The Yeti has been replaced with an Octavia! I have historically never kept any car for long and at 1 year / 10K miles the Yeti lasted longer than most recent cars (Lexus GS300, Octavia MKII 1.8 TSi, Roomster 2 1.9 TDi, x2 MKI Octavia vRS's, Qashqai 1.6 and Merc CLK).

It was definitely a distinctive car and on more than a few occasions I found random people asking me what it was etc.

Over the first year / 10K miles it required no oil or coolant whatsoever.

The tyres at 10K miles were 1/3 worn on the front and appeared virtually unworn on the back

I had 3 unscheduled visits to the main dealer

• ECU Flashed / interior bulb replaced
  
• Cam position sensor replaced after ESP failure popped up on the maxidot
  
• Passenger rear door lock replaced after child locks/central locking failed.
  

I then had the Bolero flashed by the main dealer in order to address the "slow SD card read" issue - made a huge difference (well worth asking your dealer if yours is slow)

The overall average mpg was in the low 30's (70% Urban / 30% Mway). The best MPG was just over 40 mpg and the worst well into the 20's.

The car was exceptionally quiet at high speed. I came to the Yeti from a "proper" Lexus and didn't in any way feel short changed in the refinement department.

I found the ride a bit unsettled on the motorway. I assumed this was due to the relatively short wheelbase and low profile tyres. The road holding was however very positive and reassuring.

The ICE sounded very good, although I found the Bolero a tremendously fiddly thing to navigate. The system in the pre FL MKII Octavia was much more intuitive and easier to operate on the move.

I had the spare wheel kit fitted and found it made a big difference to the available boot space. It also rendered the bag hooks largely useless.

The general build quality of the car, both inside and out, was exemplary. Not a single rattle at 10K miles / 1 year old.

I only ever used the Park Assist system to show/amaze other people. Seemed a good deal though as it also came with ESP and front sensors.

The dual zone climate worked well and I think is a worthwhile upgrade from the standard AC system.

As mentioned on here the rear view mirror is too low.

I found the standard halogen headlights were good. I did try to upgrade the bulbs, but found the access quite limited. I was also flabbergasted to read on here that the bumper needs to come off to remove the headlights / front indicators. Same with the Roomster though.

I was in two minds regarding the engine. On the one hand, you couldn't help be impressed how it allowed the car to cruise at high speed / low revs (70 mph equates to around 2600 rpm). Driving the Yeti for the first time after a 1.6 NA Qashqai was a revelation. The TSi unit immediately felt stronger, quicker and much quieter, despite the performance figures being largely the same. I actually never told my wife the engine was 400cc smaller in the Yeti!

On the other hand I was always left with the feeling the car was operating just within it's capabilities. The was, perhaps not unsurprisingly, most apparent when trying the regain speed on the Mway. The engine also suffered the rattly / unstable idle which is mentioned widely on here. It also took a few seconds longer to start than any other new car I've owned.

The final negative for me related to the cars ability in the recent snow. This was no doubt due to its overly large summer tyres - Pirelli P Zero Rosso's on mine. I did look into winter tyres, but in the 17" size the cost was approaching £1K. I looked a sourcing some steelies, but again price / availability was an issue.

I would certainly consider a Yeti again, but would probably look for a 1.8 TSi next time, both for the extra performance and 4x4 traction.

Anyway bye for now!!

Edited 22 December, 201015 yr by pinkpanther

to hear your leaving the Monster fold but thanks for a very interesting fair well review.

Having owned a Octavia I 4x4 Turbo I sure your going to enjoy your new motor and would it be the one James had down at Allams by chance :wonder:

Regards,

TP

to hear your leaving the Monster fold but thanks for a very interesting fair well review.

Having owned a Octavia I 4x4 Turbo I sure your going to enjoy your new motor and would it be the one James had down at Allams by chance :wonder:

Regards,

TP

Yes it was the one from Allams - collected it on Sunday (in all the snow).

The Yeti has been replaced with an Octavia! I have historically never kept any car for long and at 1 year / 10K miles the Yeti lasted longer than most recent cars (Lexus GS300, Octavia MKII 1.8 TSi, Roomster 2 1.9 TDi, x2 MKI Octavia vRS's, Qashqai 1.6 and Merc CLK).

It was definitely a distinctive car and on more than a few occasions I found random people asking me what it was etc.

Over the first year / 10K miles it required no oil or coolant whatsoever.

The tyres at 10K miles were 1/3 worn on the front and appeared virtually unworn on the back

I had 2 unscheduled visits to the main dealer

• ECU Flashed / interior bulb replaced
  
• Cam position sensor replaced after ESP failure popped up on the maxidot
  

I then had the Bolero flashed by the main dealer in order to address the "slow SD card read" issue - made a huge difference (well worth asking your dealer if yours is slow)

The overall average mpg was in the low 30's (70% Urban / 30% Mway). The best MPG was just over 40 mpg and the worst well into the 20's.

The car was exceptionally quiet at high speed. I came to the Yeti from a "proper" Lexus and didn't in any way feel short changed in the refinement department.

I found the ride a bit unsettled on the motorway. I assumed this was due to the relatively short wheelbase and low profile tyres. The roadholding was however very positive and reassuring.

The ICE sounded very good, although I found the Bolero a tremendously fiddly thing to navigate. The system in the pre FL MKII Octavia was much more intuitive and easier to operate on the move.

I had the spare wheel kit fitted and found it made a big difference to the available boot space. It also rendered the bag hooks largely useless.

The general build quality of the car, both insde and out, was exemplary. Not a single rattle at 10K miles / 1 year old.

I only ever used the Park Assist system to show/amaze other people. Seemed a good deal though as it also came with ESP and front sensors.

The dual zone climate worked well and I think is a worthwhile upgrade from the standard AC system.

As mentioned on here the rear view mirror is too low.

I found the standard halogen headlights were good. I did try to upgrade the bulbs, but found the access quite limited. I was also flabbergated to read on here that the bumper needs to come off to remove the headlights / front indicators. Same with the Roomster though.

I was in two minds regarding the engine. On the one hand, you couldn't help be impressed how it allowed the car to cruise at high speed / low revs (70 mph equates to around 2600 rpm). Driving the Yeti for the first time after a 1.6 NA Qashqai was a revelation. The TSi unit immediately felt stronger, quicker and much quieter, despite the performance figures being largely the same. I actually never told my wife the engine was 400cc smaller in the Yeti!

On the other hand I was always left with the feeling the car was operating just within it's capabilities. The was, perhaps not unsuprisingly, most apparent when trying the regain speed on the Mway. The engine aso suffered the rattly / unstable idle which is mentioned widely on here. It also took a few seconds longer to start than any other new car I've owned.

The final negative for me related to the cars ability in the recent snow. This was no doubt due to its overly large summer tyres - Pirelli P Zero Rosso's on mine. I did look into winter tyres, but in the 17" size the cost was approaching £1K. I looked a souricing some steelies, but again price / availability was an issue.

I would certainly consider a Yeti again, but would probably look for a 1.8 TSi next time, both for the extra performance and 4x4 traction.

Anyway bye for now!!

Wow, you've covered so many of the points that have arisen here, even in the short time I've been looking in. Many of them of interest to myself, having a 1.2 on order. The spare (have ordered one myself), the characteristics of the engine, the mirror (have ordered the light assistant to raise said item a tad), the tyres, which have certainly had an airing, the headlamp bulbs...ditto! Will take note of your comments, thanks.

Bit disappointed to see the MPG not proving too spectacular......would have hoped it was a liitle better than that.

Good luck indeed with the new motor - stay safe.

to hear your leaving the Monster fold but thanks for a very interesting fair well review.

Having owned a Octavia I 4x4 Turbo I sure your going to enjoy your new motor and would it be the one James had down at Allams by chance :wonder:

Regards,

TP

You should be the forum detective Tim!

You should be the forum detective Tim!

Elementary my dear Watson

Regards,

TP

Elementary my dear Watson

Regards,

TP

well there certainly aren't any secrets on here

Wow, you've covered so many of the points that have arisen here, even in the short time I've been looking in. Many of them of interest to myself, having a 1.2 on order. The spare (have ordered one myself), the characteristics of the engine, the mirror (have ordered the light assistant to raise said item a tad), the tyres, which have certainly had an airing, the headlamp bulbs...ditto! Will take note of your comments, thanks.

Bit disappointed to see the MPG not proving too spectacular......would have hoped it was a liitle better than that.

Good luck indeed with the new motor - stay safe.

in contrast, my 1.2 s has been great in the snow on goodyear excellance( and we get it deep up here)..the rear view mirror has never been an issue( im 5ft 11")..the engine is a peach and is much more refined than my last car ford focus 1.6 zetec (also bought new)..mpg i always acheive in the 40's sometimes reach 50's...and always 3-5 in the car!!...the only negatives i could add is headlights aint the best, no heated screen :S ...and bad oil consumption..empty after 3000 miles

Mines a bit of a different spec, but I found much to agree with in the excellent review - it was very clear, very interesting, thanks!

in contrast, my 1.2 s has been great in the snow on goodyear excellance( and we get it deep up here)..the rear view mirror has never been an issue( im 5ft 11")..the engine is a peach and is much more refined than my last car ford focus 1.6 zetec (also bought new)..mpg i always acheive in the 40's sometimes reach 50's...and always 3-5 in the car!!...the only negatives i could add is headlights aint the best, no heated screen :S ...and bad oil consumption..empty after 3000 miles

Hi Lee67

I find the contrast in different owners findings quite fascinating. It's hard to think of another consumer item which could perform so radically differently for different end users. If TV's and PC's varied so much I think we'd all be back at Comet and PCworld demanding refunds!

The average fuel consumption on the 1.2 TSi seems to range from low 30's to mid 40's and mine hasn't used a drop of oil / coolant in 1 year/10K miles, whereas yours is empty after 3K miles!! Even through the 10 miles of 50 mph limited M1 near me I only ever managed a best of 42 mpg.

I'd agree however the engine is a marked improvement over most larger capacity NA petrol engines. I too have owned a new shape 1.6 Focus (100 BHP) and found the 1.2 in the Yeti to be much smoother and quieter. It was also a marked improvement over the 1.6 in my old Qashai. The 1.8 TSi in the Octavia is another step up in refinement altogether though.

I think the difference in performance on snow is largely explained by different tyres. The Pirelli's on mine were a "high grip / dry conditions / summer special" and I'm sure a set of winter tyres would have transformed the cars abilities in the white stuff.

I'm a very similar height to yourself and always found myself trying to look under or around the rear view mirror.

I do wonder though if such large differences in fuel economy and oil consumption can be explained by differences in individual cars/engines, given modern production methods and the automation of the production line. Maybe the differences are magnified somewhat by driving conditions, personal driving habits and how the car was initially "run in"??

This being said I do still think the Yeti is a relatively rare thing in todays crowded car market, being both distinctive and "characterful". I will certainly look to own another one in the future.

Edited 23 December, 201015 yr by pinkpanther