Just under two weeks of ownership with 700 miles on the clock - my thoughts and opinions on my new 4 wheeled friend...

Looks & Appearance:

A car’s exterior design and style is important to me. If I didn’t like the look of it, I wouldn’t buy it, no matter how good the car was otherwise. The looks of the Yeti clicked with me instantly. I like the chunky, tonka toy style proportions, discovery-esque rear and funky front. Size-wise, it’s perfect. Its purpose is to transport just me 95% of the time and lots of kit when I go boating, biking or hillwalking. I don’t need a big family sized car and don’t want one. It angers me that when 4x4 SUVs first took off, there were lots of ideally sized, smaller 3 door 4x4s on the market that would have been just perfect for my use and needs (Freelander Mk 1, Toyota RAV 4 Mk 2, etc.) then, all of a sudden car manufacturers appeared to make a communal decision that noone wanted small 3 door 4x4s anymore so they all decided to produce just 5 door, extended family sized, gas guzzling monsters. Now a few smaller ones have reappeared on the market, albeit still in 5 door form (Qashquai, Yeti) and the popularity of these has exploded, they’re turning full circle and introducing them once more. We’ve got the Nissan Juke coming out later this year and even got the likes of Land Rover bringing out the LRX next year – a premium 3 door 4x4.

The interior is best in class in my opinion. It looks quality and more comparable to the offerings from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and the like. The Ford Kuga is just one example that hits exterior styling on the nail but just doesn’t cut the mustard inside.

As far as I can recollect, in the few weeks I’ve driven it, the Yeti has received just as much, if not more attention from onlookers and passers by than the TT did. Quite probably due to the fact, more than any other, that it is still a relatively rare sight on the road. Add to that a certain amount of bling coupled with a funky roof rack and a personalised plate and the visual impact is adequately enhanced. You can sense people thinking, “What’s that?†Even better when they maybe realise that it’s a Skoda… yes, once the butt of many a “skip on wheels†joke. The most common response from people who have been inside it has been something to the effect, “Skoda have come a long way…â€

Driving, Performance & Handling

These aspects are what have given the biggest surprises. Coming from an Audi TT, I was preparing myself for lower expectations here. It wasn’t going to be as quick, lively or responsive nor handle as well as the Audi – something I was just going to have to accept.

Well! I suppose it doesn’t (in dry, good weather) but the difference in performance and handling is surprisingly less clear cut than one would think. In fact, the whole driving experience, given that it is a totally different car in almost every aspect, is just as good. Believe me, I am enjoying driving this car immensely. I love the elevated and commanding driving position with excellent all round vision. Motorway cruising at the “usual†speeds is effortless, rock solid and surprisingly quiet. Around town it is nippy and nimble. The eagerness of the 170 bhp diesel engine is something to behold. You can almost hear it calling out to you “Come on! Let me off the leash!†I can see and feel why EVO Performance Car magazine love this car so much. In short, I am not missing the TT half as much as I thought I would be.

I am not about to indulge in the kind of off-roading I did when I had my Land Rover Defender but, after the long, hard winter we’ve just gone through, 4 wheel drive was top of the list of requirements. The TT was just a pain in winter and gave me no confidence whatsoever on snowy, icy roads. Not that I’m particularly looking forward to winter coming around again but I am looking forward to a much more confidence inspiring, relaxed and easier drive come the cold and dark months. Having 4 wheel drive definitely gives you more confidence in adverse conditions and I like that, a lot. Whether it’s cruising through driving rain, ploughing through localised flooding, hitting a muddy campsite, “tis but a scratch†to the likes of a Yeti. It’s a bonus to know that it has a very capable level of true off road ability should you need it at any time and I will be tempted when the monster is a little older.

Now to the one slight criticism if it is one, depending on how you look at it. The ride does seem a little hard and jittery when going over bumps and rough surfaces. I expected these to be absorbed better than they are. However, I understand that this could well be a trade-off from the superb handling. It really does go round corners very well with little noticeable body roll.

Comfort & Practicality

I was never totally comfortable in the TT. For some reason, the seat always seemed to be digging into my back and I had some serious back problems shortly after having the car leading to some sessions with a chiropractor. You sit more upright in the Yeti and, although there is nowhere near the level of lateral support available compared to the previous few cars I’ve owned, it is nonetheless as comfortable as I need and want. The longest journey I’ve done so far has been a 1.5 hour motorway trip with absolutely no problem.

The varioflex seating system was a key selling point for me. The ability to turn it into a “van†was a big plus as there would be times when I wanted to transport lots of kit. Not had the bike in the back yet but I have had an 11ft Zodiac Inflatable Boat (all packed up of course), Mercury Outboard Motor, an Acoustic Guitar in hard case and the rest of my gear – and that was just with the seats folded up and not taken out. The majority of time, however, would be spent travelling in “everyday†mode and for that, I’d want the normal car setup and seating facilities.

Thus far, my ears have not been led to any squeaks or rattles that were not self-generated by stuff I’d put in the car. Like stone chips, car noises are a fact of life. I wouldn’t want them to be too bad but, for the most part, I can live with the odd clunk, ping or squeak. Thankfully, nothing to complain about here.

Bells & Whistles:

The Yeti has provided me with a few toys I didn’t have on the Audi and some I’ve never had on any car such as the Sat Nav, Cruise Control and Heated Seats. The “gold dust†panoramic sunroof gives the interior a light, airy feel, perfect for those sunny, summer days. I am enjoying playing with Sat Nav for the first time. I can’t compare it to anything else as I’ve never used one before but the Columbus system seems very good at what it does. I live on a relatively new housing estate in a semi-rural location and it had no trouble guiding me back home on a recent test. Phone integration is a breeze and my Blackberry paired up with the system without any fuss. The audio quality seems just as good as it was in the Audi.

The MFD is far better than it was in the Audi. Controllable from the steering wheel (which it wasn’t in the TT) and provides more information. Little things like the “proper†red warning lights on the doors as opposed to just reflectors which I had on the Audi and VW. The luggage hooks in the boot perfectly demonstrate Skoda’s attention to detail. How useful are they? Immensely so! Isn’t it such a pain to put all your supermarket shopping in the boot and for it to fall about and spread everywhere on the trip home. Not any more!

I’m still learning all the controls and haven’t used the Cruise Control or Heated Seats yet. I’m sure there are a few more things too I’ll get to find out about in time, which is all part of the fun of a new car.

Conclusion:

Granted that Skoda’s Quality Control may not be at a consistent enough level to ensure every Yeti owner is a “Happy Yeti Owner†but they are experiencing unprecedented demand for a car they only expected to be selling around 3.5 thousand units of in the UK annually. Hence, the current 4 to 5 month waiting list on some models with certain options. They have had to shift production schedules and make other adjustments in order to try and cope with demand.

I can clearly see why. This is an exceptional vehicle and I have found it extremely difficult to find any negatives about it. It trounces some of the competition I have test driven and is comparable, in almost every aspect, to some other 4x4 SUVs / Crossovers / Off Roaders costing significantly more.

I will, undoubtedly, get more out of this car than I did the TT but that is, probably, an unfair comparison. The TT served a very specific purpose, the Yeti serves a different but far more broadly scoped purpose.

It is yet to be seen whether the Yeti will throw up any weaknesses or inherent problems longer term but up to this point, it’s not only ticked all the boxes, it has exceeded expectations. There was a distinct feeling of trepidation present about moving from an Audi to a Skoda. You know that the initial general reaction from Joe Public is going to be, “What!!!†I had a neighbour recently pull up by me and say “I can’t believe you’ve sold your Audi†and you do wonder whether your carefully researched decision is going to fall through the floor. I’m very relieved to say that my decision has proven to be not only well researched but totally vindicated.

Edited 16 June, 201016 yr by davecarter

Cracking review Dave - and pretty much echoes my thoughts on the Yeti!

S

Good report that Dave, thanks.

Excellent review Dave:)... Read whilst watching the boys kayaking at Dale and snoozing in the sun...now where did I put the Pimms,,,!

Dave - a great report about a very individualised individual car.

Like you I cannot believe the versatility, convenience, power, cornering, FUN - and in fact the word that came to mind was "INVINCIBLE".

It drives like a tall go-cart, and feels so safe. INVINCIBLE be it!! (But don't try it at home, kids.)

George

PS - A Zodiac with an outboard, eh? We used to go waterskiing and kneeboarding behind a non-rib inflatable Zodiac powered by a 20hp Mercury at Llangorse Lake. Then, on 2 summers, stuck it on the roof of a Passat mkII GL5 and headed for Spain. Trouble was the kneeboard and the roof rack parted company somewhere on a French Autoroute (probably impaled upon a lorry driver's forehead), and the weight of the engine in the boot made the headlights like anti-aircraft lights!

Well done Dave. If you like the engine now, wait a few thousand miles.................

The harshish handling may be related to the tyres - particularly the 50 series on the Elegance, as I do not find it sp on the Ambitin with 60 series tyres. It is a lot less harsh than my previous Octy 2.

Dave - a great report about a very individualised individual car.

Like you I cannot believe the versatility, convenience, power, cornering, FUN - and in fact the word that came to mind was "INVINCIBLE".

It drives like a tall go-cart, and feels so safe. INVINCIBLE be it!! (But don't try it at home, kids.)

George

PS - A Zodiac with an outboard, eh? We used to go waterskiing and kneeboarding behind a non-rib inflatable Zodiac powered by a 20hp Mercury at Llangorse Lake. Then, on 2 summers, stuck it on the roof of a Passat mkII GL5 and headed for Spain. Trouble was the kneeboard and the roof rack parted company somewhere on a French Autoroute (probably impaled upon a lorry driver's forehead), and the weight of the engine in the boot made the headlights like anti-aircraft lights!

Like the "tall go-cart" description... bang on!

Sounds like you had some fun times with your Zodiac. 20 hp??? That must have shifted!!!

Well done Dave. If you like the engine now, wait a few thousand miles.................

The harshish handling may be related to the tyres - particularly the 50 series on the Elegance, as I do not find it sp on the Ambitin with 60 series tyres. It is a lot less harsh than my previous Octy 2.

You could well be right! I was a tad surprised when I saw they were Dunlop Sports.

Cheers Dave, excellent review. Think I pretty much concur with it all, although cant speak about the 170 engine (jealous)!

20 hp behind a Zodiac - only enough grunt to pull out on 2 skis!! BUT - on a kneeboard, a different story! What knackered us most of all in about three years of this was getting out of the water over the pontoon into the boat! With "proper" fibreglass jobbies there was a ladder at the stern, and a platform and stuff.~what FUN we had with it. I then towed a 15 foot bow-rider with a 90hp mercury engine on an indespension trailer all the way to Costa Brava behind a Golf GTi. That too was FUN.