. :yes: As it is, Im a typical crossover buyer I guess. Im after all the practicalities of a hatchback with the added versatility and capability the Yeti affords.

Why the hell should I sell my Yeti at a loss because of Skoda providing the image of a 4WD Snow Monster yet a vehicle that cannot accept snow chains and comply with the requirements of other European states.

The Yeti is really a poor persons Chelsea Tractor without the off road capabilities of many such so called tractors.

I find your attitude, purely because the standard wheels/tyres on your model do not accept snow chains, quite mind boggling :S As other posters have pointed out, there are numerous videos on youtube of Yetis happily cavorting around in the snow and all without snow chains.

My Audi TT cost me £31K, I was actually prepared to budget around £35K for my next car which is now going to be a Yeti - that's costing me £25K because I'm having it fully loaded with extras. I wouldn't describe myself as a "poor" person.

and of course, it is that "crossover" concept that had me scratching my head in the first place (just to gently haul the initial theme of this thread back on track, so to speak - HA- a 4*4 discussion, back on track. Its the way i tell 'em).

I have found it fascinating haw we have all arrived at the same conclusion - that this is the car for us as individuals.

What is also interesting is that, on some threads, there is a little spat of niggles beginning to crack the surface as people take delivery and get to use their cars.

I'd just say to go easy on Y4Yeti because, as we all know, when you have a REAL disappointment that is truly deeply felt then you have to deal with it in your own way. I wish him well with taking the softly softly approach towards getting some resolution - confrontation makes no friends and does you no good either.

G

Poor mans Chelsea tractor my a#?!$. I chose my Yeti because I want it, not because I couldn't afford a BMW/Mercedes 4 x 4. I checked out my choice properly before placing my order and it ticks the boxes I want. If I wanted a BMW tank I would have gone for one. Chelsea tractors are fine if you want one but I, and most of the people on here, have made a choice that a smaller version car is for them. Take your bitterness elsewhere.

<snip>

If you are genuinely suggesting that a 4x4 Yeti is no more capable than a fwd Mk1 Superb then I am gobsmacked!

Well at least it is possible to fit snow chains on a Superb!! Would be interesting to see the performance of a Superb with winter tyres against the Yeti with the Goodyear Excellence tyres as provided.

Guess most of the car park slivering could be resolved by decent "All the Year Round" M &S grade tyres or even better winter tyres.

I find your attitude, purely because the standard wheels/tyres on your model do not accept snow chains, quite mind boggling :S As other posters have pointed out, there are numerous videos on youtube of Yetis happily cavorting around in the snow and all without snow chains.

<snip>

You are totally missing the point. It is totally misleading to sell an European vehicle that will be illegal to use in some member states because of you cannot fit snow chains to it as supplied from Skoda.

It is not relevant that people cavort in the snow without snow chains.