The arrival of the Snow Monster in Australia is getting closer.

After making a surprise appearance at the Sydney Motor Show in October 2010, the Yeti will be formally released in Australia at the Melbourne Motor Show in July.

The Skoda Australia website has just been updated with some details of the Yeti models we will be getting in Australia - see http://www.skoda.com.au/yeti/default.aspx.

Initial launch is with the 2WD 1.2TSI (105BHP) and the 4x4 103TDI (140BHP) models with the 4x4 1.8TSI (160BHP) coming in 2012. No word on trim levels as yet.

The first Yetis are expected in Australian showrooms by September. It will be interesting to see what trim, colour & option combinations Skoda Australia pre-orders.

No pricing as yet (if you put in the URL http://www.skoda.com.au/yeti/pricing.aspx you get "Pricing to be advised.")

However, some details can be gleaned from the other pages, eg 103TDI 4x4 Yeti will have Columbus Sat Nav as STANDARD.

"So that you do not get lost on your trips and in rough terrain, the 103TDI 4x4 Yeti is fitted as standard with the 'Columbus' satellite navigation system with touch screen display."

Panoramic Sunroof is referred to as "Optional" as are the Bi-Xenon Headlights with rotary module, whilst front fog lights are standard on the 103TDI 4x4.

optional bi-xenon headlights with rotary modules, which can better illuminate a bend and thereby reveal any dangers. The front foglights, standard on the 4x4, are another important safety element.

OFF-ROAD function appears to be standard on the 103TDI 4x4.

11 different colours are shown in the Gallery section.

I first saw the Yeti at the Sydney Motor Show and have lined things up with work to be in Melbourne for the start of the Melbourne Motor Show on 1st July. I look forward to getting up close and personal with the Snow Monster again!

Ask your dealer if they are looking for someone to man their showroom.....

I think there would be some disappointed Briskoda fans if you made the move down under.

But perhaps some happier Australian Skoda buyers!

But perhaps some happier Australian Skoda buyers!

And by the sounds of it, a happier Skoda salesman!

when i was in perth WA 2 years ago i saw not one single skoda of any kind.

this spring i saw about half a dozen in a month. all octavia and superb.

even spotted a skoda dealer tucked away on the outskirts of perth, despite the showroom being just bigger than a double garage!

i reckon the aussies will be hard to convert to the yeti as the 4x4 market down under seems to be dominated by the nissan patrol and all of the toyota 4x4 gang. top of the list is probably the hi-lux ute.

hope they do though coz then i can hopefully hire one the next time we go

those red dirt roads are just crying out for some yeti action