As you can possibly tell from a few posts here, I'm seriously considering a Yeti purchase. Haven't been able to arrange a decent test drive yet and that will obviously be the acid test (although a first test obviously isn't always definitive - too much to take in), but in the meantime...

I'm a bit perturbed by the What Car review last month (October!) of a 140 Yeti vs a Qashqai.. The review comments on a firm ride and 'a fair bit of wind and road noise' in the Yeti, compared to the Qashqai described as '... far quieter...noticeably less wind and road noise. Add to this hush a pillow-soft ride and you're looking at a very accomplished long-distance cruiser.'

I'll be interested in the 1.8 petrol Yeti, so engine noise may be less of a problem, but I still value refinement and maybe the Yeti doesn't actually score too well here? The key comment in the review 'Verdict' says of the Yeti: '...if only it were more refined.'

What's odd is that the What Car 'Buyer's Guide' (in the back of the mag) says: 'Smooth ride and top-notch refinement make the Yeti comfortable and relaxing to drive'

So two opinions that couldn't be more at odds with one another in different parts of the same edition of the same mag!

But it does make me concerned about Yeti refinement. Anyone here had experience enough to comment?

I would say from gut instinct that if you want refinement a Skoda 4x4 is probably not the way to go? I read the same article too this afternoon whilst round my Dad's place, and was a little surprised to see it pipped just, by the Qashqai. But then "long distance cruiser" - Is any 4x4 really supposed to be one? Different markets I feel.

This Whatcar report has already been discussed in other Snow-monster threads.

There is a newer Auto Express test using UK spec cars; Yeti clear winner.

As to 4x4 refinement drove 980 miles to Austria in 20 hours (with a few short rest stops) in my previous Golf V 4motion 2.0TDI PD with no problem, personally I find Haldex AWD better than FWD, no lifting when pulling away, sweeps round bends like it's on rails etc..

Regard the Yeti, spent almost a hour travelling in various TDI 140 4x4 so far comprising of 2 trips as a passenger front and rear seat in a LHD and a test drive in a UK spec Elegance, on mixed rural roads up to national speed.

The Yeti is noticeable better than the Golf in all respects.

I've driven the 140 TDI - it's fair to say the engine is quite vocal on acceleration, but not unpleasantly so, and I didn't notice either wind or road noise being particularly intrusive. Once up to main road or motorway speeds it seemed very relaxed, and neither the two of us in the front seats or the salesman in the back needed to raise our voices at all. I noticed the same with the engine in the Superb compared to the Passat CC with the same engine, the latter was just a bit more muted.

As for ride, yes the Yeti is slightly firm but once on the move it seemed to be an excellent combination of being compliant but well damped, which personally I prefer to being over soft. Handling generally seemed very precise and tidy after a bit of initial roll, and there was not much noise from the suspension.

So yes, if I jumped out of the XF into the Yeti I expect it would sound a bit gruff at first, but I would have no qualms about undertaking a long journey in the Yeti and I would not expect it to be any more fatiguing than any other car in that price range.

Mark

This Whatcar report has already been discussed in other Snow-monster threads.

Ah yes sorry - I'd overlooked that. But I guess refinement is an issue that's going to resurface from time to time, especially given the What Car article. It'll also be interesting to hear any views on how 1.8 petrol refinement compares to 140 diesel.

It did cross my mind as to whether WC might have been given a pre-production vehicle or at least one from early test production and hence might not have been finished to quite the same standard as the mainstream production ones. But on reflection this is prehaps unlikely - presumably Skoda want to see their models reviewed in the best possible light and so will not give sub-standard examples to reviewers, except perhaps for early 'first drive' type articles.

I posted my thoughts after a test drive and, without having read the What Car review, would have to concur with it; Both my observations - firm ride and noise - being repeated it would seem. It certainly does depend on what you might expect, or indeed what you are used to, but it didn't live up to expectations after the many positive comments about ride etc in earlier reviews. Perhaps the earlier vehicles tested were set up differently?

And I've tried to get a test drive in a 1.8TSI, but all the dealers I have spoken to said it would be unlikely anyone would have one!

Only you can decide if it's refined enough for you but that What Car comment is the only one I've seen that questions the refinement.

On the 4car website it states

"The Yeti feels refined and rides well, even on larger wheels. Our test route offered a chance to see how the Yeti coped with rutted and bumpy roads, and it rose to the task admirably with minimal disruption to the passengers.

At motorway cruising speeds there's very little wind or road noise."

In a test of the 140bhp 4x4 model Autocar said

"That sense is underlined by this car’s excellent refinement. VW’s new common-rail diesel is superbly smooth and quiet - I had to be told the car was actually diesel as I wouldn’t have guessed."

So personally I'm not taking too much notice of What Car's comments.

So personally I'm not taking too much notice of What Car's comments.

I agree - ignore what the press say and make your own judgements. Many years ago I recall test driving an Audi A4 which the press raved about, only to find that my different experience became a commonly reported 'fact' in later reviews!

Personally, I have arranged to drive a different car at a different dealer's and should then be able to see if the one I drove was a freak, or that my previous (and personal) experience is confirmed. I hope it isn't!

I agree - ignore what the press say and make your own judgements.

I can't disagree with that sentiment but it isn't always easy to judge for yourself on a short-term test.

To start with the car will be unfamiliar, you'll be looking at a whole range of features and aspects of the new car, do you drive it with radio on or off (well presumably both actually but maybe not for long enough to reach a final opinion), you probably won't settle into a driving pattern of which gear to use when, how much acceleration etc, which road surfaces are available for the test drive, how wet/windy was the weather etc etc.

One of my tests for refinement might be say how you feel after a 2-3 hour motorway trip including eg concrete surfacing, but that's not usually practicable for a test drive.

So yes ultimately I have to judge for myself, but reviews aren't unimportant and comments on forums like this can be very handy too.

I took a Yeti CR140 out for a short test drive at the weekend, which included a spell on the motorway.

Overall I have to say that it was very controlled, quiet and relaxed; and seemed to be quieter than my Octavia. Couldn't fault on this aspect at all; or anything else for that matter!

I have looked at a lot of reviews (maybe all of them!). Especially as refinement and ride are a major concern for me as a possible purchaser.

The Whatcar one is at odds with all the others and in all the tests against the Qashqai - the Yeti has come out somewhere between a narrow and a clear winner.

One thing to consider is that certain areas of the press are very nationalistic, the Qashqai is made in Britain and means British jobs. In the same way they have continually defended unreliable hopelessly outdated Jaguar and Land Rover products. (Jag products are pretty cool now though). they traditionally defend Ford products too, none are made here any more but a lot of components still are.

Very inconsistent! I have this edition too but on the Whatcar website review...

"Like every Yeti, it's great on the road, too, because the ride is supremely smooth and comfortable."

"Road noise is really well subdued at low speeds, and isn't much louder on the motorway. There's some wind noise at 70mph, but it's not enough to spoil the calm. You don't hear a peep from the suspension when it's doing its thing, either. The engines we've driven (the 1.8 petrol and the 138bhp 2.0 diesel) are smooth and reasonably quiet, too."

"A huge, versatile cabin makes the Yeti a great car for the family. It's smooth and quiet on the road and good fun off it. It's seriously tempting for style-conscious hatchback buyers"

So maybe a 'pinch of salt' might apply here. I have yet to have the opportunity to test drive one yet but I will certainly say here if I think there is a problem. Hopefully not!

All that aside - the new BMW X1 looks a bit tasty, but its going to be £25K for about a Yeti SE spec. whilst a Yeti 170bhp Elegance has more kit, same performance for £22K.

Auto Express test now on-line at:

Skoda Yeti vs Nissan Qashqai | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express

All that aside - the new BMW X1 looks a bit tasty, but its going to be £25K for about a Yeti SE spec. whilst a Yeti 170bhp Elegance has more kit, same performance for £22K.

I hope BMW have (re-)learned something about ride quality then - having had the previous generations of 3-series, I drove the current model back-to-back with the "outdated" X-Type and found the BMW totally unsettled over surfaces which the Jaguar (which apart from dated styling was equal to the BMW in every other important respect) treated with disdain. Yet most press reports hardly mention ride quality, at best saying the 3-series is "a little firm".

So I agree with the previous posters, take the Yeti on a decent test drive (or two) and make your own judgements!

Mark

All that aside - the new BMW X1 looks a bit tasty, but its going to be £25K for about a Yeti SE spec. whilst a Yeti 170bhp Elegance has more kit, same performance for £22K.

Just come across a Whatcar review of the BMW X1, not so keen on that either for similar reasons to the Snow-monster.

From my very biased opinion I prefer the Yeti; cabin more welcoming and the BM looks like it's done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson.

BMW X1 4x4 - Full Review - New Car Review - What Car?

I’ve read 6 or 7 reviews of the X1 so far and they are not full test drives, rather they have been on a product launch ‘First Drive’. The model they have been playing in is the 177bhp diesel with the optional 18” wheels.

The common consensus though is the ride has been stiffened from the prototype that all the magazines and papers raved about. The result is the very low profile run flats ruin the ride…..again and that is on smooth foreign roads. Also the interior fittings whilst being of a high quality, are not as high as the X3 or even the 3 series in all areas (the X1 is 4x4, 3 series in much of it’s mechanicals). I have been waiting for this car to come out for some time as it is on my next car list (I fancy the 23D version) but to spec this car up will cost around £38K before discount!!! The best discounts I have seen so far is only £2k. I am now looking at a A4 3.0 TDi Quattro as an alternative. Oh and th X23 is only available as an auto and there is no 3.0 diesel available. Autocar are waiting till they get a UK one on British roads and Car mag seems to like it quite a bit.

Just come across a Whatcar review of the BMW X1, not so keen on that either for similar reasons to the Snow-monster.

From my very biased opinion I prefer the Yeti; cabin more welcoming and the BM looks like it's done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson.

BMW X1 4x4 - Full Review - New Car Review - What Car?

If it wasn't for the grille I would have expected to see a Ssang Yong badge on the back - what were they thinking? The configurator came up with a round £30k for a 20d xDrive to match the equivalent 170 TDI Elegance spec at just £22.5k in metallic! And from previous experience of BMW, I would expect the Skoda build quality to be better - even without looking at the JD Power results.

Each to their own, but I don't think we'll be cancelling our Yeti order.

Mark

If it wasn't for the grille I would have expected to see a Ssang Yong badge on the back - what were they thinking? The configurator came up with a round £30k for a 20d xDrive to match the equivalent 170 TDI Elegance spec at just £22.5k in metallic! And from previous experience of BMW, I would expect the Skoda build quality to be better - even without looking at the JD Power results.

Each to their own, but I don't think we'll be cancelling our Yeti order.

Mark

Having gone from an Octy II to a BMW 123D I can say the build quality of the BMW is significantly better over the long run. At first the differences seemed smallish, but over time and even with the rock hard suspension, the BMW has not got a single solitary squeak or rattle and everything feels like brand new still. The dealership has been brilliant in every respect and I can truly say I think the car represents good value for money. Oh and it’s great to drive.

I am not knocking the Skoda as it is great VFM too, better VFM than the BMW in many respects, but the BMW is definitely better built and more fun to drive.

For the record my Octy broke down on me, unlike the BMW

Opposite result for me, three BMW's in the past, two rubbish one good.

One broke down so often I got rid after only a few months; as a point of interest it was a 525iX. Haldex 4wd system far superior to that used on the BM.

The other electrics and bodywork corrosion resulting in 2 new panels (rotted through at 4 years old).

Opposite result for me, three BMW's in the past, two rubbish one good.

One broke down so often I got rid after only a few months; as a point of interest it was a 525iX. Haldex 4wd system far superior to that used on the BM.

The other electrics and bodywork corrosion resulting in 2 new panels (rotted through at 4 years old).

I had a MKIV Golf Gt Tdi that was not very reliable, in fact the only VAG car I have had that was faultless was a SEAT Toledo 130tdi. Super economical too

Horners were a poor Dealership as were the VW dealer in Manchester (the glass palace now gone), but once again SEAT were pretty good. Go figure

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