YETI Demand

[Cauliflower]

Hi, I'm someone who's just negotiated a deal on a nice new Skoda Octavia but I just couldn't help relating my experience of visiting a typical Skoda dealer over the past few weeks. While there seems to be an adequate demand for most models, there's only one show in town at the moment and that's YETI. In the several 30- 60 minute sessions in which I negotiated my new Octavia, I was conscious of a constant stream of 2.4 children families all looking for the 2 litre 4WD diesel and all of them having to test drive the 1.2 2WD petrol. The franchise I am dealing with for my Octavia had only one 1.2 petrol Yeti for test driving with presumably silly delivery timescales for 4WD diesels. I get the impression Skoda thought this was a 'niche' market. Methinks they need to rethink. This is the best-looking 4WD cross-over vehicle on the market at the moment and how Skoda thought it would be niche is beyond me. I will be more than happy with my Octavia, but I can't help wondering if Skoda seriously missed a trick with the Yeti???

[Anthony 1]

I think that Skoda UK might well have done. They seam to mess up practically everything else from numerous inaccuracies in brochures manuals etc to the odd decisions on what might be good for us, in so far as what models we have and what options we are allowed to fit to them. What Skoda need in GB is a new importer concessionaire in my view.

[BillScarab]

I think Skoda reckoned they'd sell 3000 Yeti's this year with the 1.2 TSI 2wd and 110 CR 2wd being the biggest sellers.

I think they've underestimated the demand as well. I have one on order for my next company car and so does a colleague. Mind you we both had Octavias before so Skoda aren't going to be increasing market share with us.

[vRSLen]

And when have Skoda marketing ever got it right? We still await the Fabia vRS.....

[Bassa]

It would be interesting to know how many have bought a Yeti as their first ever Skoda. Seems that most are changing from Fabias or Octavias and know the marque well.

Still think Skoda are missing a trick with no 1.4 TSi , at least in the UK.

[CharlieB72]

It would be interesting to know how many have bought a Yeti as their first ever Skoda. Seems that most are changing from Fabias or Octavias and know the marque well.

Still think Skoda are missing a trick with no 1.4 TSi , at least in the UK.

First Skoda for me. Fit the above criteria with 2 kids. Please Skoda don't bring the 1.4TSI out 'cos my 1.2TSI is being built soon.

[HKPhooey]

It would be interesting to know how many have bought a Yeti as their first ever Skoda.

It's our first Skoda. In fact it's our first VAG car.

My Sister has been buying Audi's for years, but I've always seemed to buy Japanese.

Edited 8 February, 2010 by HKPhooey

[seo]

First Skoda for me. Decided long time ago to check out Octavia at next carchange, then the Yeti came along .

My father baught a Skoda last winter and he was very satisfied (Superb). So not a difficult decission to go for Skoda.

We both have had Opel (Vauxall) most of the time.

[Anthony 1]

It would be interesting to know how many have bought a Yeti as their first ever Skoda. Seems that most are changing from Fabias or Octavias and know the marque well.

Still think Skoda are missing a trick with no 1.4 TSi , at least in the UK.

When I order It will be my first Skoda or VAG car of any type. It is such a good car, too good to be overlooked.

[fuzzybunny]

Two Seats, one VW and now my first Skoda.

[shrub]

My first Skoda too although been a VW man for years. Hopefully the start of a beautiful relationship.....

[RapidRonnie]

Last time I saw my dealer he had 8 on order "couldn't get enough of 'em"

[Regorip]

My first Skoda and first 4x 4. Chose it because at the time it seemed to be the only reasonably priced Euro 5 in this type of vehicle. (Apart from all the good write ups its had)

[octy888]

Not my first Skoda but second, had an Octavia 4x4 for 3 years now. Must admit to badge snobbery before that and only had the Octy because of circumstance but have been so impressed with it, especially in the recent poor weather, that we have decided to buy another. In my view people who buy Skoda's are actually more knowledgeable and better informed than your average Audi (badge buying) driver and the like.

Our other cars have always been BMW's and still are...when thats due for change we will be swapping it for a Superb estate to go with out Yeti.

Getting back to the main point I do think Skoda have a hit on their hands..as I said in my "is the yeti VAG's cleverest vehicle" thread it covers so many bases and competes so well against so many other models. Nice one Skoda, whos the joke on now!

[ikons]

My first Skoda or VAG, my third SUV but no 4wd this time. My best car, ever.

[Sporky McGuffin]

I had a Fabia up until a year and a bit ago - then I took a new job which came with a company car - a horrible Toyota Avensis. I am now opting out of the company car scheme; I'd been looking at the Octavia estate but the Yeti looked worth a go. Test drove the Yeti CR140 and an Octy CR VRS and the Yeti rode better, had better kit and much comfier seats. Probably not a lot in it performance-wise and the Yeti handled well enough. Should arrive mid April...

[davecarter]

It would be interesting to know how many have bought a Yeti as their first ever Skoda. Seems that most are changing from Fabias or Octavias and know the marque well.

Still think Skoda are missing a trick with no 1.4 TSi , at least in the UK.

First Skoda for me - can you believe from an Audi TT MkII? Well it's true. Although I've loved my TT, I vowed the next car would be an 4x4 SUV. I don't need to cart around a family but wanted something that would handle the transport of lots of outdoor pursuits kit including a mountain bike. I didn't want a big, expensive to run 4x4 either. A "mini discovery" fitted the bill. The trouble was, nothing on the market really floated my boat and ticked all the boxes and then... the Yeti appeared! What a great "go anywhere, do anything" motor!

I've just ordered a fully loaded Elegance CR 170 4x4. 0 - 60 mph in just over 8 seconds! Combined fuel consumption of 46 mpg - how good is that for a start? Panoramic sunroof, Sat Nav and a load of other stuff including Internal Bike Carrier AND it looks the business too.

ETA 10 weeks and I can't wait.

Edited 9 February, 2010 by davecarter

[Tonyp5a]

My first Skoda, but second in the family. We bought my wife a Roomster a year or so back and what an impressive car that is. I thought I'd got it sussed with a Seat Altea Freetrack, but then the Yeti appeared and ticked all the boxes, particularly as we've just bought or first Caravan and want a car we can put the bikes inside.

I am so impressed with this car and we've already had several friends and neighbours going 'what is it' and once they look around all the other questions start, 'how much', 'what's the milage like' etc and anyone that's been in it has loved the ride, environment and features.

If this car isn't a major hit it will be because of the remnants of badge snobbery, or because Skoda can't make them fast enough!

[Yeti_Man]

As soon as I read that Skoda only expected to sell such a small number of them - I thought they have that estimation seriously wrong! All the reviews have been exceptional and Ive enjoyed four test drives now! What an excellent all round vehicle; covers all the basis from soft roading to family hold all.

Ive owned two Skoda's previously. First was a Mk1 Octavia 4x4 Turbo Elegance hatchback. Had that for 2 years and loved the tractive abilities of the Haldex setup. Then swapped it for a new Mk2 Octavia VRS TFSi estate. HAd that for just under two years but even with the standard 210lb/ft torque going through the front tires I realised you couldnt beat 4wd in greasy/damp conditions. Still having to consider the family; two kids, ones 3 and ones 12 years old - the Yeti fitted the bill perfectly. Mine was due late March but has slipped back until late April.

Lee

[Barsteward]

It would be interesting to know how many have bought a Yeti as their first ever Skoda. Seems that most are changing from Fabias or Octavias and know the marque well.

Still think Skoda are missing a trick with no 1.4 TSi , at least in the UK.

My car owning history is as follows :

Blue Citroen 2CV6 special

Bright Red Citroen AX 1.0 Petrol

Dark purple Citroen AX 1.5 diesel

Metalic Green Citroen Xantia 1.9 T Diesel

Blue VW Passat 1.8 T Petrol (150 bhp)

Black Skoda Octavia vRS 1,8 Petrol

Snowmonster

and my Misses had a Seat Ibiza 1.9 100 bhp PD

I agree SUK are missing a trick or two particularly with not being able to configure the precise car of your choice.

[Agerbundsen]

My car owning history is as follows :

Blue Citroen 2CV6 special

Bright Red Citroen AX 1.0 Petrol

Dark purple Citroen AX 1.5 diesel

Metalic Green Citroen Xantia 1.9 T Diesel

Blue VW Passat 1.8 T Petrol (150 bhp)

Black Skoda Octavia vRS 1,8 Petrol

Snowmonster

and my Misses had a Seat Ibiza 1.9 100 bhp PD

I agree SUK are missing a trick or two particularly with not being able to configure the precise car of your choice.

Interesting mix of wheels that. Here is mine:

1956 Morris Oxford.

1968 Buick Skylark Coupe (350 cu. in. V8)

1969 Ford Cortina GT

19xx Morris Minor company car temporarily.

1970 Buick Le Sabre, 350 V8

1973 Chevrolet Suburban 457 cu, in. V8 2WD - breathed on to around 425 hp.

1074 Chevrolet Suburban 457.

1976 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD, 350 Cu. in., raised a little, Wieand manifold, double pumper 650 Holley, headers, Corvette mufflers upgraded ignition.

197x Oldsmobile Cutlass 350 coupe.

1980 Buick Le Sabre 350 Sedan

1983 Buick Century V6.

1986 Honda Accord.

1989 Honda Accord.

1992 Volvo 850, 2.4

1995 Volvo 850 2.4 Estate

1986 Mercedes 250 TD Estate Diesel.

2005 Octy Combi 140 PD

2009 Skoda Yeti 2.0 170 CR

Some of the vintages may be off a year or so.

Edited 9 February, 2010 by Agerbundsen

[harriemeeh]

It would be interesting to know how many have bought a Yeti as their first ever Skoda. Seems that most are changing from Fabias or Octavias and know the marque well.

Still think Skoda are missing a trick with no 1.4 TSi , at least in the UK.

first skoda for me, will be glad to see the back of my bmw 1 series !

Edited 9 February, 2010 by harriemeeh

[Sanqhar]

My cars have all been uninteresting, I never had the money to buy anything special.

I am reminded, however, of a guy I met many years ago who at one time when he was a salesman his company car was a Mk1 Lotus Cortina. Other salesmen working for the same company had similar. All went well until someone with sense (!!!) decided that all the Lotus Cortinas had to go. They were replaced with ... Austin Cambridges.

From the sublime to "grey porridge".

tom

Edit: The Yeti is my first Skoda but not my first VW Group car (1300 Beetle, Mk1 Golf, 1983 1.8 Passat Estate, 1998 1.9 TDI 110 Passat estate).

Edited 9 February, 2010 by Sanqhar

[ChicoItaly_Yeti]

1995 VW GOLF GTI 8V 1800

1998 VW GOLF GTI 8V 2000

2000 Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 TS 16V

2006 Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon 1.9 JTD (m.y. Giugiaro design) & Fiat Panda 100HP

2010 - Now i'm with my Snowmonster

[The Plumber]

Lost count but started with an Austin Metro then:

Fiesta 1.1

Escort 1.3

XR2

XR3i (x2 first one lots of faults dealer took it back with almost full refund)

Orion Ghia plus wife's Metro

Fiesta 950 (replaced Metro, Orion sold on bad buy)

Escort 1.816v

306 1.9tdi (lots of faults traded in after 6 months)

Cavalier 1.7tdi plus wife's Skoda Rapid 136 (replaced by a Favorit Estate)

Escort 1.3

Felicia Estate (x2 first one lots of faults dealer exchanged for demo)

Escort 1.4 (Favorit replaced by an inherited BMW 518i)

Mondeo Ghia V6 24v (to thirsty and chassis could not handle the motor)

BMW 316i Coupe (wife took that I got the 518i)

BMW 525ix Touring (lots & lots of faults sold on after 3 months)

Octavia I 2.0 (BMW 316 replaced by Rover 220 tdi)

Octavia I 4x4 T (Rover replaced by a Fabia HTP 12v)

Octavia II Sport tdi (Fabia replace by Corsa tdi after heavy accident damage)

Golf tdi 4motion

Yeti 4x4

Think that's it in 24 years

TP