Currently I have a new VW Golf Match 1.6 Bluemotion as a company vehicle, but will need to replace it when I'm made redundant in December.

This afternoon my wife and I went to a local VW dealer as I was thinking of getting another Golf. After being particularly unimpressed by the 'take it or leave it' attitude of the VW dealer where I had just test driven the Golf Estate and Polo, I wandered over to the Skoda dealer next door. Until about a couple of months ago I had had an Octavia saloon for 4 years and was very happy with it. I only changed to VW because Skoda wasn't on our company fleet list any more. We looked at the Octavia estate and Saloon and then started looking at the 1.2 Yeti. We couldn't believe the smoothness of the ride, the comfort and facilities of the cabin and the value for money compared to VW.

Am seriously thinking of going for this vehicle, but would be grateful for your views on this car. I was looking for something more fuel efficient and cheap to run, but suddenly at the age of 59, I feel like driving something a bit more fun than a boring car like the Golf or even the Octavia.

Will I regret this rush of blood to the head or be thankful there was Skoda garage next door to the VW dealer? I suppose I am looking for some re-assurance / facts to support my sudden infatuation with this little beauty.

Any thoughts?

Edited 24 September, 201114 yr by artos

Currently I have a new VW Golf Match 1.6 Bluemotion as a company vehicle, but will need to replace it when I'm made redundant in December.

This afternoon my wife and I went to a local VW dealer as I was thinking of getting another Golf. After being particularly unimpressed by the 'take it or leave it' attitude of the VW dealer where I had just test driven the Golf Estate and Polo, I wandered over to the Skoda dealer next door. Until about a couple of months ago I had had an Octavia saloon for 4 years and was very happy with it. I only changed to VW because Skoda wasn't on our company fleet list any more. We looked at the Octavia estate and Saloon and then started looking at the 1.2 Yeti. We couldn't believe the smoothness of the ride, the comfort and facilities of the cabin and the value for money compared to VW.

Am seriously thinking of going for this vehicle, but would be grateful for your views on this car. I was looking for something more fuel efficient and cheap to run, but suddenly at the age of 59, I feel like driving something a bit more fun than a boring car like the Golf or even the Octavia.

Will I regret this rush of blood to the head or be thankful there was Skoda garage next door to the VW dealer? I suppose I am looking for some re-assurance / facts to support my sudden infatuation with this little beauty.

Any thoughts?

Anyone who buys a Skoda Yetti won't be disappointed from my experience. It's a cracking car! I'd go for the diesel version though. Also Skoda represents much better value than VW, with better dealers.Go for it!

Anyone who buys a Skoda Yetti won't be disappointed from my experience. It's a cracking car! I'd go for the diesel version though.

Depends on Annual milage though

Depends on Annual milage though

I do about 10k usually.

Edited 24 September, 201114 yr by artos

you wont regret buying a yeti.....all you have to do is choose what engine to go with, I have not driven the 1.2 but I am very happy with my 110 diesel and 50 + mpg

Depends on Annual milage though

Irrespective of annual mileage the OP must have a drive in both petrol & diesel, he might just be surprised how good the diesels now are. It's not all about economy against mileage, I cannot justify a 170 diesel on mileage but that CR engine is just too good All Skoda's are of course excellent VFM but then we would say that wouldn'r we!

Not much I can say about the Yeti really.

After we bought it we sold our two year old Range Rover Vogue TDV8.

And we like the Yeti so much we're planning one each (my wife and I) for next year.

I wouldn't automatically go diesel though.

Unless you do a lot of miles there are other factors to weigh up, and you'd have to do a fair few miles to make up for the extra cost of a diesel.

For example, if you go for an automatic, the 1.2 petrol DSG is fantastic and about as fuel efficient as the diesel DSG.

This is because the diesel has 4x4, weighs something like 150kg more and has only 6 gears compared to the petrol 1.2 with 7.

These differences mean the petrol DSG is about £4000 cheaper to buy with similar economy than the diesel DSG. So unless you need 4x4 and DSG, I'd go for the petrol every time. As a bonus it's smoother and the fuel is cheaper.

The diesel may hold a higher percentage of it's value after three years, but as you save £4k buying the petrol without the 4x4 it will still actally lose less money in real terms over the same period.

The Yeti is my first Skoda. Amongst my previous cars are five VWs; a Mk1 Scirocco, two Mk2 Golf GTI (one a 16v), a Golf VR6 and a Passat estate. I've also had an Audi A4 Avant. The Yeti compares favourably with any of them ... and is almost as quick (in CR170 guise) as the VR6.

Lets be honest, you're not going to get an overwhelming majority on a Yeti forum who are going to advise against, but you will get clues about which model or engine. I have the 1.2 DSG petrol. If I were to change I would seriously look at a diesel DSG Elegance but primarily to see how it drove compared to mine and whether it drove any smoother or was significantly nicer to be in. My personal experience with the DSG is mainly favourable but you do have to be aware of it's foibles, advantages and drawbacks. All of which are well documented on here but your mileage isn't likely to be a problem with regard to the the DPF on the diesels. My dealer's service manager is well aware of the characteristics of driving DSG's and you would do well to visit your dealer and speak, not only to sales, but to service too. Having just bought a much cheaper Hyundai runaround it emphasizes the quality and feeling of solidity to be had in the Yeti. It is a cracker - and I'm pretty picky. Can't see why you wouldn't like it provided yo want something quite tall and a bit boxy and quite versatile but with a slightly quirky appearance compared to others. You'll obviously look around but, myself, having studied form, there isn't anything quite like it on the market at the moment to suit me. The dealers are fine on the whole and you'd get looked after unless you were very unlucky. Insurance and tax are OK and service costs are no worse than anywhere else. In short, take it very seriously and do your homework and I'd guess you'd be very happy with one.

EDIT. just noticed that BossFox has said earlier...."For example, if you go for an automatic, the 1.2 petrol DSG is fantastic and about as fuel efficient as the diesel DSG"..

My experience to date is that I still get a thoroughly consistent 32.5 mpg. Never varies more than fraction either way - measured brim to brim. It would do more on an A road at 56mph with a hot engine I'm sure......it just happens my journeys are not of that ilk.

Edited 24 September, 201114 yr by oldstan

No, not off your head.

As oldstan says you aren't going to get many people here trying to talk you out of it.

If you want a new one for December you might be struggling, although there to seem to be a few spare ones in the supply chain at the moment.

The 1.2 isn't going to be the most fuel efficient, but it is the cheapest to buy by some distance (40mpg here with the manual and mixed motoring)

Edited 24 September, 201114 yr by rog737

Hi I had the 1.2tsi for just over a year (13000miles) and loved it, good ride and the 1.2 was a very good engine, I was happy with the mpg but it can depend a lot on how its driven play with the turbo and it drops well down (but it soooo much fun ) normal driving will give a good return.

I now have the 110 4x4 only changed to get the 4x4 had we not been snowed in 3x last winter(and I would like to go off road more but don't tell swmbo :no: ) i would have kept the 1.2 for 4-5years.

Here is a link to my opinion on both My link

Hope this forum can help you decide

regards

Kevin

Currently I have a new VW Golf Match 1.6 Bluemotion as a company vehicle, but will need to replace it when I'm made redundant in December.

This afternoon my wife and I went to a local VW dealer as I was thinking of getting another Golf. After being particularly unimpressed by the 'take it or leave it' attitude of the VW dealer where I had just test driven the Golf Estate and Polo, I wandered over to the Skoda dealer next door. Until about a couple of months ago I had had an Octavia saloon for 4 years and was very happy with it. I only changed to VW because Skoda wasn't on our company fleet list any more. We looked at the Octavia estate and Saloon and then started looking at the 1.2 Yeti. We couldn't believe the smoothness of the ride, the comfort and facilities of the cabin and the value for money compared to VW.

Am seriously thinking of going for this vehicle, but would be grateful for your views on this car. I was looking for something more fuel efficient and cheap to run, but suddenly at the age of 59, I feel like driving something a bit more fun than a boring car like the Golf or even the Octavia.

Will I regret this rush of blood to the head or be thankful there was Skoda garage next door to the VW dealer? I suppose I am looking for some re-assurance / facts to support my sudden infatuation with this little beauty.

Any thoughts?

I was in a very similar position having driven a 2 litre DSG Octavia Estate (L&K model) for 6 years and now being retired; I also do about 10k per annum. I test drove several cars including the Honda Jazz 1.4 CVT - has a reputation in UK as an oldie's car but is an excellent vehicle and now available with leather seats etc - ruled out in the end because my wife found the seat squab too short. Also tested VW Golf - good car, did everything well but, but, it is sooo.. boring I just couldn't buy one! Then tested Fabia Estate - nice with 1.2 Tsi engine but needs updating and inside is stark. Finally tested Yeti in both 1.2 Tsi and 2 litre diesel 4x4 (I want DSG auto box), both drove really well and the elevated driving height is wonderful for both driver and passengers- see so much more of countryside and over hedges etc. Clearly the extra torque of the diesel is nice but there is a huge price difference and I don't really need 4 wheel drive, the 1,2 Tsi is a gem of an engine - quiet (very quiet), smooth power delivery up to 70 mph and the lighter weight of the engine seemed to provide a better driving balance to the car. I drove the 1.2 Tsi for about 50 miles and the Maxidot claimed 40+MPG at 70 mph on the motorway. Thought long and hard but as I keep my cars for 6-7 years and at that age residual value is more to do with condition than spec I decided to go with the 1.2 TSi - problem is I have no idea yet when I will get it! Hopefully March 2012 because petrols are on a shorter delivery time than diesels.

At your age go with your heart and ENJOY motoring for a change!!

Getting favourable Yeti reviews on here is like shooting fish in a barrel.

It IS a brilliant car though so go for it. Great to drive, comfortable, spacious & good to look at. What more do you need?

I have a diesel DSG - the only downside is a slightly disappointing 40mpg average.

Candy White is the colour to go for btw

play with the turbo and it drops well down

Doesn't it just! Fortunately it is rare to get the chance to play.

Guys,

Thank you very much for all your feedback and advice. Expatman, you're convincing me that this is the right way to go. My wife is already convinced!

I actually don't need the car until December, so can wait a bit, but Yetis seem to be like hen's teeth to find at the moment, with delivery not before next March even if I ordered now. However, I'm looking at a couple of 1.2 SE Plus models that different dealers have in their showrooms at the moment which I am arranging to test drive. I do like the fact that it's a quiet. I find my diesel Golf pretty noisy, so would be good to have something a bit quieter.

I haven't found out what engines the the two models I am looking have, but as I am a car ignoramus, can you tell me what difference the DSG make to the 1.2 engine? (Can't even find an explanation of what DSG stands for in the Skoda brochure). I think someone mentioned that the DSG is more fuel efficient.

Guys,

Thank you very much for all your feedback and advice. Expatman, you're convincing me that this is the right way to go. My wife is already convinced!

I actually don't need the car until December, so can wait a bit, but Yetis seem to be like hen's teeth to find at the moment, with delivery not before next March even if I ordered now. However, I'm looking at a couple of 1.2 SE Plus models that different dealers have in their showrooms at the moment which I am arranging to test drive. I do like the fact that it's a quiet. I find my diesel Golf pretty noisy, so would be good to have something a bit quieter.

I haven't found out what engines the the two models I am looking have, but as I am a car ignoramus, can you tell me what difference the DSG make to the 1.2 engine? (Can't even find an explanation of what DSG stands for in the Skoda brochure). I think someone mentioned that the DSG is more fuel efficient.

Hi DSG is a automatic gearbox

Guys,

Thank you very much for all your feedback and advice. Expatman, you're convincing me that this is the right way to go. My wife is already convinced!

I actually don't need the car until December, so can wait a bit, but Yetis seem to be like hen's teeth to find at the moment, with delivery not before next March even if I ordered now. However, I'm looking at a couple of 1.2 SE Plus models that different dealers have in their showrooms at the moment which I am arranging to test drive. I do like the fact that it's a quiet. I find my diesel Golf pretty noisy, so would be good to have something a bit quieter.

I haven't found out what engines the the two models I am looking have, but as I am a car ignoramus, can you tell me what difference the DSG make to the 1.2 engine? (Can't even find an explanation of what DSG stands for in the Skoda brochure). I think someone mentioned that the DSG is more fuel efficient.

DSG is the twin clutch auto gearbox (7 speed with the 1.2 petrol, 6 speed with the diesels). You can also use it like a manual if you want to. It depends what you want but I have the DSG box on my Octavia and would not change to a manual again! It makes driving so much more relaxing - particularly in traffic, no more clutch in/out aching left leg etc! However it is over £1,000 so depends on what you need. I do suggest you try one before you buy but bear in mind the DSG "learns" the way you drive over 500-1,000 miles so is never as smooth on test drive cars as on your own car.

It is an automatically operated manual, unlike older autos it selects and changes gears to suit the conditions and the demands you make via the accelerator and road conditions-it is a 7 speed unit which can be more efficient as it is closer to the ideal gear for conditions. Unlike the older style auto box it doesn't rely on pumped hydraulics but on clever use of two entirely electronically operated clutches.

It is probably possible to achieve better MPG with an expertly driven manual but likely that the DSG will give near optimum consumption on the 1.2 driven normally.

I can only echo what has already been said. You won't regret it. Excellent value for money, even in the most expensive form of Diesel 4x4 DSG.

The DSG box is great and I would not drive a manual through choice. Around London I'm getting around 36mpg average. I'm sure a 1.2tsi petrol would be less, but not sure how much less......

The seat are incredibly comfortable for long distance driving and the slightly elevated driving position is great. Best of all it is a small car and turns on a sixpence. I think the footprint is about the same as a golf, just taller, which makes it look bigger.

Just make sure you go for one with the auto lights and or wipers to get the 'raised' rear view mirror.

I can only echo what has already been said. You won't regret it. Excellent value for money, even in the most expensive form of Diesel 4x4 DSG.

The DSG box is great and I would not drive a manual through choice. Around London I'm getting around 36mpg average. I'm sure a 1.2tsi petrol would be less, but not sure how much less......

The seat are incredibly comfortable for long distance driving and the slightly elevated driving position is great. Best of all it is a small car and turns on a sixpence. I think the footprint is about the same as a golf, just taller, which makes it look bigger.

Just make sure you go for one with the auto lights and or wipers to get the 'raised' rear view mirror.

Any chance of you buying your co car at a good rate when you are made redundant? May be worth a thought

Thanks for your explanations about the DSG gearbox. I haven't driven an automatic car in years, but sounds like I shouldn't rule it out, particularly as the technology seems to have become much more sophisticated.

Rockhopper: what do you mean raised rear view mirror? Do you know which models it's on?

Just make sure you go for one with the auto lights and or wipers to get the 'raised' rear view mirror.

Loskie:

Any chance of you buying your co car at a good rate when you are made redundant? May be worth a thought.

I had thought about it but it's too small and I have gone off the Golf now. It's a bit dull to be honest.

I was unsure about getting a Yeti BUT after test driving one and seeing how practical it was I ordered a 170 TDi, everyday mpg is about 43 and this is improving as it racks up the miles (6,000 so far after just 7 weeks) on an A road just keeping up with traffic I have seen 50+.

Previous cars have been VW Passat, Audi A4 (B8), BMW 520D (60 reg) and so far I enjoy the Yeti more than all previous cars, only down side to the 170 is emissions and tax over other engine models that are cheaper to run.

I would buy one without hesitation, but then again I did......

I was in the same position last year - should I ? Yes / No ?

I now jump at the chance of driving our Yeti (for all the reasons I've mentioned before). Now I'm looking forward to putting the winter tyres on and enjoying the car's 1st winter (heated seats / heated windscreen / 4x4 / winter tyres) should be fun.

The DSG box is great and I would not drive a manual through choice. Around London I'm getting around 36mpg average. I'm sure a 1.2tsi petrol would be less, but not sure how much less......

140 DSG diesel urban figure is 37.2mpg.

1.2 DSG petrol urban figure is 36.2mpg. Under the same test conditions.

I'd expect it to be a few mpg down, that's all.

No doubt the diesel 140 is a great engine. But wether you need it or not it has to cart round a 4x4 system that adds over 10% to the weight of the vehicle and the 6 speed DSG box is just not as efficent as the petrol 7 speed. The petrol DSG mpg figures pretty much match the manual, while in the diesel the DSG figures show a noticable reduction in mpg over the manual. Due to having wet clutches instead of dry maybe? More drag?

I read above somewhere that a 1.2 petrol DSG is averaging 32mpg?

I'd love to see this person drive (maybe the car needs looking at?) because from day one ours averaged 37mpg and now it's got nearly 5000 miles on the clock it's averaged 42mpg. Yes, I can get high 40s, even did 50 odd going to work one day just to see, but we are talking average, not super economy mode just to see the result.

Our Yeti does 80% local runs to neighbouring vilages and the rest is holiday trips loaded up with stuff. On a long weekend from Essex to the forest of Deane and back it averaged 44mpg over something like 400 miles with two adults, one child and a boot full of stuff for the trip. It never sits at 56mph on economy mode. I have a Greenline II Fabia if I want to do that and get 70mpg+.

I know the diesel DSG is good. It's the most expensive Yeti there is!

But I just happen to think that the petrol DSG is something of a bargain for those not needing 4x4 in an auto due to similar running costs.