The Yeti is a magnificent beast

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Friday, March 26, 2010

I know the new BMW X1 S Drive took a hammering in these columns last week, dismissed as one of the many faux 4x4 that have incurred my displeasure.

I took to task all those ‘crossover’ vehicles that archly pretend to be something they are not.

We have another crossover this week, and I have to confess to having undergone a volte face for the new Skoda Yeti, and, like the excellent Peugeot 3008, I am glad to report that the Czech outfit has come up with a sub-SUV that is remarkable in every regard.

It may be that there are 4x4 versions of this car, but to the best of my knowledge — and in tandem with company policy — it was designed as a two-wheel drive machine that can be adapted to four-wheel drive with little fuss.

It follows in the footsteps of both the Octavia and Superb Combi estates, both of which will have a 4x4 capability.

In any event, the 2WD Yeti came as a complete — and very pleasant — surprise. It is a hugely capable car in every department, and it also comes as standard with a level of kit that is truly astonishing at the price.

The Yeti has the exterior appearance of an off-road machine, but none of the vices of those vehicles that pretend to be off-roaders and which are driven by people deluding themselves of this fact.

Interesting aspects of this car are many, but the one that caught my attention the most was the engine.

Now, we all know that in these ‘green’ times cars are being assessed by potential owners for their environmental impact more now than at any time in the past.

Manufacturers are reacting to this scrutiny by producing small-volume, turbocharged engines that are not only very CO2 emission friendly, but are also startlingly frugal.

In this instance, Skoda has availed of a new unit from parent company, VW, namely a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine.
Now, in normal circumstances, an engine of this size could be regarded with deep suspicion in terms of its performance potential. Not here, though.

Utilising a supercharging system via a compact, exhaust gas turbocharger, this diminutive engine produces an astonishing 77kW (105bhp) and some 175Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,500rpm. This results in a top speed of 175kph and a 0-100kph time of 11.8 seconds.

Some might feel a little underwhelmed by those facts, but the reality of driving the car gives you a completely different angle from which to view the Yeti.

Allied to a six-speed manual gearbox, the engine is amazingly strong across the rev range and drives the car powerfully in pretty much every circumstance.

I was truly wowed by this thing and, impressed as I was by VW’s 1.4, twin turbo engine, this thing was even more impressive.

Throw in a 6.6 l/100km consumption rate (nearly 45mpg in old money) and you have a car that will not disappoint too many potential owners. Truly, you have to drive this thing to appreciate the many qualities it has.

And then you come to the ride and handling departments, and, once again, the Yeti surprises with its poise and grip levels.

More often than not, many of these crossovers are a pain in the neck to drive, because, dynamically, they are all over the place and result in a very unsatisfactory driving experience.

The Yeti does not. And while it might not have the handling qualities of a Mini Cooper, for most drivers it will provide a perfectly acceptable level of performance in its on-road abilities.

Then you come to the almost alarming levels of practicality this car demonstrates. I would defy almost any family to find fault with this machine.

Not only are the seating arrangements multi-adjustable to accommodate a range of different needs, but the interior space is absolutely vast and head and leg room levels are amazing.

Because the seats can be moved around to such a degree, the boot space can also be adapted to a bewildering level.

On top of that, the specification level is unbelievably generous. We tested the ‘Experience’ version of the car and standard kit included an electric, panoramic roof, seven airbags, the ‘varioflex’ seating arrangement, a touch screen sound system with integrated, 6-CD changer, roof rails, full leather upholstery, remote central locking, air con, multi-function leather steering wheel, 17” alloys and front and rear parking sensors.

You may have guessed, by now, that I was completely taken by the Yeti — named, of course, after the mythical, ape-like beast that hails from the Himalayas — and I have to say that very few cars have ever struck me with the same positive vibes this one did.

This car is an amazing all-rounder, and while others might be better in various regards, few combine all the qualities this car really and truly has. Skoda has produced a serious winner here, and I am glad that the distributor in Ireland has realised the potential of the car by pricing it realistically.

If I was a Skoda dealer, I would really be rubbing my hands together right now.

They’ve got a gem on their hands.