Nothing square about Skoda Yeti 4×4

While the Skoda Yeti’s looks may divide opinion, it’s unlikely that its performance will

The Skoda Yeti is a car I always look forward to driving. To paraphrase Blur, it has always given me a sense of enormous well-being, and the new model is no different.

Few would describe the Yeti as a beautiful car, but its solid and squat exterior and sparse looking interior yield some very clever touches throughout the spacious cabin and it offers an excellent drive.

The new model has also got a facelift, with the round front lights of its predecessor giving way to a more uniform looking front. The Outdoor trim vehicle we were driving is also more rugged looking than its Urban counterpart.

Our 4×4 version was a brilliant white colour that totally lifted this homely looking vehicle, with the help of aluminium roof rails.

Inside the functional interior clever touches abound, such as a parking ticket holder, bag hooks and flexible cup holders. There’s also a slot specifically designed to hold your phone.

Legroom is great both back and front in the Skoda Yeti and it would comfortably seat four adults.

The cockpit in the Skoda Yeti 4×4 is functional

The middle seatback lowers to reveal an armrest with two cupholders. However, this opens the boot to the cabin via an uncovered ski hatch.

The boot is a decent size and houses a spare wheel. Seating in the Skoda Yeti is very flexible and the boot can be enlarged through various configurations via the VarioFlex seating system.

Folding the rear seats is easily done at the pull of a lever (a little too easily, perhaps – not anticipating the speed at which they would fold I managed to bop myself in the face).

Infotainment-wise, our test car was fitted with a touchscreen unit which controlled the radio/phone/Bluetooth and CD player and provided visuals for the front and rear parking sensors.

Air conditioning was operated separately via dials on the centre console.

I found both phone and music streaming easy to set up and there was great sound from the audio system.

The Yeti is also fitted with a really straightforward cruise control system, which is operated via a stalk off the steering wheel.

I also loved the panoramic sunroof, which is a standard feature in the Outdoor spec we were driving. We didn’t get much of an opportunity to open it though as Storm Brigid was lingering overhead during our test week.

The review model was a 2-litre 110hp six-speed manual. Although fitted with a diesel engine, it was so quiet you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a petrol.

Seat configurations are flexible in the Skoda Yeti, ranging from a five seater to a two seater

Our test week was characterised by gale force winds and heavy rain which sadly and annoyingly meant we didn’t get to take the Yeti on our mountain route, and instead had to be content with city and somewhat windy motorway driving.

This 4×4 is excellent on the road, with wide tyres making you feel really planted to the ground and seamless gear changes offering a smooth and steady drive.

The Yeti handled very well in the city too and the front and rear sensors made it easy to park.

One thing I didn’t like though is the door unlocking. A safety feature in the Yeti means that unless you press the button on the fob hard enough only the driver’s door will be unlocked. I also found the wing mirrors a bit on the small size.

Overall, I am a big fan of the Skoda Yeti and the Outdoor 4×4 did not disappoint. It’s a spacious, family-sized compact SUV that’s big enough for all your paraphernalia, be it child, work or leisure related, and it’s fun to drive.

The Skoda Yeti is available now, with prices starting from €24,490 for the petrol front wheel drive model. The 4×4 Outdoor version I was driving costs from €30,195.

Tech Spec
Engine: 2.0TDI 110bhp 4×4 (diesel)
Acceleration: 0-100kph in 12.2seconds
Maximum Speed: 174kph
CO2 emissions: 152g/km
Combined fuel economy: 5.9l/100km
Annual road tax: €390

Visit the Skoda Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.

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