Well after just a few days of ownership. I have to say what a very very clever vehicle the Yeti is, fantastic!

Not too big to be cumbersome and obnoxious but spacious inside, plenty of ooooomph, fantastic ride / handling compromise. Flexible, well equipped, great value.

Flexible load space with the mobile rear seats, ok for those with big families the boot would struggle on a family holiday but then theres the roof rails for a top box of course!

Skoda have such a winner on their hands here...well done to them for designing such a fabulous vehicle.

And still somehow instead of just a box on wheels Skoda have managed to engineer / design some real character into the car. Something that other super efficient cars seem to lack these days. :clap:

It's not just you, octy! They are brilliant!

Not that we're biased in any way...

Edited 3 April, 201016 yr by Lady Penelope

I'd sooner have my vRS

But you can't sit up staraight in the boot ....

But you can't sit up staraight in the boot ....

But who knows if you can sit staraight in yours ? :p

Sorry - I mean straight

How nice of you to acknowledge my shining light

I'd sooner have my vRS

The only time I'd agree with you is driving on a German autobahn, Yeti for me every other time. ( Previous car Octavia vRS mk1 )

The only time I'd agree with you is driving on a German autobahn, Yeti for me every other time. ( Previous car Octavia vRS mk1 )

Having done both - Octy II Estate 140 PD and Snehvide on the Autobahn, I can tell you the Yeti wins big. Plenty of GO and much quieter at speed as well as not so sensitive to the concrete joints on the old stretches in poor condition. The little higher driving position also lets you see over the three or four little 318 Bimmers in front that cannot get out of your way.

12 hours at speed in the Yeti and you arrive very relaxed at the end of the day.

They are brilliant cars. The more I drive ours the more of its talents become apparent. There's a real depth and intelligence to the whole thing.

Everybody who's been in our Yeti has been thoroughly impressed by it. Three of them are now considering buying one themselves. I should be on commission!

Having done both - Octy II Estate 140 PD and Snehvide on the Autobahn, I can tell you the Yeti wins big. Plenty of GO and much quieter at speed as well as not so sensitive to the concrete joints on the old stretches in poor condition. The little higher driving position also lets you see over the three or four little 318 Bimmers in front that cannot get out of your way.

12 hours at speed in the Yeti and you arrive very relaxed at the end of the day.

I agree. We travel to the Austrian Tirol twice a year. I'm sure the Yeti will be far pleasanter than my Passat, especially next January.

The Yeti is (no pun intended) nothing short of Superb!

John

I've done just over 1100 miles in my ex-demo 1.8. Had a 700 mile trip with a boot full too and it was a comfortable and painless experience. I swapped a 2002 Audi A4 avant 2.0 and though I feel I've downsized a bit - in terms of overall build quality, I love the Yeti in a way I didn't the Audi. I've even bought a big pack of posh car polish, which is a first! I liked owning the Audi, it was a class act, but it was a fun free drive, nice solid interior, but no feeling from steering or brakes etc, no leg room in the rear and no acceleration. The Yeti is much more responsive, much quicker and great to drive. I'm getting the same mpg, which is a bit of a shame, but I don't do more than about 7000 miles a year usually so it's not a major problem. The saving of 50% in insurance was a nice surprise & made up for it. Considering the extra space inside the Yeti (we have a 3 year old & needed more) and power it should be the same, roughly - 37mpg on a long run, won't say what it is in town! I can get the same stuff in the Yeti boot as I did in the A4 and still see out of the rear window due to the height of the boot space, that's great. Quite like to get the roof rack system, but will I need it, maybe for a spare wheel? I especially like the ventilation system which never gets mentioned, it never gets stuffy and is quick and easy to use, compared to other cars I've tried over the past few years. It's also got loads of gadgets which you never get included in other VAG cars.

We all love the high(ish) driving position, the seats are good and firm, the ride good - generally, though in London the ride can be 'jiggly' on certain evenly ridged roads.

My only real gripe is road noise. Coming from a fairly refined car the tyre noise is sometimes pretty poor, especially on rougher surfaces. It's not a big deal but would love to know if it's the tyres or the bigger wheel arches or something making it worse, maybe when I need a new set I'll look into a quieter tread. I know it's an SUV and will be less refined, but It's a shame as the engine is loads quieter & smoother than the Audi at any speed. No big problems so far - though I've found a small hole in a seat seam, stitching torn, which I'll get sorted. I'm getting used to a clutch, had an auto for 8 years so it takes time. Some whines from transmission is odd, will get that looked at too. Hopefully it's me - not used to the car yet, I'm terrible with rattles and odd noises, I notice any little squeak. There are a few in the Yeti, but nothing really annoying, most drowned by the road noise! No idea what the 4x4 is like, or even if it's working as I've never needed it. Will look at the manual to see how it works etc. Missed the snow by a week or so, shame. Also. would prefer a spare, had a big blow out with the Audi a couple of years ago so maybe that was my one bad experience, touch wood.

When I've told people I've got a new car, on saying it's a Skoda I've had a 'you're joking aren't you' and one loud laugh. A friend who came and saw it was impressed and not fazed by the badge, they have a Berlingo so no surprise there, the perfect upgrade. I think the last laugh is on the drivers who still don't get it. Most people - who are not very interested in cars etc - still don't know about the VW links and improved quality and design. They think the brand is still a bit of a joke! If you say it's a Golf underneath (sort of), and the engine is out of the VW GTi (sort of) most people are still no wiser or impressed. Brand matters, especially if you don't know a good car from a bad. I hope Skoda can give the badge it's own identity a bit more, it has I suppose - nearly, but not enough in real terms of quality or desirability, even though they have it in the range line up, all good cars. I think the Yeti may do it for them, it's fun to drive, nice looking and practical, it's what people with a small family want now. They have a good advertising campaign, though the web site is aweful. It's also a better car than the competition in most respects. It is a no fuss car and does the job well. With the amazing reviews especially the Guardian, Top Gear and EVO the Yeti could change the way Skoda is perceived as well. I hope it gets noticed.

The weird thing is I've not seen another on the road, it's been six weeks and I'm starting to worry, am I the only owner? I've seen pictures of your cars in driveways - but that's not fooling me. Will flash the first one I see, if it's you, don't worry, only me.

...37mpg on a long run, won't say what it is in town!

So what mpg are you getting in town?

I would like to share my experience so far!

I live in Greece. The Yeti is Car of the year here and it is widely advertized!

However, the car market is very low, so the Yeti, the new Astra and the new Polo, are not really a common sight in the streets these days.

To my surprise, the Czech is turning heads! And not only that! I get a lot of people gathering around and asking me questions about it!

You may say that I am not objective. However, I am comparing it to the reactions I had with my brand new VW Eos. Sure, the Eos would turn heads, especially during the impressive roof retracting sequence, but it never really got people interested in any details.

I guess, the Yeti is a more down to earth, practical vehicle that concerns more people as potential owners.

Prodata - I'm getting about 26 - 28 in town, is that very bad? But it all depends on how short the run is doesn't it ? If it's the school run it's only a few minutes for me, which I try to avoid, whatever the car is you'll not see good mpg with a cold engine. I could have had a diesel but wanted the extra power which I missed for 8 years. I can't see how you would ever break the quoted 40mpg mark, maybe driving at 40 or 50 mph the whole day. The car is not really easy to drive economically, it's an eager enthusiastic engine and wants a bit of proper driving, within the law of course. The average overall must be 35ish but I'll add up my receipts next quarter and work out the figure, if I've got the nerve.

I bet the Yeti looks good in the Greek sun - I had one of the first Mk4 Golfs on the road in '98 and that got more attention than this Yeti. I suppose Golfs are a very popular car and loads of owners were interested in what the new one looked like, but I like the way the Yeti is not that stand out car, I don't want a car that people are very interested in in London. Mine is the coffee brown so really disappears here. I think there will be more interest when there are more on the road, & when people know what it is, and when they fancy buying one.

Do you think they'll bring out a Yeti with a fully retractable roof? Wish I had the sun roof now too.

Prodata - I'm getting about 26 - 28 in town, is that very bad?

I wouldn't have said so, given the 160+ power output. Shame it's not a bit better than that of course - this VW engine doesn't seem as efficient as some of the BMW petrols, for instance. And the in-town consumption is no better than my current Accord 2.4, which is a few years old now - one might have hoped that a more modern engine design would have given a better figure (but maybe the 1.8TSi isn't actually so modern?). But, overall, the consumption is unsurprising, just marginally disappointing. Hopefully the consumption will improve slightly as your miles click on.

Thanks for the figure anyway - I'm just in the middle of trying to arrive at a final decision between the 1.8TSi and CR170 engines. I've convinced myself that the CR170 is no less powerful than the 1.8TSi and maybe betters it by a margin, all depending on the real-world power outputs rather than the on-paper specifications. But I still have reservations about the extra NVH under acceleration of the diesel.

Perversely, what puts me off slightly about the 1.8TSi is the highish CO2, rather than the consumption figure. I don't do a huge mileage and I'm used to filling up every 2 weeks or so and I'm not sure that I'd really notice the difference if the fills were every 3 weeks instead say (ie with the diesel). I suspect that given the extra cost of the CR170 there's probably not too much to choose on economic grounds between the two. But there's going to be a slightly unpleasant reminder every time the 1.8TSi is taxed about its higher CO2 figure.

I can't see how you would ever break the quoted 40mpg mark, maybe driving at 40 or 50 mph the whole day. The car is not really easy to drive economically, it's an eager enthusiastic engine and wants a bit of proper driving, within the law of course. The average overall must be 35ish but I'll add up my receipts next quarter and work out the figure, if I've got the nerve.

Hi,

As posted in another thread I managed 44mpg on my two recent 500km trips. This is at speeds mostly betwween 40-60mph and trying to keep revs at 1700-2500 in 5th and 6th gear. This gave me a very relaxing trip, and the engine has lots of power low down.

My overall mpg last 7300km is now at 37mpg.

Daily small trips, shop, school etc. (not central town) gives 28mpg or above but all depends on length on trip and if how heavy you are on the pedal.

*All figures from maxidot* (_{^{not accurate)}}

Regarding noise I tend to agree with you about road noise, but I think its beacause you cant hear anything from the engine that you do notice the road noice better. Will soon swap my winter tyres with summer and wonder if threr will be a difference.

All in all its a faboulus car/engine combination (in wich you can fully enjoy an upgraded sound system)

prodata - You are thinking about the CR170 v 1.8, have you driven both? I never drove the CR170, silly really, I don't have anything against diesels as such, but just prefer old fashion petrol. The 1.8 is surprisingly nippy, and on B roads really great car to drive. That's not just the chassis / handling as will be the 170, the 1.8 engine is willing and responsive, especially through 2nd 3rd and 4th, brilliant.

Also, when you are at a standstill, quite frequent in London, the engine is pretty much silent. The stereo is pretty good and it's probably a bit more relaxing.

MPG - Of course, I'm basing my figures on the trip computer, a better figure will come from the final look at consumption over a long period. I know it sounds mad, but the average mpg figure takes a long time to settle on the Yeti compared to previous cars. If you have had 80% of your journey in town before the motorway it will not get to a good cruising figure for some time, makes sense? I wonder if different computers will come up with slightly different average figures, anyone good at maths? Do they have different formulas? Seo here says he got 44mpg! At least it can be done, lighter shoes required.

Yes the CO2 tax is bad, but you have to go quite a bit lower to get a significant difference. Most of the petrol SUVs similar.

Have you tried the obvious competition - I didn't drive the RAV - don't like the looks, Honda is really horrible inside & out so didn't bother, VW too expensive & not big enough in the rear, bland design too and the Nissan is really nasty inside and too many about, plus Nissan dealers got a bad reputation. I also have a great indie garage that specialises in VAG cars, so it was good to stick with them - a big consideration.

seo - how did you manage 44mpg? You must live in the countryside, though even Oslo is close to the wilderness in terms of distance. I tried to stick to about 55 - 60 for about 80 miles and still could only get 38! As mentioned, the average is still taking the previous miles so I should try one day for a long trip, boring though!

Glad someone else has noticed the noise, not just me & my car. They have s breaking zone rough surface approaching a junction on some roads here that is really noisy.

In the UK we don't have such long winters. We have a week of really bad weather in London, so getting a set of winter tyres is a bit unusual here. What tyres will you fit for summer? Mine have the standard Dunlops, would another tread be better? They are quite smooth, not very off-road so can't imagine much better from another make / design.

None of this has ruined the fun I have, that's the main thing.

Thanks for the figure anyway - I'm just in the middle of trying to arrive at a final decision between the 1.8TSi and CR170 engines. I've convinced myself that the CR170 is no less powerful than the 1.8TSi and maybe betters it by a margin, all depending on the real-world power outputs rather than the on-paper specifications. But I still have reservations about the extra NVH under acceleration of the diesel.

Last weekend when we test drove the Yeti 140hp we also test drove a Mazda MX-5 2,0 Sport (which we bought!). And guess which one felt the faster? The Yeti! I've had a 1,4 TDI Audi A2 now for about 9 years. It has 75 horses. The 1,4 petrol A2 also has 75 horses – but a lot less torque, yet the same 0-60 numbers. On the few times I was unfortunate enough to get a petrol A2 as a courtesy car I knew why I'd never ever go petrol again. They might have the same power BUT they deliver it at higher revs. Thus to get into that tiny gap in traffic, to overtake something at a moment’s notice, you have to gear down to get the engine's revolutions in that sweet spot. Put your foot down in a petrol at 40mph in 3rd gear and it takes an age to get going. Do the same in a diesel and you are in that gap before you know it. In any gear the in-gear acceleration is amazing in a diesel. Sure the MX-5 was faster when I pushed it over 6000rpm but everyone knew I was pushing it and heard it. In the Yeti your passengers are none the wiser that you are pushing it on a bit since the nature of a diesel is to have lots of instant poke in any gear. It FELT faster than the MX-5 with minimal flex of the right foot. Definitely test drive both a 1,8 and the 170CR before you make a decision. 0-60 figures are but a tiny fraction of the difference between a petrol and a diesel's real life character.

No big problems so far - though I've found a small hole in a seat seam, stitching torn, which I'll get sorted.

Is this a hole or is it the slot for the Isofix child seat?

If its a hole then I have more than one!

Mind you never having seen an Isofix fitting don't just take my word for it.

tom

Is this a hole or is it the slot for the Isofix child seat?

Nice idea, no it's a little tear near the headrest where the thread has gone and the seam split. Might be a DIY as it's a hassle for such a small thing.

Put your foot down in a petrol at 40mph in 3rd gear and it takes an age to get going. Do the same in a diesel and you are in that gap before you know it. In any gear the in-gear acceleration is amazing in a diesel. Sure the MX-5 was faster when I pushed it over 6000rpm but everyone knew I was pushing it and heard it.

You're comparing very different cars, it may have been at the same dealer I bought my Yeti who also sold Mazda.

Does the MX 5 have a turbo engine? Don't think so. Isn't that the big difference, where the turbo is programmed to start working? A diesel without a turbo is very slow - see the London taxi move. Plenty of torque but no quick response. Good for caravans etc. If you borrowed the petrol A2, which is a great car with any engine, I don't think it would have had the turbo, whereas nearly all VAG sourced diesels are. I think the A2 had a FSI engine where the fuel is pressurised? The turbos in a diesel get the engine working more efficiently at a preset rev point. The 1.2 and 1.4 VAG petrol engines are turbo assisted because on there own they have no power because no size. In the relatively heavy Yeti, the turbo gives it the feeling of nippiness but not outright power. In my 1.8 Yeti put you foot down in 3rd 4th or 5th at any speed above 30 and it will really lift off, at higher speeds you have to work harder, change down maybe (why it's got 6 speeds) turbo less effective. I had the 2.0 Audi, pre turbo, the 1.8t was a sprightly car, the 2.0 was a dull drive though well built until it got the FSI engine.

The Mazda is so light it is designed to work with the engine it has and you're supposed to do the work, change gear etc, rather than get the assistance of the turbo, maybe it would take away the fun. You'll have loads of valves helping that engine go too. It's supposed to make it a better drive and it works? Have fun.

You're comparing very different cars, it may have been at the same dealer I bought my Yeti who also sold Mazda.

Oh I appreciate that... Yes, the A2 petrol is just normally aspirated vs mine being a PD TDI. So I can imagine the difference between a 1,8 petrol Yeti and a CR170 will not compare in the same way since the 1,8 Yeti has a turbo. But still, I'd always test drive both before making a decision purely based on the numbers in a brochure!

As to the Yeti and Mazda. Nope. The Yeti was test driven in Beckenham, Kent and the Mazda was bought in Tooting in South West London! It was not an impulse buy. And the Mazda does not have a turbo by the way.

I wouldn't have said so, given the 160+ power output. Shame it's not a bit better than that of course - this VW engine doesn't seem as efficient as some of the BMW petrols, for instance. And the in-town consumption is no better than my current Accord 2.4

Which BMW engine? I drove the 523i (1998) and the trip said I did no mroe than 23 mpg distance or town driving........

Engines have come a fair bit just dont expect mpg to just rocket up. I worked out that my Alfa to be giving 40mpg on a long distance trip, prob about 34 on the current tankful.

VWs 1.4TSI engine seems to be the best development in the past few years

Anyways Skoda have been on a great run of cars with the Superb and Yetis.