I'm thinking about changing Scarlet and am wondering whether I need another 4wd, or, if a 2wd (with winter tyres when appropriate) will do.

 

I've been looking at Yetis around 12 month old, and there is more choice if I go with 2 wd , plus they are cheaper to buy and run.

 

I may wait until later in the year when the fl model comes out as there should be some good deals on the current models, although that may impact on the p/ex figure  for Scarlet.

 

I did look at an SE Plus 4x4 at Motorpoint but the change over figure was going to be too much.

 

My other option was to look at something like an Octavia Scout as the extra boot space would be useful as we are grandparents now, but we would be loath to not have another Yeti.

If you loathe being without a Yeti, then go for another Yeti.

 

As for the question of 2wd or 4x4, depends on where you live.......having said that, a 2wd car with decent winter tyres will fare better in icy conditions than a 4x4 with stock summer tyres.

 

The trick is, in winter conditions, keep the speed right down, and allow for plenty of engine braking, using the brakes MUCH less as that's what sends unwary drivers to lose control. Don't forget, turn INTO a spin but not too much as to 'overcorrect' and spin the other way.

 

Just an idea, the cash you spend on a 2wd Yeti may offset the cost of steele rims with winter tyres, so your prepared when the chilly weather does arrive.   

I live in the north of Scotland and went for 2WD (will get winter tyres).

You only need 4x4 if you plan on going off road.

I've already got a set of 4 winter tyres that I've used on Scarlet over the last three winters so I know how useful they are.

Fortunately through work I am familiar with driving in all conditions (and all speeds)in rural Northumberland. I have also done off road driver training at work.

I live in the north of Scotland and went for 2WD (will get winter tyres).

You only need 4x4 if you plan on going off road.

A 4x4 Yeti does not have permanent four wheel drive. Its a 2x2 most of the time but its clever brain decides when you need four wheel drive when any given situation dictates you need it......and there are a lot of situations these days when you may need it. With two babies in the back and with the global climate out of control, I love that sercurity.

4x4 Yeti wins everytime.

.....and in marginal snow and with (non stock tyres) a 4x4 Yeti is fine in snowy conditions.

I've had other 4x4 cars with a 'clever brain' before. The yeti is not the first to have this feature.

I'd still rather have a 2WD with winter tyres for driving in the winter.

I don't NEED 4x4.

I've had other 4x4 cars with a 'clever brain' before. The yeti is not the first to have this feature.

I'd still rather have a 2WD with winter tyres for driving in the winter.

I don't NEED 4x4.

.....and in the Spring / Summer & Autumn ? ..... Its a personal choice. Like I said a 4x4 Yeti is not a permenent four wheel drive.....Its a 2x2 with little more sercurity when its required. I like that, and willing to pay for it....especially with the changable weather and the current driving standards we experiencing today. My choice.

We don't have four seasons up here...only winter and some other nondescript season that consists mostly of wind and rain with the odd sunny period 

The latter is when the 'summer' tyres are on.

I don't require 4x4 permanent or otherwise. Been there, done that, now wearing the 2WD t-shirt 

I don't require 4x4 permanent or otherwise. Been there, done that, now wearing the 2WD t-shirt 

Fair point.

I think however, you should add (2x2) ....to your decals to make that point.......and in little letters below it (I don't require 4x4 permanent or otherwise. Been there, done that, now wearing the 2WD t-shirt).

Now that would be cool..............unless you end up in a hedge of course.

Yes I'm going to end up in a hedge because I don't have a 4x4 

 

Funnily enough, that hasn't happened yet. I wonder if that's because I DONT NEED ONE 

"A 4x4 Yeti does not have permanent four wheel drive. Its a 2x2 most of the time but its clever brain decides when you need four wheel drive when any given situation dictates you need it."

 

 

Are you quite sure of that statement? 

My understanding is that it is permanent 4 wheel drive with 5-10% of the power being sent to the rear wheels during normal driving conditions.

"A 4x4 Yeti does not have permanent four wheel drive. Its a 2x2 most of the time but its clever brain decides when you need four wheel drive when any given situation dictates you need it."

 

 

Are you quite sure of that statement? 

My understanding is that it is permanent 4 wheel drive with 5-10% of the power being sent to the rear wheels during normal driving conditions.

 

the yeti is not permanent 4x4, the statement is correct.

Its front wheel drive until it detects slippage (or hedges) 

I think everyone would say the same until it happens to them. The point is that I like that extra hidden sercurity especially with two children in the back. That was why I gave my opinion to the OP's question.

Crossing your little bridge for your weakly shop in Kyle of Lochalsh may not pose many problems to you, but for the rest of us, we have to deal with more challenging conditions.

Its a choice.

The OP asked about 2WD with winter tyres and I spoke from my experience.

I have owned cars with various four wheel drive systems (permanent and otherwise). I don't feel that it is necessary for normal on road driving.

Clearly you do...so we'll agree to differ. 

 

Btw, your wee personal digs about where I live are neither smart nor clever.

the yeti is not permanent 4x4, the statement is correct.

 

 

I don't think the answer's quite as simple as that. Perhaps there isn't a clear-cut answer.

 

A Skoda dealer's site - the first I came across in a search - describes it as "permanent 4 wheel drive with automatic torque distribution"

 

Another thread on the Briskoda site reads:Basically, the car is front wheel drive with a permanent power take-off driving the propshaft for the rear axle. There is some friction in the Haldex coupling, so there is always a little of the power going to the rear axle. The Haldex coupling progressively closes and shifts power to the rear axle if various sensors detect a slip in the front axle. Ditto for the coupling in the limited slip rear axle. 

 

There is power - albeit a small amount - permanently going to the rear.

A 4x4 Yeti does not have permanent four wheel drive. Its a 2x2 most of the time...

So where do the other two wheels go?!

The 4 wheel drive system on the Yeti is not just for bad weather or muddy conditions, it is a safety feature, when roads are damp it offers added traction, it also improves the driving characteristics of the car (all cars with Haldex not just Yeti). 

 To state it is not needed and winter tyres will do is in my opinion quite reckless especially when living in the Highlands.

 

 4x4 will certainly cover more variety of situations and will certainly get you out of trouble even if standard tyres are fitted, two wheel drive will always be inferior even with winter tyres, however, we all pay our money and make our choices. 

it is two wheel drive! the gear box drives the front wheels, it also drives the prop shaft to the rear diff/haldex, once wheel slip is detected then the Haldex which is essentially a hydraulic clutch will engage and drive will be transferred through the rear differential making the 4x4 connection, it also utilised the ABS system to apply brake pressure to the wheel that is spinning so as drive transfers to the loaded wheel on either front or rear axle, when traction is regained the clutch releases and fronts drive again.

 This is not a permanent drive system. It is electronically controlled.

 

 This is how it works

 

James, I've lived in the highlands for six years and never needed 4x4.

When the roads are damp I drive accordingly.

In the winter months I have the appropriate winter tyres fitted to my front wheel drive car and this allows me to get everywhere I need to go.

 

So I will stick by my statement that 4x4 is not 'needed' and if that makes me reckless then so be it.

Clearly you do...so we'll agree to differ. 

Yes....

 

Btw, your wee personal digs about where I live are neither smart nor clever.

There are no digs....I would love to live where you do....Really....really...really. I am just saying, that everyones circumstances are different.....and a choice needs to be made thats all. Believe me, you need a 4x4 in France.....even in cities...Its a bloody war on the roads....especially this time of the year. Add a big thunderstorm into the mix and life becomes scary on the roads ! I would truly love to be in a situation to cross your little bridge to do my weekly shop in Kyle of Lochalsh (if my memory serves me correctly that is the opposite side of your little Island). You are very lucky.

like I said, you paid your money and made your choice. I have no problem with that. 

There are no digs....I would love to live where you do....Really....really...really. I am just saying, that everyones circumstances are different.....and a choice needs to be made thats all. Believe me, you need a 4x4 in France.....even in cities...Its a bloody war on the roads....especially this time of the year. Add a big thunderstorm into the mix and life becomes scary on the roads ! I would truly love to be in a situation to cross your little bridge to do my weekly shop in Kyle of Lochalsh (if my memory serves me correctly that is the opposite side of your little Island). You are very lucky.

 

There you go again...little bridge, little island, blah blah blah

Time to put you back on my little ignore list methinks.

Got news for you people......................MY Yeti permanently has 4 wheels.  

Got news for you people......................MY Yeti permanently has 4 wheels.  

 

Mine has 5    (presumably you don't have the spare wheel option)