Well, a couple of weeks ago it finally arrived.

A Corrida Red Greenline SE, she has now been fitted with steels and winter tyres (3Ds) and some trims to keep her looking spiffy.

It has been 8 months since I ordered and a full year since I test drove the Yeti. I had forgotten just how good this car is.

So quiet (even with a touch of tyre rumble) fit and finish is superb and the engine is so sweet. A little rocket in first and second and lazy in the taller gears. They take a bit of getting used to but I'm already settling in. Even on a tight engine, cold weather, winter tyres and lots of short journeys I'm getting 550+ on a tank so I'm well happy. (and the dual zone climate control is the thing of Mrs. Pasta's dreams.

So we are off on holiday for Christmas next weekend. A short stint to see friends in Brussels, then on to Ulm to more friends, then on to Austria to hit the slopes for 10 days......hurrah! 800+ miles of yeti comfort.

I was toying with a roof box but when I had a packing dry run I found that with the middle seat out and adapting the cargo nets to fit over the parcel shelf I can easily fit 2 car seats plus children, 2 pairs of skis+poles, 2 ski boot-bags, 1 medium case, 1 large holdall, 1 medium rucksack, 4 small backpacks plus presents for family and friends. The thing is just so damn adaptable.

I am very happy. Now If I can just convince the weather gods to dump another two foot of snow on Rauris by 24th Dec I'll be ecstatic.

Also, anyone know the recommended tyre pressure increase for winter tyres?

Glad you are please with it.

The boot does hold a lot more than people actually think, doesn't it? Agreed you have to be adaptable, but you can get a lot in.

Tyre pressures should be increased by 0.2 bar.

Ulm?! That's a coincidence! I'm off to Hohentengen next week with visits to Ulm and Esslinger Christmas markets planned and then on to Innsbruck in Austria! The Yeti makes for the perfect cross Europe IMO. I've taken mine on six in the last 20 months Yeti + 4wd + winter tyres makes for amazing traction in the snow.

Enjoy the skiing ... I'm off to the 3 Valleys in January (by air) and then again in March to Espace Killy (by Yeti).

Ulm?! That's a coincidence! I'm off to Hohentengen next week with visits to Ulm and Esslinger Christmas markets planned and then on to Innsbruck in Austria! The Yeti makes for the perfect cross Europe IMO. I've taken mine on six in the last 20 months Yeti + 4wd + winter tyres makes for amazing traction in the snow.

Well unfortunately I don't have 4wd but having driven all over the continent winter and summer I know that most people over there are happy on winter tyres and 2wd. That'll tackle 95% of the conditions I'll ever meet. To be honest, if I were in a situation where I needed 4wd and winter tyres those are conditions that I don't wan't to be out in anyway.

Plus, it is all autobahn and good quality road to the resort so shouldn't be a problem.

As for Ulm christmas market, don't know if you have been before but on a dark evening that Cathedral LOOMS over the market place, it is an impressive and scary old thing.

Have fun! hot sausage and gluhwein all round!

Well unfortunately I don't have 4wd but having driven all over the continent winter and summer I know that most people over there are happy on winter tyres and 2wd. That'll tackle 95% of the conditions I'll ever meet. To be honest, if I were in a situation where I needed 4wd and winter tyres those are conditions that I don't wan't to be out in anyway.

Plus, it is all autobahn and good quality road to the resort so shouldn't be a problem.

As for Ulm christmas market, don't know if you have been before but on a dark evening that Cathedral LOOMS over the market place, it is an impressive and scary old thing.

Have fun! hot sausage and gluhwein all round!

Haven't been to Ulm at all before and the only Christmas markets ive been to previously were in Brugge so I'm really looking forward t this trip for this reason. :-) It sounds very impressive.

Also, yes i agree with your words on 2wd and winter tyres; a very effective solution.