We decided to drive to Turin at Christmas taking in Cologne, Bonn and Strasbourg on the way there and returning non-stop through France – approx. 1800 miles in total.

I have had the Yeti 1.2 Elegance for two and half years (but only 13,000 miles even after this trip) and very much enjoy the form and functional aspects of it. I found the Yeti in Elegance trim is perfect for pan-European driving with only a few adjustments on the MFD needed for the head lights and speedo etc. and the cruise control and winter tyre warnings etc. proved very useful. We found the seats to be comfortable with lots of space for stuff needed on the journey; the only downside was the size of the boot which meant that we had to pack things vertically restricting the rearward view. I will investigate the luggage partition accessory if and when we do a similar trip to allow for higher and safer storage.

I was a little apprehensive regarding the small engine size for such as long journey but the Yeti more than kept up with the traffic and easily managed to maintain the top end of the legal speed limits (110 to 130kmh) and even going through the Alps (tunnel route). I did not feel that I needed more power even with four people and the boot full and as far as I can remember there was only one time when I changed from sixth to fifth gear on a long climb through the mountains. I chose the 1.2 2WD because most of my driving is urban with the occasional motorway trip, however based on my experience I would not think twice about taking the Yeti on a similar trip again.

I fitted Continental WinterContact TS 830P 225/50 R17 winter tyres and took the opportunity to buy a set of SE-spec Dolomite alloys wheels – I have always preferred this style wheel to the standard fit Elegance-spec Spitzburgs. The tyres give a very comfortable and secure ride and did not lose traction in any way whilst we were in the mountains around Turin. I did get stopped by the Italian Caribinieri in the Italian mountains so that they could verify I had winter tyres fitted. It did get me thinking that if you drive in a mostly urban environment then a 2WD with set of good winter tyres and wheels could be a better choice than 4WD with just summer tyres. When my Dunlop summer tyres need replacing I will have a look at more general purpose tyres – it did make me think twice when I noticed that my 1.2 Yeti is factory fitted with the same Dunlop make and model tyres and tread pattern as my much higher performance Mini Cooper S...

At the end of the trip, the MFD stated 38mpg average fuel consumption instead of my usual 40mpg, I guess the difference was down to a combination of the winter tyre’s higher resistance and the higher than my typical average motorway speed.

I have posted some images of the Yeti in the mountains near Turin.

I fitted Continental WinterContact TS 830P 225/50 R17 winter tyres and took the opportunity to buy a set of SE-spec Dolomite alloys wheels – I have always preferred this style wheel to the standard fit Elegance-spec Spitzburgs.

+1

Nice pictures, they look straight out of the brochure!

Glad you had an enjoyable break and the Yeti lived up to expectations!

I too was worried about boot space but overcame this with the removal of the parcel shelf and fitment of the dog guard. All the space I could need and no worries of headaches under extreme breaking.

PS great pics -- as said, could have been from a Skoda brochure!

Great photos SkH. You must remember to sumbit them to the calendar next year! And post them to the Yeti members' picture thread.

As to your trip: sounds great. And your fuel consumption too is amazing for four up over such varied topography. Shows you there is nothing wrong with that 1,2 in the Yeti. On my last trip to the Med I found the Yeti to also be superbly comfortable with no aches and pains after long, long journeys. With a DSG gearbox, cruise control and the lightly trafficed French autoroutes, a Yeti is an amazing travel companion.

Thanks for the hints and feedback, I will post more images shortly.

Simon your second photo in your first post has been published in the CAR magazine letter section this month!!! Well done! (I didn't take a picture of it sorry!)

I've featured there before too AND won the photo of the month and the watch!

Great write up - I'm waiting on my 1.2 to arrive - always good to hear the motor is up to it all (having only a test drive and forum comments to go on so far); nice pics too.

Hi, SkH,If I am not mistaken,you went through the Mont Blanc Tunnel when you make the trip to Turin ?

I noticed a Yeti fleet from Russia have just through Mont Blanc Tunnel a few days ago when they make trip from Turin to Chamonix . They started for a tour of Winter Olympics cities at the end of late last month,form Sochi ,2014 Winter Olympics city?their final destination is Lillehammer in Norway.

here the report link

http://www.zr.ru/content/articles/524115-skoda_yeti_po_stolicam_zimnih_olimpiad_k_olimpijskim_istokam_ili_11_kilometrov_pod_zemlej_epizod_7-j/

Well spotted and congratulations on winning the watch, I remember the photo.