Ok folks, I’m just shy of 2k miles into Snow-monster ownership, so here’s the skinny.

Model: Yeti Elegance CR170 4x4

Supplied Options: Removable Tow Bar, Rough Road Pack, Tyre Pressure Monitor

Non Dealer Sourced: Spare set of Spitzberg Wheels with 225/50/17 Vredestein Wintrac Extreme tyres

{{{{{{It’s D-DAY}}}}} I kept telling myself on my commute into work. 3 weeks later than originally communicated by my Skoda-man but hey….if it doesn’t kill ya it makes you stronger! The anticipation had been building up to a crescendo especially due to some of the owners who had received theirs before Christmas were raving how well their Monsters went.

I turned up to my skoda-mans very rural forecourt to the welcoming sight of 4 spanking brand new yeti’s in pre-pdi guise and mine sitting gleaming inside next to another post pdi’d red 2.0 CR110 4x4 S monster.

Keys exchanged, I was left to my own devices so I gave my monster a visual shakedown inside and out before turning the key. A noticeable sniff of fresh leather inside and on inspection of the boot….stone me, a spare tyre. Pretty neat as I didn’t order one! I was going to jury rig one of my summer tyres in as a spare but hey….cheers skoda!

Spent 15minutes sorting out radio stations, figuring out how to turn the bloody alarm beepy thingy off and generally fussing to make sure I knew what everything did inside. Triggered iphone (3GS) pairing and moments after entering the PIN number it was speaking yeti. No fuss, no bother.

Waiting for the receipts to be printed gave me opportunity to size up my Elegance with the S spec Monster…..overall, I had that smug bar-steward feeling. Yes the S spec sizes up well with the competition but I’m now satisfied the Elegance Spec isn’t a throwing money down the drain and that it does indeed lift the interior of the Yeti to another class of vehicle.

Ok bring on the rumble, it’s key turning time. Yes, it’s a diesel though ….â€jeez that’s quiet†was my initial impression having just got out of my Octy.

The 40mile return trip home from my skoda-man was a breeze across some of Aberdeenshire’s foulest back roads in abysmal weather. With a warm back and bum (heated leather seats are the canines spheroids) and comfortable driving position, the monsters demeanour was remarkably composed. Considerably smoother than my previous (and excellent) Octavia 4x4 and as for a comparison with my old Subaru Forester Turbo, enough to say that whilst I still regard the Scooby highly, it’s a Massey Ferguson when lined up with the Snow Monster.

There have been some niggles though not of the xenon lights failure/rattling interior variety…..thankfully.

First was discovered after I realised that I was using my Main Beam more than I used to. I realised (in a forehead slapping moment) that the dipped beam was casting light 20ft short of where I expected it to. In the Xenon lamped monsters there isn’t the light levelling switch that you find in most halogen lit cars. There’s a smart control (hence the dancing lights when starting up!) that levels the lights based on vehicle load. One return trip to the dealers who had to plug the monster into the his magic box (VCDRS???) had this sorted in a jiffy. Glad to say that daylight now precedes me whenever the lights switch themselves on. It’s also worth noting that as most of my commute is along country A/B roads in the dark during this time of year and the “bendy lights†feature is bloody fantastic. My Octy 4x4 halogen jobbies were excellent so it’s high praise indeed that the Xenon’s really are a stepped advancement in technology and functionality.

The only other niggle is that the drivers door seal does it’s job very well up to an indicated 75mph (actual 70mph on a very accurate GPS) but stray to 81mph indicated (actual 76mph on said GPS) and I think that the door flexes under aerodynamic stress and the seal doesn’t have enough movement to keep a faint but annoying “road/wind†whisper from my right lug ‘ole. If I move my head 5†forward I cant hear a thing. Explaining that to my skoda-mans techy guy must have produced “one of those looks†on the other end of the telephone line. This will be resolved the next time i swing by his garage.

I took it fairly easy on the revs for the first 1k miles to get things running as they should, though I have since started to explore the rev range with much satisfaction. 1st and 2nd gear revving is always going to be a thrashy affair in a diesel though the speedo reflects considerably higher point on the scale than one would expect. The real benefit of the CR170 is to be cruising and 55mph behind a cautious driver and then drop to 3rd and floor it. I must stress that this isn’t typically needed because it will overtake comfortably if I left it in 6th but the surge of power through midrange 3k revs is a joy. Quick shift through to 5th and the overtaken car is a spot in the rear view mirror (forgot to mention the auto dimming rear view AND drivers side mirror is an excellent feature too… just one of those little touches that makes you realise what a little thought can do for the paying customers ownership experience)

Motorway high speed cruising, rural roads, city traffic, tight manoeuvring are all easily accomplished and displays the sheer versatility of the car. Load carrying capacity seems to have caused much consternation amongst some prospective buyers. If I wanted a larger load carrying capacity I’d have waited for the Superb Estate 4x4. For my family (wife, 3 ½yr old and one on the way) the snow monster is fine. For the moments where I have to move anything larger than a fridge then I have a tow hitch and a twin axle Ivor Williams box trailer!

Another cause for much consternation is the winter tyre debate. Can I start off by saying that Winter Tyres aren’t typically Snow Tyres! Winter tyres typically shift a larger volume of water and operate at lower temperature than the Summer Tyres most folk in UK struggle with when the weather turns foul. Some winter tyres work marginally better on snow/ice than others but that’s about it. In my not so humble opinion winter tyres are an essential addition to the vehicles armoury in NE Scotland. I’ve found Vredestein make tyres that not only handle the water on rural roads but snow/ice capabilities are safe and predictable! When it dries out and is still cool outside they also handle well so ithey represent a fair balance of practical functionality without giving up too much in performance.

My real gripe isn’t with Skoda Auto or the car, it’s with Skoda UK the importer and purveyor of information. The dim ****wits sat in Milton Keynes office really need to buck up. I, like a many other eager customers, waited patiently for the snow monster to make British shores and relied heavily on the information they supplied to make my selection of monster spec. My main constraint was on towing capacity to which 1600kg in the CR140 wasn’t enough and all the literature clearly stated there was a 200kg split between the CR140 and the CR170 with the latter being able to pull 1800kg max. This was another 200kg shy of the Euro spec’d Monster. How p1ssed off was I to find that SUK (they really do need to revise that acronym) had really fouled up and indeed the UK Imported Monsters have the same towing capacity as the Euro ones at 2000kg.

So nigh on 2k miles and I can comfortably proclaim, “what an awesome carâ€. It hasn't drank any oil as of yet and the mpg is bang on where I'd expect it to be and will improve over the next 8k miles or so to be fantastic. Skoda brand have once more made me a happy driver. I should imagine that the Design/R&D departments of other manufacturers are sitting up and taking very careful notice of the Snow Monster….yes it’s a Skoda and yes it really is that good!

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Edited 5 February, 201016 yr by scunjee

It hasn't drank any oil as of yet and the mpg is bang on where I'd expect it to be and will improve over the next 8k miles or so to be fantastic.

Thanks for the write up, we've got until March 1st before we get our 170 Elegance. Can't wait

What fuel economy are you getting at present (from maxidot)?

Thanks for the write up, we've got until March 1st before we get our 170 Elegance. Can't wait

What fuel economy are you getting at present (from maxidot)?

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/150944-4x4-economy/page__p__1879446__fromsearch__1entry1879446

Motorway thrash 42mpg showing 81mph on the clock, GPS showing 76mph which keeps me under the radar so to speak

My normal commute is 75miles or so a day through Scotlands rural finest averaging 49mpg strictly legal speeds and sedate-ish

Scunjee, I can second almost all of what you said, except I think the little whistle at your ear is the roof rail in some crosswind situations.

.......and the mpg is bang on where I'd expect it to be ..............

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Which is ?

Excellent review though

scunjee, many thx. Great write up.

I notice you have the off road pack fitted, have you tried it in the rougher stuff yet ?

This is the model I'm aiming at (admittedly end of 2010) so would be keen to see some pics inside and some more reports

Thank you for the !70 report. scunjee.

That has been one of the best write-ups about the SM.

Certainly helped towards my decision. Glad to hear about the correct towing limit, even though my 'van is no-where near it.

Now all I need to know is how well it really copes in the proper rough stuff.

That has been one of the best write-ups about the SM.

Certainly helped towards my decision. Glad to hear about the correct towing limit, even though my 'van is no-where near it.

Now all I need to know is how well it really copes in the proper rough stuff.

I am really surprised that the 4x4 magazines have not done one of those multi caparison tests that they do every now and then. You know the ones where the Jeep has mud terrains and everything else has road tyres. I do not think that the Yeti has even had a mention , has it?

Great write up, scunjee - sounds like you're enjoying your CR170 as much as I am mine!

On the mpg front, my 2000 miles have been 2/3 20 mile commute and 1/3 100 mile motorway/A road runs. Maxidot has averaged 42mpg whereas working it out manually equals 39mpg. Of course how accurate any of it is, is doubtful as the odometer is probably no more than within 10% of true! Of course given the snow and ice from within 10 days of picking the SM up, I think my overall average will get much closer to mid-40s with better weather and more miles under its paws. It is a fact, for whatever reason, that my breathed-on PD130 in the Fabia vRS was 10% more economical in the warmer months.

We like CR170s - and other Yetii of course...

To add to the above, I was on a couple of 100+ miles trips today. First one was all motorway and dual carriageway and the Maxidot showed an average speed of 52 mph and 38.1mpg, the return was more A-road single and dual carriageway and loads of roundabouts and much spirited driving (boy, does this thing hurtle round roundabouts in an indecent way for a tall 4x4 ) which resulted in 52mph and 37.5 mpg. Not a bad average speed (or mpg) over a long distance.

Meant to say above, there is no wind noise to speak of on my SM - it really is absurdly quiet for something so shaped!

I will get the light height adjustment checked when I visit Allams to have the towbar fitted. I have an inkling it may be too high but that may be my imagination. The lights are very, very bright - there were a few miffed drivers around tonight on the M40 - ones I was overtaking. It may just be that with the relatively high mounted lights on the Yeti they are at a better height to burn out the retinas of drivers of more mundane vehicles.

Thanks scunjee - a very helpful review.

From a safety point of view for night driving I would prefer to have the instrument buttons with individual backlights - like the Superb.

Are we correct in thinking that the automatic light control if on will switch on dipped headlights plus tail lights when going through tunnels or when the sensors decide it is nightfall?

It seems that the manual headlamp position mainly is required for when you need front foglights and high intensity rear lights.

We seem to get an intermittent bulb warning light on driving with automatic light control on in daytime. The headlights are working OK in dipped and main beam positions if we use the manual headlight position but I noticed the nearside dipped headlight was off with the master switch in the automatic light control position.

Wonder if there might be a problem with the master switch?

Edited 7 February, 201016 yr by Y4YETI

Thanks scunjee - a very helpful review.

From a safety point of view for night driving I would prefer to have the instrument buttons with individual backlights - like the Superb.

Are we correct in thinking that the automatic light control if on will switch on dipped headlights plus tail lights when going through tunnels or when the sensors decide it is nightfall?

It seems that the manual headlamp position mainly is required for when you need front foglights and high intensity rear lights.

We seem to get an intermittent bulb warning light on driving with automatic light control on in daytime. The headlights are working OK in dipped and main beam positions if we use the manual headlight position but I noticed the nearside dipped headlight was off with the master switch in the automatic light control position.

Wonder if there might be a problem with the master switch?

Hi,

not sure I quite follow your thoughts on instrument lighting at the moment?

Anyway regard the bulb out warning , this is a known issue with Monsters fitted with xenon lights and there has been posts and discussion on the SMOC forum about this. I believe there is now a software fix available.

The auto light system works exactly as you describe; you only need to select manual lights in fog.

Regards,

TP

Well, I finally found the sweet spot. Oh My????

First time legally over the 130km/hr (DK) speed limit - Northern Germany trip on the way south. 400 km in 4 hours, not including the ferry. At 3000 rpm in 6, she does around 170 km/hr - 106 mph and is very quiet there. Lots of torque/hp left to go up to the top, which was reached much faster than in the Octy with the 140 PD. There is lots of Oompf above 3000 rpm.

No drama, no vices, very little noise from wind or tyres, but you can hear the engine intake noise, but not the exhaust. I don't think I need to worry about the DPF regeneration either. Concrete road expansion strips and short waves - as are common in Germany - are quite noticeable, though.

Bimmers and Audi's get very curious with you on their tails - not too close though. The daylight lights are just high enough to get well noticed. I had a few of the hot guys pull in in front and slow down, so they would be overtaken - and then come back for another look. You could see the WTF is that? question marks in their faces as they passed.

One little realization too: The high velocity pushing a squarish tall thing through the air does take some fuel - 13 km/l - 36.5 mpg was the measured use from tank to tank over the distance. -7 Celsius, dry roads, cloudy and a little freezing fog on top of the hills.

Tonight in Celle on the Luneburger Heide. Nice old town, not damaged by RAF or USAF in WW2. Might go for some beer, brat's and sauerkraut this evening. Heading for the Ruhr tomorrow.

Edited 7 February, 201016 yr by Agerbundsen

Thanks Agerbundsen, god tur videre

seo

Edited 7 February, 201016 yr by seo

Tonight in Celle on the Luneburger Heide. Nice old town, not damaged by RAF or USAF in WW2. Might go for some beer, brat's and sauerkraut this evening. Heading for the Ruhr tomorrow.

No hijack intended but where do you stay in Celle. It looks a nice town. I'm looking for somewhere with "safe" motorcycle parking.

tom

Well, I finally found the sweet spot. Oh My????

First time legally over the 130km/hr (DK) speed limit - Northern Germany trip on the way south. 400 km in 4 hours, not including the ferry. At 3000 rpm in 6, she does around 170 km/hr - 106 mph and is very quiet there. Lots of torque/hp left to go up to the top, which was reached much faster than in the Octy with the 140 PD. There is lots of Oompf above 3000 rpm.

No drama, no vices, very little noise from wind or tyres, but you can hear the engine intake noise, but not the exhaust. I don't think I need to worry about the DPF regeneration either. Concrete road expansion strips and short waves - as are common in Germany - are quite noticeable, though.

Bimmers and Audi's get very curious with you on their tails - not too close though. The daylight lights are just high enough to get well noticed. I had a few of the hot guys pull in in front and slow down, so they would be overtaken - and then come back for another look. You could see the WTF is that? question marks in their faces as they passed.

One little realization too: The high velocity pushing a squarish tall thing through the air does take some fuel - 13 km/l - 36.5 mpg was the measured use from tank to tank over the distance. -7 Celsius, dry roads, cloudy and a little freezing fog on top of the hills.

Seems like you are enjoying yourself!! Good to hear that the CR170 has plenty of umph on the 'bahns. Any chance that because your Yeti is White that you might be mistaken for being Polizei?

PS> 36.5mpg - who's worried about fuel consumption anyway?

PPS> Anyone care to put some comments up about handling and roadholding, please.

Edited 7 February, 201016 yr by bahnstormer vrs

No hijack intended but where do you stay in Celle. It looks a nice town. I'm looking for somewhere with "safe" motorcycle parking.

tom

www.celle.intercityhotel.de

Park right in front of entrance - off the street, One street from the old city. Not fanc.y, but clean and everything works. I would not worry about the safety of either you or the bike.

I have not found an English version of the site, but booked through Hotels.com

www.celle.intercityhotel.de

Park right in front of entrance - off the street, One street from the old city. Not fanc.y, but clean and everything works. I would not worry about the safety of either you or the bike.

I have not found an English version of the site, but booked through Hotels.com

Thanks

tom

Seems like you are enjoying yourself!! Good to hear that the CR170 has plenty of umph on the 'bahns. Any chance that because your Yeti is White that you might be mistaken for being Polizei?

PS> 36.5mpg - who's worried about fuel consumption anyway?

PPS> Anyone care to put some comments up about handling and roadholding, please.

The Polizei drive white vehicles with a pronounced green stripe and blue bubblegum lights. No chance of mistaking a Czech built vehicle for the Law. They also do not chase or measure on the 'bahn - too dangerous. They rely on fixed camaras and only get involved if there is an accident or some other traffic problem.

Thanks Agerbundsen, god tur videre

seo

Mange tak, det prøver jeg på.

It must be very frustrating to drive a hi-perf Yeti with your local speed restrictions.

It must be very frustrating to drive a hi-perf Yeti with your local speed restrictions.

Yes, but power is also needed going uphill. Dont have to worry about heavy load (only mpg )

seo

Seems like you are enjoying yourself!! Good to hear that the CR170 has plenty of umph on the 'bahns. Any chance that because your Yeti is White that you might be mistaken for being Polizei?

PS> 36.5mpg - who's worried about fuel consumption anyway?

PPS> Anyone care to put some comments up about handling and roadholding, please.

My comment regarding the handling of a Yeti 140 CR are from a short half hour test drive on back twisty A and B roads. Spring and damper rates are exceptionally well worked out for fast transit on poor roads. Minimal leaning on bends, accurate steering, no bump hop or tramping under power, sharp progressive brakes. I drove this car very hard from the off. The gear change was fluid and encouraged frequent changes up and down the box. Heel and toe changes where easy to perform. The engine had loads of torque allowing fast exits from sharp slow speed bends. The vehicle was uncanny in its ability to remain on accurate course even under heavy braking from speed on bumpy roads towards slow negative camber bends. Even on higher speed negative camber bends the Yeti behaved faultlessly and inspire confidence even tough the roads were half wet after a prolonged drought. Normal one would feel tyres squirming and chassis protesting in such conditions at that sort of pace. I tried the car in various gears through bends to see how this might unsettle the car, this is not an ideal driving style it was deliberate to see how it would behave, it did very well and remained composed, it would be a very safe car for novices and experts alike I feel.

The Yeti allowed immediate spirited driving without prior familiarization. This a mark of its exceptionally well sorted chassis both in spring damper rates and electronic management. The car was effectively neutral having no noticeable under or over steer. It could easily handle far greater power even then the 170CR and would at any rate surprise a few hot hatches on back roads. It would be a great car to drive long distances on difficult roads in adverse conditions. I was very surprised Few cars today have this sort of poise.

Edited 7 February, 201016 yr by Anthony 1

My comment regarding the handling of a Yeti 140 CR are from a short half hour test drive on back twisty A and B roads. Spring and damper rates are exceptionally well worked out for fast transit on poor roads. Minimal leaning on bends, accurate steering, no bump hop or tramping under power, sharp progressive brakes. I drove this car very hard from the off. The gear change was fluid and encouraged frequent changes up and down the box. Heel and toe changes where easy to perform. The engine had loads of torque allowing fast exits from sharp slow speed bends. The vehicle was uncanny in its ability to remain on accurate course even under heavy braking from speed on bumpy roads towards slow negative camber bends. Even on higher speed negative camber bends the Yeti behaved faultlessly and inspire confidence even tough the roads were half wet after a prolonged drought. Normal one would feel tyres squirming and chassis protesting in such conditions at that sort of pace. I tried the car in various gears through bends to see how this might unsettle the car, this is not an ideal driving style it was deliberate to see how it would behave, it did very well and remained composed, it would be a very safe car for novices and experts alike I feel.

The Yeti allowed immediate spirited driving without prior familiarization. This a mark of its exceptionally well sorted chassis both in spring damper rates and electronic management. The car was effectively neutral having no noticeable under or over steer. It could easily handle far greater power even then the 170CR and would at any rate surprise a few hot hatches on back roads. It would be a great car to drive long distances on difficult roads in adverse conditions. I was very surprised Few cars today have this sort of poise.

I like it too

I like it too

I too have only had a short 20 mins test drive but unlike you had to be reserved having both Dealer salesman and wife on board.

However I did sense what you have now confirmed; that is, it is a really well sorted car. Mmmmmm.