Another great review for our beloved Yeti!

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/250078/skoda_yeti_20_tdi_se.html

Haven't read the whole thing but the title makes me laugh..."...great value for money"

Didn't their 'sister' magazine Autocar say it was NOT good value for money in higher spec as tested here!

"Uneven roads reveal the car’s main weakness, because it doesn’t smooth out bumps and ruts as well as the Nissan or Hyundai."

Strange that they critise the ride, yet virtually ever other publication praises it!

These road testers are an odd bunch.

Very odd indeed......the rides the best freakin' thing!!

At long last a comparative test that reflects my thinking.

No hint of badge snobbery, just a realistic comparison. They hit the nail on the head about the Peugeot - a car that seems to have been designed by a committee that never met!

Like others though, I can't agree with the criticism.of the ride - it is definitely one of the best features of my Yeti.

I think the thing about the Yeti's ride quality is that it is firm but well damped with it's stiff but long travel suspension so that it never crashes over potholes e.t.c. but maybe feels a bit jiggly at low speeds? For me that's the perfect compromise to achieve good handling but a high quality ride even if it isn't a silky smooth one. Does that make sense? lol

I think the thing about the Yeti's ride quality is that it is firm but well damped with it's stiff but long travel suspension so that it never crashes over potholes e.t.c. but maybe feels a bit jiggly at low speeds? For me that's the perfect compromise to achieve good handling but a high quality ride even if it isn't a silky smooth one. Does that make sense? lol

Perfect sense to me and its by far the best of the compact SUV's I drove in terms of ride and handling.

I think the thing about the Yeti's ride quality is that it is firm but well damped with it's stiff but long travel suspension so that it never crashes over potholes e.t.c. but maybe feels a bit jiggly at low speeds? For me that's the perfect compromise to achieve good handling but a high quality ride even if it isn't a silky smooth one. Does that make sense? lol

Sounds like my analysis would!

Thanks for that Lady Penelope! I know I've made the right decision with the Yeti :yes: ..roll on end of May!

Autocar is not related to Auto Express. Autocar is still a very respectable motoring weekly (despite the odd boy racer on the writing team) published by Haymarket whereas Auto Express is a banal publication written by complete numpties (published by Dennis publishing). Its only value lies with the product tests is carries out on sponges, car wax and the like. Reviewing something as complicated as a car with any credibility is beyond them. The ride on the new Hyundai ix35 (and new Kia Sorento sister car) has been universally criticised for some lumpiness. It is no surprise that Auto Express have published a contrary opinion.

I think Auto Express is (I think) related to Auto Zeitung in Germany - they often share test results and the 100,000 kms car strip down reports.

Isn't it an Elegance in the pictures in the review ?

I think it's "cheating" a little bit when cars are tested with optional extras such as sunroofs / satnav etc.

"Uneven roads reveal the car’s main weakness, because it doesn’t smooth out bumps and ruts as well as the Nissan or Hyundai."

Strange that they critise the ride, yet virtually ever other publication praises it!

These road testers are an odd bunch.

Must admit to a slight wobble as I wait for my 1.2 test drive. What Car 'unsettled at all speeds' and now Autocar. Hmmm

I dont understand what is going on with Skoda. Reading almost all reports I can find on ALL Skodas in the press, you will find one contradict the other constantly. I have just got my new Superb and the ride is for sure stiffer than on the car I had for a 24hr test drive, same spec and wheel size. Do Skoda maybe use springs / dampers fron differant manufacturers on their cars? I found it strange how the magazines could vary so much in their reports, but now having driven "the same spec car" twice I can see how 1 will say it is smooth and the other say it is jiggly

I dont understand what is going on with Skoda. Reading almost all reports I can find on ALL Skodas in the press, you will find one contradict the other constantly. I have just got my new Superb and the ride is for sure stiffer than on the car I had for a 24hr test drive, same spec and wheel size. Do Skoda maybe use springs / dampers fron differant manufacturers on their cars? I found it strange how the magazines could vary so much in their reports, but now having driven "the same spec car" twice I can see how 1 will say it is smooth and the other say it is jiggly

Hi,

there are many things that can make what appear to be two identical cars feel different for example:

tyre brand

the manufacturer of particular components (these can vary even in a given week)

the age of a vehicle and how it's 'bedded in'

the set geomatry of steeing and suspension within the given tolerance band

the overall build tolerances within the chassis construction (even a couple of missing spot welds can result in more chassis flex)

Noticed with my Monster that as the miles have built up there has been subtle changes in a number of areas, such as ride and handling as well as the usual loosening of engine and gearbox.

Regard jurno's; like everyone they have there own likes and dislikes and prejudices, which are bound to creep in. There could also be dodgy goings on in terms of additional advertising revenue if they appear to favour one over the other, who knows.

Regards,

TP

Must admit to a slight wobble as I wait for my 1.2 test drive. What Car 'unsettled at all speeds' and now Autocar. Hmmm

What Car don't like Skoda's, Full stop.

their reviews of Skodas frequently contridict all theother reviews.

New What Car dropped through the letterbox today.

Three car group test :-

1st - Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Visia 2WD

2nd - Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi FAP 110 Active

3rd - Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDi CR 110 SE 2WD

Comments on the Yeti :-

For : Spacious, airy cabin; sharp handling; simple dashboard; driving position; generous kit

Against : Rowdy engine; too much wind and road noise; worst fuel economy; unsettled ride

Verdict : The Yeti is practical, generously equipped and great fun on twisty roads - if only it was more supple and refined

In the same issue is a long-term test of a Superb 2.0 TDi 140 Elegance DSG, which reads :-

"Apparently, a lot of people still have a problem with the Skoda badge. Skoda knows there's still a way to go before it has fully convinced car buyers that it's a cracking alternative to the mainstream. One person it doesn't have to convince is my eight year old son, whose view of the Superb is that it's much plusher than the Mercedes B-Class he regularly travels in. He's right, of course. The big Skoda is well built, feels great and is well equipped. It's a shame that so many misguided drivers nowadays are missing out".

So they do like some Skodas :yes:

Must admit to a slight wobble as I wait for my 1.2 test drive. What Car 'unsettled at all speeds' and now Autocar. Hmmm

I've ordered a 170BHP 4x4 Elegance after test driving it, I also test drove a Hyundai Santa Fe. I went out of my way to find potholes, driving both of them over the same badly holed stretch of road. The Yeti won hands down. Also did the roundabout test, find a big one and belt round it as fast as I dared about ten times, you get some funny looks, the Santa Fe made me feel sick, the Yeti was smooth, hardly any body roll.

The Santa Fe drove like a tractor, the Yet drove like a hot hatch.

It's only my opinion of course, you need to try it yourself.

Stewart