The long expected new Skoda Yeti has arrived. The Yeti is the fifth addition to the model range from the Volkswagen owned Czech manufacturer.
Designed as a compact crossover, the Yeti offers versatility and practicality combined with generous levels of standard equipment and safety features. Unlike the stereotypical SUV, the Yeti comes with fuel efficient low tax band petrol and diesel engines.
The Yeti offers a raised seating position that gives the driver an elevated view of his or her surroundings while compact width and length dimensions makes the Yeti highly manoeuvrable during tricky urban parking exercises.
In the interior Skoda says the high standard of materials create a comfortable spacious atmosphere for both driver and passengers alike. The controls and instruments are ergonomically positioned for driver convenience. For transporting bulky items the unique VarioFlex seating system provides a multitude of seating and transporting arrangements thanks to three independent rear seats that can be adjusted or even removed completely - when removed the Yeti can carry up to 1,760 litres of luggage.
The new 2.0TDI CR 110bhp common rail diesel engine is expected to account for the majority of sales, creeping just inside Band-B CO2 emissions which equates to annual road tax of €156 and 53mpg combined fuel consumption are key deciding factors.
Also new to the Skoda range is Volkswagen's new low capacity high output 1.2 TSI petrol engine delivering a powerful 105bhp through a six-speed manual transmission or alternatively through the technically advanced 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. All 1.2 TSI versions achieve Band-C CO2 emission status with €302 annual road tax.
Skoda says there are additional engines in the pipeline for later in 2010, notably a 2.0 TDI CR 140bhp, 2.0TDI CR 170bhp, and a 1.8 TSI 160bhp petrol engine all with 4x4 drive systems.
The Skoda Yeti was awarded a maximum 5-Star NCAP safety rating achieving a highly acclaimed 92 per cent overall rating. Standard safety equipment includes ABS with mechanical brake assist, engine torque regulation, ISOFix (child seat anchoring points ), driver and passenger side and curtain airbags. ESP and driver’s knee airbag are standard on all versions apart from the entry 1.2TSI model.
All versions have air-conditioning, remote central locking and electric windows. BlueTooth, 16” alloy wheels and silver roof rails are just some of the features added to the Active version.
The Yeti is available here with ex-works prices starting from €19,910 for the entry 1.2TSI, 105bhp petrol. The 2.0TDI CR 110 bhp diesel Active model starts from €22,570, while the higher equipped Experience version with the same power unit is offered at €25,220.
I suspect that the new Skoda Yeti is about to become much more visible on Irish roads than the very rarely seen furry Yeti of the snowy north.
