Hi all

I've been after a Yeti for a longtime but circumstances dictated otherwise. Anyone, things have now sorted themselves out and i've been offered a great deal via Skoda in Mansfield so I am hoping to order (maybe even tonight)! I'm looking at SE+ spec (possibly SE as I am not too bothered about the SE + extras) but my biggest decision is the engine. I can't find a 1.8TSI to drive anywhere but have had a brief test drive in a 1.2 DSG and was quite amazed by it, i'm not sure however how it will be day-to-day or long term but it seemed like a great engine and the DSG box was superb. The car will mainly be used for 10 mile commute to work, the odd motorway journey and a couple of UK holidays with my family. However, I currently drive a Octavia VRS 2.0 TSFI (which I may well keep because it isn't worth great deal) and i'm just not sure if it too greater drop in power to go from that to the 1.2 TSI. It certainly doesn't feel like half the power to drive but I guess I just need a few people to tell me that they are lively, nippy cars day to day for me to sign on the dotted line.

The DSG box would be great for hassle free driving though obviously I haven't had any issues using a manual box in traffic to date but it would just make the drive more relaxing, especially on the occasions when the traffic is at standstill. The 1.8TSI is also within budget and for the small premium I would also get 4WD which is what has thrown me. The 1.8 is clearly more expensive to run, but hopefully no more so that my VRS.

I should add that I am mid 30's and enjoy powerful cars, but also appreciate cars that are fun to drive and have decent handling (something I think the Yeti has and will hopefully compensate for the drop in power).

Has anyone else done anything similar?

Edited 26 March, 201313 yr by weyland

I'm sure lots of 1.2 TSi drivers will reassure you. I just thought it worth pointing out that the 1.2 is turbocharged and puts out 105bhp, which is around what you might expect from a conventional 1.6.

Because there's such a difference between your current vRS and the 1.2 Yeti I would suggest you don't decide until you've had a lengthy test drive in the 1.2 Yeti including using it on the motorway with the family on board. I think you need to satisfy yourself it's what you want or that you can live with anything you're not fully happy with before you buy it.

I had a 1.4TSI Octy that I bought after a short test drive and found it wasn't really for me, It was very good low down but I wanted more mid range torque- That's not to say there was anything wrong with it, just that it ultimately wasn't what I wanted and it didn't show up on my brief test drive. Had I had a longer test drive I think I would have opted for a different engine.

No doubt the 1.2 with the DSG will be very nice to drive on your commute, though if the vRS isn't causing you any real issues at the moment the 1.8 manual probably wouldn't either. 4WD would give you go anywhere ability if that's important to you/it's essential you get to work.

I guess the crux of the dilemma is whether the 1.2 will be suited to your requiremnents on the longer trips and I'm afraid only you will be able to decide that. No doubt it'll be better on fuel than the 1.8 2wd, which will in turn be better than the 1.8 4wd but have you considered what the depeciation of the different models will be as that may help you decide too (sorry can't help you there but it's worth considering as it's such a big factor when owning a car)

Hopefully you'll get loads of feedback, but a point that may be worth considering will be how many will have owned a vRS petrol, so can understand your position fully.

All the best with your dilema

Problem is no one can really answer this question for me - and there are just no 1.8TSI's to drive...

If in doubt add more power - the safe bet will be to order the 1.8.

Further comments welcome

It's a question of the convenience of an auto (DSG) in daily use (particularly commuting) lower tax band and lower fuel bills compared with the more power you will undoubtedly get from the 1.8. Also I suspect that the 1.8 will depreciate faster than the 1.2 or a diesel.

For your 10 mile commute in traffic the 1.2/DSG should be perfect. For the occasional motorway journey the 1.2 will cruise at "motorway" speeds along with the rest of the traffic, however what you won't get is quick acceleration from 70 MPH, if that is important to you then you need the 1.8.

For holiday journeys fully loaded with 4 people + luggage I guess a diesel is the obvious choice because of their torque characteristics. I have no problems with my 1.2 DSG on holiday but there are usually only two of us. Mind you last year we toured North Devon (very hilly) with 4 up and the 1.2 coped admirably, frankly in those circumstances you are driving at the speed of the slowest car in the line or driving relatively slowly on winding roads. Motorways were no problem at all.

You have a difficult choice but give me the DSG anytime - I don't see the pleasure of clutch, change, clutch, change - particularly in traffic and lets face it most of the time in the UK our driving is more limited by traffic than the power of the engine.

Hi

I'm on my 2nd 1.2 Yeti I've found them to be lively, reasonably frugral and very comfortable (front and rear).

My usage per annum is about the same as yours, couple of Irish fishing trips few motorway trips to London, other than that short journeys.

I found the SE model with a few extras- ESC package - heated screen - spare wheel more than adequate for my requirements.

I used to have Audi A4s estates and cars and have found the Skoda build quality quite compatable.

Labour charge for the Audi used to be £95 per hour and that was 3 years ago, god knows what it is now.

£129 for a 1st service with Skoda speaks for itself.

As has been mentioned the engine drives more like a 1.6 and has no problems keeping up with motorway traffic.

Obviously each owner will have different opinons of engine sizes but I can honestly say I am well pleased with my two 1.2s.

Hope this helps

I cannot comment on the 1.2 DSG model, but I have a 1.8 Tsi 4x4 and am very pleased with it; I think it provides a great mix of performance if you wind the engine up a bit, and relaxed cruising if you want. I find the manual box easy to use with a smooth gearchange and good ratios. I did previously have a Fabia vRS with the DSG box and although it worked very well, I still prefer a manual and especially the better low speed control when maneuvering from a clutch you can operate yourself. I'd definitely say that you should make sure you are happy with a 1.2 before deciding to go that way - I don't think you'd find anything to complain about with the 1.8 if you are happy with the running costs (I get from 30 - 38 mpg depending on use). Obviously the 4x4 is a useful safety aid as well, especially with the weather at the moment.

Enjoy your decision!

Point of detail, the 1.2 isn't 4wd.

I went from a Ibiza TDI Sport (Seat's version of the Favia vRS) to a Yeti 1.2 TSI DSG. Sometimes I miss the extra performance, but very seldom.

Why? Well, the DSG helps compensate for the relative lack of power: it is both quick to shift and shifts quickly. The handling is great, amazingly good for a 4x4 styled car. I get more fun out of handling than outright performance, so that suits me. However, I have not had opportunity yet to try the car on some of my favourite quiet roads in the Highlands of Scotland, where I suspect I will miss lack of overtaking performance.

If you like to drive hard and fast, then forget the 1.2. If you are relatively law-abiding, then you will only miss the extra power on the odd occasion.

If you keep our vRS, then you'll have the best of both worlds.

Edited 26 March, 201313 yr by Zib

I wonder if I should now throw the 1.4 in to the mix which I have disregarded until now. I would have to forego the dsg box, but may get that bit and of extra power which might be a better compromise. Again, there are no 1.4s around to test drive, and they don't seem to hold there value as well but getting the right car is the priority.

I wonder if I should now throw the 1.4 in to the mix which I have disregarded until now. I would have to forego the dsg box, but may get that bit and of extra power which might be a better compromise. Again, there are no 1.4s around to test drive, and they don't seem to hold there value as well but getting the right car is the priority.

Edited 26 March, 201313 yr by gbpxg01

I agree a Manual 2wd 1.4 SE+ could be the pick of the Yeti range for value/nice drive. I went in one a few weeks ago and was very impressed and I have only driven 140/170 diesel.

I have both, the Octavia has the 1.8T engine and the Yeti 1.2DSG. Both are great cars the Octavia with the 1.8 is a load carrier, a slogger and fast. The 1.2 DSG is refined, smooth and suits the Yeti perfectly. It depends if you want speed and slightly less refinement or the comfort and smoothness of the 1.2 with DSG. Personally driving both engines I would go with the 1.2 DSG on the Yeti every time

Just to add that I may also have to use the car for work. This is very random throughout the year and might range from a 2hour drive up the M6 to Manchester to driving across the country on the A14 to east Anglia. This is sporadic and infrequent, but whatever car I get needs to be up to the job.

Would the 1.4 be the safe middle ground, or do people thing that by default the 1.8 would be better suited? 90% of my driving is short journetys, whether the short commute to work or out and about at weekends, and I am planning on having a second car (my current VRS as long as I can afford to run both) that I could use for the Motorway runs if necessary

Edited 27 March, 201313 yr by weyland

I have the 1.8 and love it. Sounds like our uses are similar. My commute is mainly B-roads and the extra power really helps safely overtaking the trucks and dawdlers who would make a 30min trip over 1hr with their random braking on bends, thinking their car is 10ft wide and stopping for oncoming traffic etc.....! As a VRs owner checkout the EVO website. The 1.8TSi is one of their recommendations.

my commute is through A and B road traffic though for 10miles which takes approx 45 mins. I can nudge 29 mpg out of the VRS on a good day, just concerned that the 1.8TSI will be worse!

Just to add that I may also have to use the car for work. This is very random throughout the year and might range from a 2hour drive up the M6 to Manchester to driving across the country on the A14 to east Anglia. This is sporadic and infrequent, but whatever car I get needs to be up to the job.

Would the 1.4 be the safe middle ground, or do people thing that by default the 1.8 would be better suited? 90% of my driving is short journetys, whether the short commute to work or out and about at weekends, and I am planning on having a second car (my current VRS as long as I can afford to run both) that I could use for the Motorway runs if necessary

You could try the 1.4 in an Octy to get a feel for the engine? It's about a second quicker to 60 in the Octy and as you sit lower down it'll feel slightly quicker too so you'd need to take that into consideration, but it'd give you a decent enough comparison with the 1.2 DSG? After having a 1.4 for 12 months in an Octy II traded up to the CR170 because (for me) it lacked mid range torque- it was fine up to 40 and pulled well low down but I found if I wanted to overtake anything on natioanl speed limit A roads it was always a bit of a 'fraught' experience. It was a nice car and I could make decent progress when traffic was light, but get in heavier traffic and it didn't have the ooph for me to be able to maintain progress so I then used to end up 'chillin' with the rest. In real world situations unless you're giving it the beans I don't think the 1.4 would be that much quicker than the 1.2 as it's only got 25nM of extra torque, does less to the gallon and you'd not have the benefits of DSG during your commute, which from what the owners above say seems to be well suited to the 1.2.

Think if you're happy to chill the 1.2 will do you fine, if not the 1.8 makes more sense IMO than the 1.4 as it's closer to what you have now and I doubt the gap between the 1.2 DSG and 1.4 manual is that great, though happy to appologise if I'm wrong! as per my oroiginal post I think you need to test drive the 1.2 on the motorway to see how it drives and if that's what you're after

Good luck...again!

If you like fast cars the 1,2 is definitely not for you. I found it lathargic in the extreme when I test drove a DSG. Quiet inside, smooth engine and all that but not for me. Especially since I go camping four or five up, sometimes with a roof box, bikes and or a trailer. I think five up with luggage a 1,2 would just utterly frustrate me as you will know you've added weight. Let alone when you try to add the other external goodies... In my diesel (and the 1,8 you are looking at I'm sure) I hardly feel any difference with any or even ALL those things added to a trip. So doing a cruise controlled X speed up and down the hills of the UK or Europe is just a pleasure as the car keeps said speed up and down hills and all the way.

Just my opinion. I know people rave about the 1,2 but over 12 seconds to 60mph (with just a driver remember - heaven knows what the 0-60 is fully loaded?!) is just not for me...

Skoda in Redditch have now managed to source me a 1.8 from another dealer :0) they also have a 1.2 yeti on it's way to them and a 1.4 Octavia hatchback in so that should cover all bases. In my mind I would like to end up with a 1.2 or 1.4 for the weekly runaround and the family car but the 1.8 is going to be very tempting. Should note more on Friday :0)

One word. Vroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I had a 1.8, I was getting a calculated 27 to 29mpg and that was driving steady 70. Admitedly my route takes me on to dual carriage way on a cold engine but still disappointing. Whether something was wrong with it I've no idea as I changed it as the seats hurt my back. Performance was OK, the engine smooth and the 4x4 handy for pulling out in the wet.

My missus has a 1.2 manual and that is a gem. It won't set the world on fire but its got a decent amount of go and makes a nice drive. Her route to work gets 45+ mpg. (A roads).

I went through the very same senario. I went for the 1.8TSi

I always said I would never choose an auto. I dislike the CVT style of driving. My wife bought a Seat Ibiza Cupra with DSG7. As soon as I drove it I fell in love with the gearbox and decided all cars should be like this, in the future.

My next car would have DSG7!

So when my time, to change cars, arrived it was decided that it would be a Yeti. I wanted petrol + DSG. I test drove the 1.2DSG and felt it was lovely to drive, quick off the mark (probably due to the DSG) but ran out of umph! I tried a Honda CRV 2.0l auto, back to back, just to remind myself of the CVT box.

YUK!

The Yeti was the better car by far. Engine, gearbox and handling.

Unfortunately I couldn't restrict myself to the 1.2 engine. It felt like when you reached 70mph it didn't have much left to give. Yet the 1.8 reaches 80mph really quickly and the feeling is, there's plenty left to play with. The 1.2 is nice on the showroom test drive but living with it every day I think I would be saying "should I have gone for the bigger engine".

The 1.8 engine is really smooth and quiet and has a torquey feel to it, probably due to the supercharger. Infact before I'd got used to it, the power comes in really quickly and it would start pulling away before I'd finished lifting the clutch. The 6 speed manual gearbox (rolls eyes dreaming of DSG) is very good with a positive feel to it. No vagueness.

Fuel consumption is not an issue for me as I don't do many miles. My trip to work is only 4 miles which averages 26mpg, according to the MFD. Average mpg from new, after 11,000miles is 28. On a motorway run at 70mph it shows 28mpg. A drive to the hills on A and B roads it'll sometimes show 34mpg.

The 4x4 wasn't essential for me but I thought, why not? It's been usefull just lately.

Errr. The 1.8tsi is turbo charged. :lol:

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Errr. The 1.8tsi is turbo charged. :lol:

Errr.... The 1.8TSi is turbocharged and supercharged. Hence the name TSi lol

Errr.... The 1.8TSi is turbocharged and supercharged. Hence the name TSi lol

I didn't think any of the petrol engined Yetis had the supercharged TFSI engines, my 1.2 TSI doesn't. No doubt I will be corrected if wrong!! ;-)