Hm. A caption on the printed roadtest says that roof bars are a cost option even on the Elegance; the Skoda brochure says they're included, even on the "E". ???

Stuart

As I mentioned above, I think they took 'silver roof rails' in the options list to mean that roof rails are an option on all Yetis. If they had looked at the standard equipment for the whole range, it states 'black roof rails' are standard fit.

Even the best of them get it wrong (and no reply yet to my polite email sent...).

Hi aerofurb,

any news on your build, my dealer has not come back as yet with any change to WK45 although effective communication is not their thing.

Anyway re Autocar article and roof rails, are you referring to this paragraph:

"Cabin noise is well insulated at any speed, though with the optional roof bars included wind noise is very noticeable over the usual diesel drone at motorway speeds. Standard equipment is good, if not exceptional."

If so my take is they think the Snow-monster does not have them as standard full stop.

Plan of attack is a visit to see James at Allams tomorrow for an MOT on the Fabia and a test drive of their CR140 Elegance. Last I heard for my CR170 was a forecast of WK43 build. Hopefully provide my thoughts and more info tomorrow.

Enjoy test drive look forward to your thoughts on the Yeti.

WK43 is a change to ANTS build week chart which shows for the 170 start WK45, but lets hope that's moved forward.

Regarding roofrails it looks like black ones are free and silver ones are a cost-option.

I get the impression you could have it without the black ones though if you didn't want them - on drive the deal they're listed as a no-cost option.

Regarding roofrails it looks like black ones are free and silver ones are a cost-option.

I get the impression you could have it without the black ones though if you didn't want them - on drive the deal they're listed as a no-cost option.

All Yeti's have black roof rails as standard, as per the Yeti Concept. Not aware of any option not to have them.

silver are a cost option at £100.

Drivethedeal tend to list standard kit as a no cost option if there is an alternative cost option. Also noticed their options lists are not always comprehensive either.

The plan worked! I took the Fabia down to Allams for its MOT (it passed!) and whilst that was going on took their CR140 Elegance out for a 30 minute test drive. I also spent a fair bit of time poking around in a 160hp TSi Elegance in the showroom.

Confession time is that as I’ve got a CR170 on order and having done plenty of research (as well as travelling in one of the CZ demo cars), I was unlikely to dislike it! Anyway, here’s some of my observations.

The engine is very smooth, especially when compared to the Fabia’s PD130 and despite only 365 miles on the clock, the Yeti was no slouch. It must be taken into account that the standard of all cars have moved on since the Fabia.

I drove it out on the open road, through town over different standards of road surfaces and round a ruck of roundabouts. Mostly the roads were damp.

In my humble opinion it was quiet - much quieter than the Fabia as regards road and wind noise. The road holding was extremely good and there was negligible roll round the corners and roundabouts.

The gear change was very smooth and a much shorter shift than the Fabia. At all times, even in Saturday morning Epsom town traffic I felt completely at home in it. The view was great (you can even see the bonnet) and it made a change to not be looking up quite as much as normal at Volvo XC90s!

The seats have been slated for lateral support and the steering wheel for lack of adjustment. Personally I didn’t find it a problem. I think people lose track of what’s what at times. The leather seats are very comfortable and provided plenty of support in normal driving conditions. I’m not intending to take the Yeti on track days but want comfortable seats which it has.

As for the steering wheel adjustment, I didn’t find that a problem (I’m a ‘normal’ 5ft 8in). It was different to the Fabia but I found a comfortable setting and drove it fine from the outset. These days we are given so many things to adjust as well as seat fore an aft and rake – perhaps we have too much choice instead of getting used to what is available and people try to strive for perfection – everything in life is a compromise. I could see all of the numbers on the dials - not the chrome ring round the very top of the dials but personally I don’t think that is terribly important…

Parking wasn’t a problem. I didn’t try the Park Assist - though I watched James demonstrate it to the new owner of what was to be their stock car till it was sold straight away! Very trick…! I did try the rear parking sensors as I reversed onto their forecourt and didn’t run over the MiTo parked behind so that works. It displays very clearly on the ‘radio’ display.

Fit and finish is excellent. The only downside, which is a personal thing, is areas of painted metal around the door windows. Depending on the colour (including white hopefully as it’ll blend into the headlining…!) you won’t really see this but that’s the only thing I can see that I don’t like.

Rear seats move around very easily and the boot is definitely bigger than the Fabia (this one was sans spare wheel).

It still amazes me that they think the Yeti is not value for money (read the comments on the Autocar website by people who haven’t seen it). Yes it’s expensive – every car above a couple of grand is expensive but the Yeti is extremely well built and equipped. Expensive, but still excellent value for money when compared to the opposition. I can’t see why anyone would ever consider buying a Tiguan over a Yeti.

In a previous post someone commented on the lack of locking wheel bolts. I think that’s because they are offered in the accessories catalogue. Anyway, it looks like UK variants do have locking wheel bolts as standard – the ‘key’ is in the boot under the carpet.

I’ll add more if I think of anything.

Mine is scheduled for WK43 build, it was brought forward from WK45 with the end of the German scrappage scheme and increased production apparently.

Thanks once again to James and his colleagues at Allam’s for their hospitality.

Hi aerofurb,

good to hear all went as planned and you had an enjoyable drive round. Fully conquer with your comments, best news though your build has been brought forward.

Will look forward to some nice photo's mid November ish.

Have to chase my dealer again see if there's any advancement for my SE, begining to feel like I am waiting for that slow boat from China.

As I read the specs - roof rails are standard throughout range.

Roof bars are an option on all models.