My Yeti 2.0 litre diesel 4x4 110bhp SE model is due for replacement next year. I would like an Elegance with DSG next time round but I would have to cut costs in other areas to achieve this. I'm thinking of the 1.2 model with 2 wheel drive but I'm a bit concerned about the power issue as I live in a hilly area. Losing the 4x4 capability is not an issue but I'm not sure if dropping from a 2.0 litre diesel to a 1.2 litre petrol is the right decision. My annual mileage will reduce next year and I don't expect to go off road on many occasions. Obviously, I need to have a test drive but I was wondering if anyone has downsized in a similar way. I'd also appreciate if anyone can comment on the suitability of the DSG when matched with such a small engine.

Personally I would consider keeping the Yeti you have, mine is testament that the Yeti is good for at least 100k miles. Then you have the best of both worlds, 4x4, 2.0 tdi and no massive outlay for a new car.

I went from a 2.0 diesel Octavia DSG to a 1.2 Tsi DSG Yeti and can only say that the change has been seamless! Ample power for normal use - if you plan to drive multi thousands of miles on the motorway stay with the diesel but otherwise you will love the change. It is soo quiet and smooth and the 7 speed DSG is great. I have averaged 41 MPG over 20 months and do a mix of urban, A road and motorway travel - about 10,000 miles per year.

Incidentally many of the motor mags comment on how great a combination the 1.2 TSi and DSG gearbox is; just one of those serendipitous combos that suit one another.

Agree with Expatman.

I can't make the downsizing comparison but I recently bought a one year old Yeti 1.2 TSI SE with DSG box having had automatics in all my cars of the last 30+ years: various makes in UK and USA with traditional torque converter, continuously variable transmissions and now, for the first time, a DSG. The 1.2 petrol engine matches really well with the 7 speed DSG box. I think it is the best automatic I have ever had: near seamless changes through the 7 gears without the losses of a torque converter and the engine revving of a CVT.

I can't make the downsizing comparison but I recently bought a one year old Yeti 1.2 TSI SE with DSG box having had automatics in all my cars of the last 30+ years: various makes in UK and USA with traditional torque converter, continuously variable transmissions and now, for the first time, a DSG. The 1.2 petrol engine matches really well with the 7 speed DSG box. I think it is the best automatic I have ever had: near seamless changes through the 7 gears without the losses of a torque converter and the engine revving of a CVT.

Glad I changed my order from a 140 TDI DSG to the 1.2TSI DSG.

1.2 is an amazing engine. Only had mine for a few weeks. The dsg took a bit of getting used to but now it's a fantastic drive. I went from 125 to 160 bhp diesels and honestly do not miss the extra power and torque. Most of the time I'm at 60mph or below anyway and the odd occasion it is lacking in overtaking speed is few and far between. Put the throttle to the floor and the pickup is very surprising for a small engine in a heavy car.

I've said it before but I consider the 1.2 and DSG to be a good combination because any lack of power (actual or perceived) you might notice going to the 1.2 is kind of 'disguised' as the DSG will immediately notice any need for a gear change and seamlessly perform it without you noticing thus masking the, perhaps more frequent, changes that you would need to do compared to the diesel.

When you say you live in a hilly area, how fast do you need to drive up those hills?  If 70 mph dual carriageways, then you'd notice the reduced torque of the 1.2, but at lower speeds the on-road difference would be small.  In power terms, there's little effective difference between your current and proposed option because of the extra weight of your current diesel and 4x4 powertrain.

You will miss the surge of power you get with the 2.0 liter diesel.

I went from a 2.0 litre diesel in my Volvo V50 to the 1.2TSI and on the hills around here I'm finding the Yeti manages at least as well as the Volvo, possibly better. As always, plan a suitable route that reflects the sort of driving you expect to do, arrange a test drive and go from there. I've been looking at posts on this forum for about a year now and I can't remember seeing anyone who has taken delivery of the 1.2TSI and posted that they have been disappointed

If the traffic is doing 60mph on a single carriage road and you want to overtake at that speed then yes, you will notice a difference compared to a diesel (even the 110bhp diesel would struggle with that, I know I've tried it). Most other areas I doubt it will make enough difference to matter.

I have had two 1.2tsi Yetis both were faultless ,my only reason for changing to the 2ltr 4 x 4 was that -

  My annual mileage seems to be rising and I was worried about the longevity of the 1.2 as I intended to keep for some time

  We live just off the main road on a slope which can be a problem in winter as we never see a gritter.

The 2ltr diesel has no problems with 100,000+ as James 1 has said, but I have looked through Skoda approved cars and found 1.2 Yetis with 60,000 on the clock so you pays your money and takes your choice.

My 1.2s were getting around 39-40mpg, its early yet but the 2ltr seems about 5mpg better.

I found the 1.2 a cracking  engine so long as you realise you must use the gearbox more. (the DSG might be a better bet than manual )

Conclusion, both are good engines but try to pick the one that suits your usage and situation best.

I've told the wife this time I've got it right and no more changing (tongue in cheek) :think:

One thing armayeti should do is to invest in a set of winter tyres. Living in a hilly area he will find them invaluable in the winter, much improved grip at all times not just snow. I was driving near 'normally' last winter while other vehicles with summer tyres were slip sliding around - specially in the snow! Four wheel drive is no advantage in stopping, it's just the grip of the tyres. Four wheel drive is some advantage in traction over 2 wheel drive but again winter tyres on a 2 wheel drive trump summer tyres on a 4 wheel drive for traction.

I downsized last year from a 2ltr mondeo diesel with 163 bhp to a 1.2 yeti. I can't say I've noticed much difference with driving only 3 miles to work and back. It's only the rare journey from mansfield to an airport when I miss the steady cruising in the ford.I certainly don't miss the regen it did about every fortnight due to many short journeys, and 9 times out of 10 it was when I got home so I would waste fuel driving around the ring road unril it stopped because it's not healthy switching off mid regen.

I have thought about this change myself and considered a 1.2 Yeti on our last change but stayed with 140 Tdi.

Does anyone have a view as to how much difference 4 x 4 makes over 2 x 4 in winter conditions with winter tyres?

John

I have thought about this change myself and considered a 1.2 Yeti on our last change but stayed with 140 Tdi.

Does anyone have a view as to how much difference 4 x 4 makes over 2 x 4 in winter conditions with winter tyres?

John

2 x 4 = very good.

4 x 4 = better

I believe Autocar magazine compared this very scenario last year ?

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments everyone. I'm still undecided on what to do but keeping my current Yeti as recommended by James I is another option which makes sense. However, I have spent the last 7 weeks in Australia driving a Saab 9-3 and a Wrangler Jeep both of which have automatic boxes. It really is an effortless way to drive and I'll probably move away from manual boxes eventually. Decisions, decisions!

.... I have spent the last 7 weeks in Australia ....

Anyone considering downsizing to a 1.2 might be encouraged by this review (kindly posted by someone on another thread):

 

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/yeti/66755/skoda-yeti-2014-review

 

It certainly removed any doubts I might once have had!

Me too docc.