Having only covered 400 miles so far, this is more a first impression rather than a review; from experience with the previous Yeti, things are bound to change both physically and perception wise as the miles build up.

Until collection I’d not had an opportunity to drive the 2.0 TDI Yeti in 110 guise, so very unsure what to expect. Had I made a mistake ‘stepping down’ from the previous Yeti TDI CR 140 and Golf TDI PD 140 4motion before that? Well at this moment in time to be honest I'm struggling to tell the difference between the 110 and the 140 in terms of day to day driving performance. Even beginning to question whether they’ve put the wrong software in (engine is mechanically the same as the 140). Although to be honest my last Yeti was an early production version with an earlier generation of CR 140 engine than is fitted currently, so it would be interesting to compare with a new 140 (CBDB engine code as opposed to CFHC presently).

Another difference with the previous Yeti is the engine feels far more run in, the old one when I first picked it up was smooth but you had to hold a higher gear longer than normal as the engine was so tight. This one has no such problem, drives better than how I remember the last one after 13000 miles, appears on first impressions to be a very willing and eager engine; quite happy with both power on and virtually freewheeling. Fuel economy is also good 46.7 indicated when I got home on Saturday (had at one point got to 48). Then yesterday after a run up to the moors 49.5 with a brief spell in the low 50's. First fill to fill on the way up to the moors suggested a true figure of 44mpg in the first 300 miles, which again is what I was getting with the last one when I let her go. The gearbox ratios also feel better matched to the engine, with a slightly more natural rhythm up though the gears. From the parts book it would appear there’s been no changes mechanically with the ratios so far with the 110’s LNN box, however there has been ratio changes with the 140’s LNM arrangement. Therefore I speculate whether others have noticed this too. Wonder what all the new 4x4 gearboxes are going to be like with the introduction of MY12.

Had a chance on Saturday night to try out the bi-xenon headlights, very impressed with this active stuff not had anything of the like before; work brilliantly for back lanes and are far superior to the Halogen reflectors on the SE, particularly on high beam.

As some have noticed, I managed to get Skoda Auto to factory fit 16†alloys with 215/60 tyres in place of the standard 17†set-up I had previously. This 16†combination is absolutely perfect for the Yeti, holds the road with much more confidence, steering is more precise and the ride very much more forgiving. Cannot for the life of me see why they (Skoda / Skoda UK) even contemplate fitting the lager wheels as standard? Appreciate some do like the look of the big wheels but please let them choose that option as an option, not saddle the rest of us with inferior ride and handling for the sake of fashion.

Like every new or almost new car I’ve owned in the last 10 years or so she's not completely squeak and creak free but it's very minor stuff associated with road imperfections or very rough, broken, ripped up and rutted surface dressing you get round here. My hearing despite hearing loss due to years working with gas turbines is far too sensitive to such things mind; proof will be if my good lady comments as with the last Yeti.

Very pleased as it stands that James convinced me to take the 110 4x4 Elegance route rather than another optioned up SE 140. From my brief time with the new Monster I'm really surprised how few people have taken up the 110 4x4. Having now tried it I personally cannot see the value in paying the extra £825 for the 140.

Previous SE 140

New 110

TP

Having only covered 400 miles so far, this is more a first impression rather than a review; from experience with the previous Yeti, things are bound to change both physically and perception wise as the miles build up.

Until collection I’d not had an opportunity to drive the 2.0 TDI Yeti in 110 guise, so very unsure what to expect. Had I made a mistake ‘stepping down’ from the previous Yeti TDI CR 140 and Golf TDI PD 140 4motion before that? Well at this moment in time to be honest I'm struggling to tell the difference between the 110 and the 140 in terms of day to day driving performance. Even beginning to question whether they’ve put the wrong software in (engine is mechanically the same as the 140). Although to be honest my last Yeti was an early production version with an earlier generation of CR 140 engine than is fitted currently, so it would be interesting to compare with a new 140 (CBDB engine code as opposed to CFHC presently).

Another difference with the previous Yeti is the engine feels far more run in, the old one when I first picked it up was smooth but you had to hold a higher gear longer than normal as the engine was so tight. This one has no such problem, drives better than how I remember the last one after 13000 miles, appears on first impressions to be a very willing and eager engine; quite happy with both power on and virtually freewheeling. Fuel economy is also good 46.7 indicated when I got home on Saturday (had at one point got to 48). Then yesterday after a run up to the moors 49.5 with a brief spell in the low 50's. First fill to fill on the way up to the moors suggested a true figure of 44mpg in the first 300 miles, which again is what I was getting with the last one when I let her go. The gearbox ratios also feel better matched to the engine, with a slightly more natural rhythm up though the gears. From the parts book it would appear there’s been no changes mechanically with the ratios so far with the 110’s LNN box, however there has been ratio changes with the 140’s LNM arrangement. Therefore I speculate whether others have noticed this too. Wonder what all the new 4x4 gearboxes are going to be like with the introduction of MY12.

Had a chance on Saturday night to try out the bi-xenon headlights, very impressed with this active stuff not had anything of the like before; work brilliantly for back lanes and are far superior to the Halogen reflectors on the SE, particularly on high beam.

As some have noticed, I managed to get Skoda Auto to factory fit 16†alloys with 215/60 tyres in place of the standard 17†set-up I had previously. This 16†combination is absolutely perfect for the Yeti, holds the road with much more confidence, steering is more precise and the ride very much more forgiving. Cannot for the life of me see why they (Skoda / Skoda UK) even contemplate fitting the lager wheels as standard? Appreciate some do like the look of the big wheels but please let them choose that option as an option, not saddle the rest of us with inferior ride and handling for the sake of fashion.

Like every new or almost new car I’ve owned in the last 10 years or so she's not completely squeak and creak free but it's very minor stuff associated with road imperfections or very rough, broken, ripped up and rutted surface dressing you get round here. My hearing despite hearing loss due to years working with gas turbines is far too sensitive to such things mind; proof will be if my good lady comments as with the last Yeti.

Very pleased as it stands that James convinced me to take the 110 4x4 Elegance route rather than another optioned up SE 140. From my brief time with the new Monster I'm really surprised how few people have taken up the 110 4x4. Having now tried it I personally cannot see the value in paying the extra £825 for the 140.

TP

Hi Tim

Very interesting first impressions - just wish I had known you could get 16" alloys to special order - having changed to the summer tyres on 17 inch rims the ride has deteriorated compared with the 16" wheels and winter tyres.

Congratulations. I hope you will be very happy together.

Fred

Hi Tim

Very interesting first impressions - just wish I had known you could get 16" alloys to special order - having changed to the summer tyres on 17 inch rims the ride has deteriorated compared with the 16" wheels and winter tyres.

Congratulations. I hope you will be very happy together.

Fred

Hi Fred,

thanks; think I was just very lucky getting them to switch the wheels, nobody I spoke to at Allams had heard of such a thing happening before. Would however urge anybody ordering a Yeti with the 17" as standard and like myself unhappy with this entrenched view from Skoda UK that what you see is what you get, to e-mail Skoda Auto a.s. and plead your case as I did, you also my get lucky :wonder:

[email protected]

They have no issues with communications in English by the way.

Regards,

TP

Hi Fred,

thanks; think I was just very lucky getting them to switch the wheels, nobody I spoke to at Allams had heard of such a thing happening before. Would however urge anybody ordering a Yeti with the 17" as standard and like myself unhappy with this entrenched view from Skoda UK that what you see is what you get, to e-mail Skoda Auto a.s. and plead your case as I did, you also my get lucky :wonder:

[email protected]

They have no issues with communications in English by the way.

Regards,

TP

This is a great report and I to have been wondering about the 110 version. Very interested also in your comments over 16" wheels. As my OEM Dunlops are gertting towards half worn, I'm facing a bill of £600 plus if I stay with similar tyres.

I also like the colour.

John

This is a great report and I to have been wondering about the 110 version. Very interested also in your comments over 16" wheels. As my OEM Dunlops are gertting towards half worn, I'm facing a bill of £600 plus if I stay with similar tyres.

I also like the colour.

John

You may get some much cheaper. Well, cheaper than a set of rims and tyres anyway.

When we went on to Goodyear 4Season tyres I sold the Dunlops on here and I could only get about £300 for all 4.

They had done 700 miles.

I thought you'd like the bi-xenons with AFS they are so impressive!

Hi TP

Glad you like it. I do love the colour

Great first impressions. I do wish they would give us more choice of engines with the DSG gearbox. 1.4TSI, 1.8TSI, CR1.6, CR110, CR170.....

I agree about the option to pay extra for 17" wheels. I would much rather have 16" wheels on Elsie the Helipad. (I have been thinking of putting a big 'H' in black on the roof because of the expanse of white you mentioned elsewhere........)

Those wheels do look so much better, and the ride must be even better than with winter tyres, as they will be running less pressure as well. So, another 4 steel wheels or some 16" Moon alloys.......and some 312 brakes from the 170CR which should fit.......i hope.

Mike

Glad you like the 110 after all the waiting you've had, I didn't think you'd have any real issues depite coming from a 140, the 110 does everything you can want it to do and still keeps pace on A roads/motorways.

The 140 may be an advantage for towing however, I'd certainly consider another 110 if I get another Yeti in 2-3 years time.

Congratulations to your new car, and I'm happy to see that your long wait have not left you disappointed.

I guess you now have the questionable record of the person that has spent the most time awaiting delivery of a SM :rofl:

belated congratulations on your new arrival, tim.

it's funny you mention the apparent lack of difference between the the 110 and 140.

the car i test drove was the 140 4wd

the car i now drive is a 110 4x4.

i struggle to find much difference in the engines and am very pleased with the 110.

there is a rumour that the 110 actually produces about 130hp so if that's true i'm not too surprised.

shame about the colour though...should have been the faster muscovado

Edited 2 May, 201115 yr by YetiClive

Glad you are finding your new steed is living up to expectations, sometimes less can be more with both engines & wheels.

Hope it is a similar experience for me going from a 1.4 TSi Octy to a 1.2TSi Yeti. The Octy's 16" 205/55 gave a pretty decent ride so I hope the Yeti's 17" 225/50's do not prove to be a case of more is less.

it's funny you mention the apparent lack of difference between the the 110 and 140.

the car i test drove was the 140 2wd

the car i now drive is a 110 4x4.

1st I've heard of a 140 2wd Clive. :S

1st I've heard of a 140 2wd Clive. :S

oops. typo, ta mike

Most interesting report.

So pleased you like your new monster, looks very smart in white.

I do like the 5 spoke chunky SE style wheels, didn't realise you could get them in 16" size.

TP, at what point did you get the 16 inch wheels confirmed? Was it on the initial order? I placed my order last week for an SE and didnt think to ask at the time!

TP, at what point did you get the 16 inch wheels confirmed? Was it on the initial order? I placed my order last week for an SE and didnt think to ask at the time!

Hi,

as stated above I tried getting support from Skoda UK but they were not interested, this being around the time of order. Therefore e-mailed Skoda Auto directly, they responded about two weeks later in a very positive and helpful manner, stating they could accommodate my request and would instruct Skoda UK to amend my order. Shortly after this SUK called to confirm exactly my requirements and the order was thus amended. Did not count my chickens mind until James sent a photo to confirm they were fitted

Are 16" wheels worth pursuing, in my personal opinion :yes: particularly if you spend a lot of time on poorly maintained roads like myself.

Regards,

TP

Interesting - Looking on the specs the 110bhp is supposed to be 2 seconds slower at 0-60mph than the 140bhp and the mpg is no better than the 140bhp. Your first impressions would seem to disagree with that. Is that correct? I am not interested in a drag car from the lights but I don't want to be sluggish either.

Interesting - Looking on the specs the 110bhp is supposed to be 2 seconds slower at 0-60mph than the 140bhp and the mpg is no better than the 140bhp. Your first impressions would seem to disagree with that. Is that correct? I am not interested in a drag car from the lights but I don't want to be sluggish either.

Hi EB,

so far I'm more than happy with the 110 4x4 performance and have no regrets in choosing the lower horse power motor

Regards,

TP

I am very interested in your comments re the 16 inch wheels.

I am very impressed with the handling of my 2wd 110, but I feel the ride is too hard.

I had already made checks re changing to 16inch 60 profile and the speed error is only around 2.5%. The factory I assume has corrected that at your end, so all we need now is the info of the tyre size recalibrate.

I am very tempted, would there be a market for s/h 17inch rims and tyres :p ?

I am very interested in your comments re the 16 inch wheels.

I am very impressed with the handling of my 2wd 110, but I feel the ride is too hard.

I had already made checks re changing to 16inch 60 profile and the speed error is only around 2.5%. The factory I assume has corrected that at your end, so all we need now is the info of the tyre size recalibrate.

I am very tempted, would there be a market for s/h 17inch rims and tyres :p ?

If the error is only 2.5% they may not need to change anything.

Most speedos read about 5% over anyway to err on the side of caution as they can't legally under read.

I believe they are allowed to over read by up to 10% ?

If the error is only 2.5% they may not need to change anything.

Most speedos read about 5% over anyway to err on the side of caution as they can't legally under read.

I believe they are allowed to over read by up to 10% ?

That is true, I put different size tyres on my old Landcruiser and with the 285/70 tyres the speedo read exactly the same as the GPS speed. With the standard factory tyre size it was always reading a fair few mphs out.

If one wanted to how do you go about getting your speedo calibrated? I know the Police have theirs done. Is it a software change?

Hi,

as stated above I tried getting support from Skoda UK but they were not interested, this being around the time of order. Therefore e-mailed Skoda Auto directly, they responded about two weeks later in a very positive and helpful manner, stating they could accommodate my request and would instruct Skoda UK to amend my order. Shortly after this SUK called to confirm exactly my requirements and the order was thus amended. Did not count my chickens mind until James sent a photo to confirm they were fitted

Are 16" wheels worth pursuing, in my personal opinion :yes: particularly if you spend a lot of time on poorly maintained roads like myself.

Regards,

TP

Hi Tim,

Now that you let the cat out of the bag, I can confirm that the 16" wheels - both for winter and summer suits the Yeti very well. Poor surfaces and good at speeds exceeding 100 mph, it is very neutral and responsive. No pitching or any other shenanigans. I am also happy with both sets of tyres. The winter tyres are a little less precise steering on hard surfaces, but perfectly OK for dry pavement at speed, even at 20°C temperatures.

My only tyre complaint is that the Conti sumer tyres stink at straight line braking in simulated winter conditions and that they have a longitudinal groove hang-up tendency. Neither is serious, but the Conti's clearly tell you when you cross a raised line in the road.

Edited 3 May, 201115 yr by Agerbundsen

I am very interested in your comments re the 16 inch wheels.

I am very impressed with the handling of my 2wd 110, but I feel the ride is too hard.

I had already made checks re changing to 16inch 60 profile and the speed error is only around 2.5%. The factory I assume has corrected that at your end, so all we need now is the info of the tyre size recalibrate.

I am very tempted, would there be a market for s/h 17inch rims and tyres :p ?

As stated elsewere the Yeti speedo is optimistic by around 5 to 6% on the 225x50x17" wheels.At a genuine 70mph my speedo reads 74mph.

The 215x60x16" wheels have a slightly greater rolling circumference,therefore making the speedo more accurate.Only 2.5 to 3% optimistic.

There have been Yeti 17" alloys and tyres on Ebay ,and I think they have gone for around the £300 mark .

Police speedos can be calibrated because they use a much more accurate and different system than is fitted to Joe Public's cars. As far as I know there is no way to calibrate our speedos.

I am very interested in your comments re the 16 inch wheels.

I am very impressed with the handling of my 2wd 110, but I feel the ride is too hard.

I had already made checks re changing to 16inch 60 profile and the speed error is only around 2.5%. The factory I assume has corrected that at your end, so all we need now is the info of the tyre size recalibrate.

I am very tempted, would there be a market for s/h 17inch rims and tyres :p ?

The size Skoda recommend is 215/55 R16 as fitted to The Plumbers new SM. In my experience they are very similar in diameter to standard 225/50 R17's, if anything they are larger by a very small amount. No need for any speedo recalibration as they are fitted to many Yeti as standard. (check the manual)