Skoda Yeti 2014 Review
Vastly underrated, the revised Skoda Yeti deserves more attentionRoad Test
The new Skoda Yeti presents a fairly safe stance – it's neither quirky nor controversial, but its slightly off-centre look ensures it won't get lost among the masses. If the once-maligned Birkenstock can enjoy a resurgence in international fashion, I see no reason to believe the Skoda Yeti won't carve its place in the automotive world.
The Yeti's proportions may look a little lost – somewhere between car and small SUV territory – but it strikes a clever balance between the two, delivering itself as a versatile and surprisingly capable contender amidst some rather vague segment parameters. In short, it feels like a bit of a rule-breaker.
The Yeti Ambition on test is powered by a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that delivers 90kW and 200Nm from a low 1500rpm. This model is available in front-wheel drive only and is nicely mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (also on offer in the entry level 1.2-litre Active). Behind the wheel, this feels like a tidy combination for the task at hand.
The Yeti's boxy proportions give it an SUV silhouette, but the dynamics on the road tell a different story. Behind the wheel the Yeti displays a surprising level of dynamism – and an eagerness to perform. Its ride/handling sees it behave more like a medium car – more-so than some other jacked-up small SUVs have managed to achieve in our company...
From standstill, there's a slight pause to action – as the turbocharged and dual-clutch transmission take a moment to think – but once on the go the Yeti is a reasonably accomplished and responsive performer. On open roads and into corners, the Yeti showed a level of composure that takes the overall enjoyment factor up a notch.
Steering too delivered a nice amount of feedback through the wheel, paving a real sense of connection with the road. On the downside, the Yeti's suspension felt quite firm around town, failing to absorb much of the roughness to be experienced in suburban Melbourne streets.
Inside the Skoda Yeti, it's a pretty stylish affair with high-shine plastics and chrome look details – and the design execution is seamless. The manually adjustable, cloth trimmed seats are extremely comfortable while the ergonomics are spot on. The entry height (hip point) is near-perfect for easy entry/exit access, as well as the back-saving loading and unloading of toddlers in car seats – some taller riding vehicles are a real effort to negotiate in this regard.
In keeping with this theme, the low boot line makes loading cargo a breeze. The Yeti can hold a reasonable 321 litres of luggage, expanding again thanks to a clever 40/20/40 split-fold seat arrangement – it's the most useful arrangement, allowing not only incremental increases load capacity, but offers good load versatility, even when you've got two back seat passengers.
Second row passengers are afforded a good level of comfort and space, too, with good lateral visibility. The centre seat is a little tight with three passengers on-board but, nonetheless, the Yeti managed two car seats and a teen in the middle during our week with the car.
All in all, the Skoda Yeti exudes quality – a solid 'thunk' when closing the doors and robust switchgear that inspires confidence in its build. The little things are also sorted, literally, with good incidental storage throughout the cabin.
The Yeti's technology offerings mimic that of more expensive rivals in this segment. With a 6.5-inch touchscreen at the heart of its technology suite there's an instant upmarket feel. It's the control hub for all your infotainment type functions, including radio, media, phone and (optional) sat-nav. Nestled below this is the usual assortment of buttons for the dual-zone climate control system, and some secondary controls.
A clearly labelled ‘phone' button and intuitive navigation pathways create a seamless technology experience inside the Yeti, all amidst a simple interface that takes no time to master… which is not always the case.
Fitted with the optional Tech Pack (valued at $2900), the Yeti Ambition gains sat-nav, a reversing camera (a must-have in a car with such poor rearward visibility), cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree telephony and audio streaming, keyless entry with push-button start and auto park assist – which it has to be said negotiated tight parking spots with precision alignment.
Notwithstanding its optional Tech Pack, the Yeti represents good value for money. It comes with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and capped-price servicing program and a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Yeti sips premium unleaded petrol, and though it wasn't quite as economical as we expected, a figure of 11.0L/100km after a week of city driving really isn't too bad.
While it may not be the most obvious choice for many, the Yeti is an impressive high-riding hatch, and at this price, is well worth a second look.
2014 Skoda Yeti pricing and specifications:
Price: $23,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 90kW/200Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 159g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
| What we liked: | Not so much: |
| >> Versatile cargo space | >> Firm suspension |
| >> Extensive technology | >> Some step-off lag |
| >> Capable dynamics | >> Poor rearward visibility |
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