Anyone have first-hand experience of both engines and can comment on relative power/drivability?

Currently have the CR170 and used to that, but after 3 years plus a change is imminent. I was initially wavering between the two back in 2010, but eventually plumped for the CR170, because of its somewhat better power/torque (on paper, the power at least, torque is obviously something else), larger brakes etc. But now I'm revisitng the same old dilemma.

My regular commute is 5-6 miles which is definitely not enough to get the diesel properly warmed up. It does have longer journeys from time to time and I've never seen any DPF issues in getting on 30K miles, so not too worried on that score. But I'm sure that much the time I'm not getting the extra mpg that the diesel would deliver on a longer journey cycle. And with diesel currently back up to a 10p/l (eg costs 7% more) differential with petrol it seems unlikely that I'm seeing much economic benefit to the diesel, even on running costs alone.

I do somewhat miss the wider power band of a petrol and I'd also welcome less diesel growl on longer journeys, but - assuming that one doesn't object to changing gear as required - is the 1.8TSi noticeably less powerful on the road that the CR170, I guess that's my main question? And do the brakes feel significantly weaker? (No towing envisaged.)

Overall, I really don't know whether I'll stick with the Yeti or not - the FL has been a significant disappointment in that the basic design and engines have not moved on at all - just cosmetics and a couple of extra toys. But the Yeti has served its purpose well and I can imagine that it will still be the cheapest of all the other options. So I guess my starting point will be sorting out and pricing up exactly which Yeti model I might opt for in the event of deciding to stay in Yetiland.

Edited 19 October, 201312 yr by prodata

Sounds like you need a Octy III TSI vRS

 

Mind you will be waiting about 6 or 7 months for a factory order :S

 

 

TP

Sounds like you need a Octy III TSI vRS

Well, yes, but a small SUV package does suit quite well. Apart from other preferences, we live up an off-street driveway with parking allowed on the same side as the drive access. So every exit is typically between a row of parked cars and then even a few extra inches on seat-height is surprisingly useful to help see over the obstructions. (Of course when a van or eg Discovery has been thoughtfully parked right adjacent to the drive you're still exiting blind even in a Yeti.)

 

And the Octavia is starting to get a bit long for my liking at 4.5m+ (though only just).

 

But you're right, what I really want is a Yeti TSi with around 210bhp and 179 CO2 (like the Q3, courtesy of stop-start, presumably)

Edited 19 October, 201312 yr by prodata

Yes that extra foot and a half at the back was one of the few reservations I had about switching back to an Octy. Hopefully it will be OK but I might have to redesign the drive to fit it in :wonder:

 

TP

When I first test drove a Yeti I always intended to go for the 170 TDi as I had an Octavia vRS TDi (well 3 of them actually) at the time.  My dealer had the 1.8Tsi as a demo so drove that to get a feel for the Yeti ... it felt a bit flat compared to the 170 unit and didn't have the same blast of power for joining motorways etc

 

 

Edit: Not sure what happened there, but an attempted edit turned into a duplicate post!

Edited 19 October, 201312 yr by prodata

When I first test drove a Yeti I always intended to go for the 170 TDi as I had an Octavia vRS TDi (well 3 of them actually) at the time.  My dealer had the 1.8Tsi as a demo so drove that to get a feel for the Yeti ... it felt a bit flat compared to the 170 unit and didn't have the same blast of power for joining motorways etc

 

Having swapped from a 170 diesel to the 1.8 Tsi, I would agree with this re the power blast/torque generally. However, the petrol engine is definitely quieter for the occasional long motorway run and, with my annual mileage now only about 8k, the economics of driving certainly lean towards the petrol model (and recent drops in fuel prices have been more marked with petrol than diesel).

 

The only real annoying aspect of the petrol model is the need to refuel more frequently - it has almost caught me out once or twice!

@hmibennett and IainM1970

 

Thanks, that's very helpful. But what about the weaker brakes on the 1.8TSi (just the front is it?) - is that a noticeable everyday difference, or only in extremis?

Edited 20 October, 201312 yr by prodata

It is not an everyday issue although the performance of the 1.8 is so close to the 170 I suspect the engine and therefore the front end is lighter and so the smaller brakes don't feel inadequate.

It is not an everyday issue although the performance of the 1.8 is so close to the 170 I suspect the engine and therefore the front end is lighter and so the smaller brakes don't feel inadequate.

 

Agreed.

@hmibennett and IainM1970

Thanks, that's very helpful. But what about the weaker brakes on the 1.8TSi (just the front is it?) - is that a noticeable everyday difference, or only in extremis?

The 1.8tsi is lighter so doesn't need the extra large brakes, but it is a simple to do upgrade. Just need larger discs and the carriers. Your insurance company should not charge extra as you have made the car safer- that's what mine said.

Cost £200-£300. Well worth it.

Pm Yeti_Man

If you want more economy, according to Yeti Man, a stage 1 remap will improve things.