Got a test drive of a 1.2 tsi Yeti tomorrow as looking to replace my Jeep. Will mainly be used for 7 mile commute to work but will need to tow a trailer with all our camping junk essentials. Is ths 1.2 engine up to pulling a trailer at decent pace. Don't want to go for a diesel due to low annual mileage and avoid potential DPF & DMF problems.

Anyone out there use one of these cars to tow? Thanks.

Mmmm....don't want to put you off. I have never towed in my Yeti, but it does struggle a bit with 4 up with luggage.

A 1.2 would surly not be a wise choice if you want to tow? Has to be very little that it actually could tow

From Skoda's web site:

1.2 cc

Kerb weight 1340kg

Max braked trailer 1200 kg

Unbraked trailer 670kg

Personally it wouldn't be something I would want to do.

I also would imagine the mpg would increase considerably.

Fred

That's what I was thinking, just wondered if anyone had any experience of this engine being used for towing or fully loaded. Dealer adamant that it would be fine (surprise surprise!!)

Re: test drive. Dealer called this morning. Now says the demonstrator not available today because one of the mechanics is using it :wonder: . Not impressed . Day off wasted. If they want my business then they've got a funny way of showing it.

Off to look at something else as the only other petrol option is the 122bhp 1.4 (also too small I would guess) or the 1.8 4x4 (monster fuel bills and road tax, no thanks). Pity VW won't let Skoda use the 160 bhp 1.4, probably to protect all the Tiguan sales they'd lose.

I can see negative comments, but no mention yet of how much this camping trailer actually weighs.

If it's not heavy it'll be perfectly fine!

Most "camping" trailers are going to be well under the unbraked limit of 670kg. Four up + luggage + heavy canvas tent in a trailer and the 1.2 is going to get puffed going uphill, but I'd be more concerned about the car's "stance" on the road with a small trailer and that would be fine.

Would be different with a TT/FC (our braked Pathfinder FC had an MPLW of 1000kg) and in the caravans you'd really be looking at the lightweights/folders. But I wouldn't see a problem with the usual 4x3 or 5x3 single axle trailer.

Edited 9 May, 201214 yr by Michael G

When I was a kid we towed a trailer behind our Renault 4. I think it was an 850.

I think I found a neat little caravan setup which would be suitable for the 1.2........

There you go. Does it have mains hook up ?

No need...... runs off the bicycle dynamo!

hi

i have used my 1.2 to tow this trailer with no trouble (approx 600kgs all in).

you just have to stay in each gear a bit longer going up hills

matthew

When I was a kid we towed a trailer behind our Renault 4. I think it was an 850.

Similar here. We used to go on caravan holidays in a Chrysler Alpine (85 bhp) towing a 4-berth Sprite Alpine caravan (700 kg unladen?).

Just think back 20 or 30 years and what sort of power a 1,6 petrol engine had then and what people towed... (And this 1,2 engine is being labelled as a modern 1,6 litre petrol - smaller yes but with the power of an older 1,6) As long as you realise you won't be going up and down hills at a constant 60mph (max allowed anyway when towing) you will be absolutely fine. But if you try to maintain 60 or even 50 your fuel consumption will be very bad. You will only tow infrequently (I assume) so I won't worry about it. You'll just get to the campsite later than if you had had a diesel or a 1,8 petrol. What's the harm in that? For 97% of the rest of the time the 1,2 will suit you best.

So go for it.

Given up on idea of the 1.2.

Had a test drive of something bland and Japanese with a manual 'box and decided that, after years of driving my auto box Yank tank, don't want to go back to stirring the cogs myself ( far too much like hard work around town ).

Time to look at the 140bhp diesel DSG methinks!

Loving our 1.2 petrol DSG. But don't tow now TBF.