Skoda Yéti test

Skoda Yéti
This is the latest entry in the crossover segment. It even prefigures a new range of vehicles in the catalogue of Czech carmaker Skoda.





Despite and environmental and economic climate that is just a bit lukewarm about the arrival of another SUV on the market, the Yeti is here and will take its chances.
Its look and all wheel drive transmission make it more of an off-road vehicle than a crossover.

Permanent four-wheel drive, a more squared style than rivals Nissan Qashqai and the Peugeot 3008. And yet, the Yeti isn’t much larger than a compact sedan. Shorter and narrower than a Qashqai it still has decent roominess.

While being nothing revolutionary the aesthetics are pleasant enough. While its lines are very conventional, a few elements like the round headlamps that house the fog lights and the lowered front bodywork give the Yeti character and identity.


The interior is spacious and has a totally acceptable level of ergonomics. In its high end Experience finish, the Yeti has a complete, flattering and agreeable interior.

Despite its compact sedan size, the Yeti has 410 cubic litres of storage capacity, which is equal to the Qashqai and more than the Grand Vitara.



The Varioflex system allows for both folding down and removing each seat independently, which pushes storage capacity to 1760 cubic litres.

On the road, the Yeti drives like an elevated sedan. Chassis roll is obviously more noticeable, but its ground clearance of 180mm will be an advantage in town as will its remarkable turning radius.


When it comes to the engines, the Yeti can be had with 2 different petrol and three different diesel motors straight from Volkswagen with most powerful delivering 170 brake horsepower.

The 140bhp 2-litre TDI we test drove is a nice compromise but it would’ve been nice to have the extra 30 ponies.

The Yeti won’t balk if taken for a bit of off roading. Whether going uphill or down, the Yeti does a fine job tackling small obstacles. It is also equipped with an off-road aide accessible from the dashboard.

It is just as much at home on the trials as it is in town. Versatile, roomy and with no glaring downsides except for a somewhat too classic look, the Yeti is a friendly crossover.