Hi Everyone,

I've joined the forum as I wanted some expert advice before I sign a cheque for a new Skoda! I'm just about to trade in my Volvo XC 90 and buy a 4x4 Teti for my work (and hobby) - training gundogs! I'm thinking of getting the 140bhp 4x4 Elegance model with the rough road package and put some AT tyres on. I'm impressed with what I read about the Yeti in all respects, particularly its versatility in seat configuration / storage etc. But I have some nagging doubts based on the odd review I've read about its off road capability. I've asked Skoda if there is any way in which I could test the vehicle off road - and got a flat "no". I need a vehicle that will be able to go off road with ease - not necessarily to negotiate the mud churning terrain suited to a full bore off roader, but one capable of managing muddy fields, hilly ground, icy and snowy woodland tracks - predominantly in winter, as this is when the shooting season takes place. I'm particularly concerned about its relatively low ground clearance (180mm) compared to the bigger SUV/4x4/ off roaders. Can anyone put my mind at rest about the Yeti's pedigree off road and whether it's likely to be suitable for my needs. Many, many thanks.

SS

I wouldn't worry it will be better than you think. Have a

.

Not once did it struggle and on summer tyres too.

You won't find AT tyres to fit on the standard 17" alloys by the way.

Welcome to Briskoda!

Edited 15 April, 201115 yr by Allams Skoda

welcome to briskoda

Have a look on the last few pages of this thread:

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/192670-yeti-adventure-surrey-4x4-lane/page__st__120

I wouldn't worry it will be better than you think. Have a

.

Not once did it struggle and on summer tyres too.

You won't find AT tyres to fit on the standard 17" alloys by the way.

Welcome to Briskoda!

Thanks! Great video. Any idea of how the Yeti performs on snow and ice? And what would you recommend in terms of wheels and tyres for my needs?

Nothing works particulary well on ice but on snow it was okay with summer tyres, put on some winters from Oct - March and you'll have no problems.

If you really have to have All Terrains you'll need to buy a set of 16" alloys to mount tyres on. Does you XC90 need All Terrains to do what you want to do?

You mentioned ground clearance, I wouldn't worry too much. Unless the track is deeply rutted you'll be fine. 180mm isn't that bad, a Nissan Patrol and the Toyota Landcruiser is about 200mm. By Landcruiser I mean the smaller 150 series not the moon sized 200 series Amazon.

Edited 15 April, 201115 yr by Allams Skoda

Nothing works particulary well on ice but on snow it was okay with summer tyres, put on some winters from Oct - March and you'll have no problems.

If you really have to have All Terrains you'll need to buy a set of 16" alloys to mount tyres on. Does you XC90 need All Terrains to do what you want to do?

You mentioned ground clearance, I wouldn't worry too much. Unless the track is deeply rutted you'll be fine. 180mm isn't that bad, a Nissan Patrol and the Toyota Landcruiser is about 200mm. By Landcruiser I mean the smaller 150 series not the moon sized 200 series Amazon.

The problem I found with the XC 90 is that it isn't really an off road vehicle! Yes it's a 4x4 and yes it has good ground clearance. But, even with AT tyres, it has failed to negotiate terrain which other 4x4s have managed with ease. Of course, the driver could be to blame! But having driven all manner of 4x4s in the past, from L200s, G Wagens, Discos to Jimnys - even Nivas, I found the XC 90 performed poorly in comparison. If I do go for the Yeti, I will, as you suggest, try it first with the summer tyres. But my instinct is to fit it with winter boots for the shooting season. It's just a shame that Skoda don't seem to offer the opportunity to test the Yeti off road. After all, I would have thought that the 4x4 capability of the Yeti is one of the major selling points and, like Landrover, I would have hoped that Skoda could have provided a similar facility for potential buyers.

As far as rutted tracks and ground clearance are concerned, much of my work is on and around Salisbury Plain where the military training area provides for some Challenger 2 sized ruts, so I'll have to brush up on my driving and route selection skills!

Still, thank you very much for all your helpful advice - I do appreciate it.

SS

I was thinking of doing another Yeti offroad day like the one in the video above in Salisbury Plains. I've been there a number of times with various vehicles and I think the Yeti will do well there.

Plus I can tie it in with a shakedown test of my own 4x4 that I will be taking to Morocco.

Stick around in the Yeti forum, you'll find lots of information on there.

Living close to Salisbury Plain, it's nice to see it get a mention

I've been (un)fortunate enough to see some of the roads which Challenger's use and I can understand your concern regarding 4 x 4 capability!

Hi Stevie and Welcome to Briskoda

Welcome, but also look at a RAV4