Well on Saturday I finally ordered my very own snow monster. Hopefully come October it should be on my drive…..then again!

I have had two blissful (and amazingly reliable) years with a very special Alfa 156 GTA Selespeed I had imported from Malaysia, my 14th Alfa (I am a sucker for punishment) but I had to grudgingly admit that self and wife’s lifestyle, Pike fisherman and Ultramarathon runner respectively was not a happy match with the GTAs capabilities. Throw into the equation 24mpg on a good day, £435 a year tax and hefty insurance and it became plain that our next car needed to be something rather different.

I was so reluctant to go down the Crossover/SUV route after years of GTi this and Type R that, however, being towed out of a field 3 times whilst camping in the Isle of Man prior to my wife running the mountain marathon finally decided it.

iX35/New Sportage/Mini Countryman/ASX were all briefly and I have to say half heartedly considered. I have always had a soft spot for Skodas and nearly bought a Fabia VRs before opting for a Colt CZT about 4 years ago. The Colt was a disaster, utterly reliable and utterly dull. The Fuhrer refused to name it (she names all our cars – usually!) as it was so bland.

Anyway that soft spot was very intrigued indeed by the Yeti, it ticked all my boxes and I (and the Fuhrer) thought the styling was spot on. I was very curious about the 1.2 TSi and after a disastrous and very unpleasant visit to a Skoda dealership near my workplace I paid a visit to Hobins in Manchester. Gary the salesman was a revelation in what is obviously a very friendly well run dealership. A go in a 1.2 Yeti was duly blagged and I was astonished indeed dumbfounded by both the engine and the Yeti. Excellent refinement, crisp steering, excellent ride and most important of all it was fun! Skoda chassis engineers don’t seem to appreciate that crossovers should be vague handling wallowy creations with all the get up and go of a slug with a sore foot. Brilliant.

All this happened in early April and the decision was made to sell my beloved GTA and order a Yeti asap.

Well last week the GTA went to its new home darn Sarf and the 1.2 Elegance Amazon Green SM was kicked into touch for a Candy white 4wd TDi 140 Elegance. I was always a little dubious of “diseasils†but a long weekend in the lakes driving a Passat changed my mind, and that was an old PD motor.

I have left the roof rails black reasoning that it will contrast well with the Candy white paint, jury is out on that but I can live with it. Gone for the underbody protection, Annarpurna alloys and new rubber mat/mud flap pack – labelled as an ‘ADV’ pack on the invoice for some reason. Will probably get the internal bike rack too, great idea.

Gary has promised to ring me every Monday giving me a build/delivery update which is nice and has also promised a go in a 140 diesel.

Interestingly the GTA boys on the AlfaOwner forum were most appreciative. One of the 147 GTA owners even let slip that he to was considering a Yeti because they were so damned good to drive.

I now have to survive ?? number of weeks scuttling around in the Fuhrers smart car, which by the way is called Gordon because it’s Brown (and fiscally prudent – though you could argue the point on that one!).

Early indications are that the SM will be called Snowy though of course I have no say in such matters.

Apologies for the long post rather excited and this forum has been a mine of very useful information, many thanks to all who contribute.

great choice in the yeti....like you i considered the ix, quasqai etc etc....one test drive in a yeti blew me away, i pick up my platin grey 1.2 tsi next weds and can wait....16 weeks has dragged...but this forum has helped loads....welcome to the yetifarm

Congrats on your choice of motor "Fluffy Destoyer of Worlds" (where did that come from???!!! ). The last few cars I've had have been rather sporty affairs (Mr2 Roadster, VW Golf GTI Mk V, Audi TT Mk II) but have always been a keen fan of the 4x4 SUV which is, perhaps, better suited to my lifestyle. Like yourself, I love the look of the Yeti and it ticks all the boxes.

Believe me, this thing is the tallest go-kart on the road. It flies along and holds the road so well. I haven't missed the TT half as much as I thought I would.

Enjoyed reading your post. All you now have to do is wait... and wait... and wait.

Congrats on your choice of motor "Fluffy Destoyer of Worlds" (where did that come from???!!! ). The last few cars I've had have been rather sporty affairs (Mr2 Roadster, VW Golf GTI Mk V, Audi TT Mk II) but have always been a keen fan of the 4x4 SUV which is, perhaps, better suited to my lifestyle. Like yourself, I love the look of the Yeti and it ticks all the boxes.

Believe me, this thing is the tallest go-kart on the road. It flies along and holds the road so well. I haven't missed the TT half as much as I thought I would.

Enjoyed reading your post. All you now have to do is wait... and wait... and wait.

Sounds a similar situ to me. Really looking forward to a go in the diesel, I know I would have been happy in the 1.2 as Lee has chosen but decided I could really make a good case for 4wd.

The wait is going to drag that's for sure, still Hobins said it would be October at the latest. We shall see.