It,s ironic that in this weeks Autoexpress,which has the Yeti first drive, the preceeding three pages are dedicated to an in depth report on the New Nissan Qashqai.From a first read of it, it seems a marked improvement to the current model and looks as though it will give the FL Yeti a run for it,s money. As it reads they are finally mating a 1.6 diesel AWD with an Auto-box (CVT but with all the Techy bits).

Tony

I wonder who told them that the Outdoor is only available in 4WD?  SUK, presumably?  Odd that they're happily taking orders for the 1.2 TSI 2WD in Outdoor mode!

Although I am mainly in agreement with the OP I think the half pint full view might be of value.

I consider myself very lucky to have recently taken receipt of one of the last pre-fl (last in spec full stop) 1.2 SE Plus, fortunately I didn't have to debate the purchase of the FL and for what it is worth prefer the original but this is purely personal opinion. To the point - accepting all that is discussed re-comparative advances one major advantage is the awareness and rectification of teething problems inevitably associated with new models. Like most problems when looking back on their solution it fades but at the time a faltering HT lead, leaking sun roof, and excessive paint chipping in certain areas can be soul destroying when solutions have yet to be found. Indeed the fact that the list of problems (above is not an exhaustive list just ones that spring quickly to mind) is so relatively small speaks for itself. However, for all those who are in the "shall I buy?" debate you can at least be assured should you go ahead that it is a fairly well tried and tested model which still maintains a strong and well qualified following.  

Expatman, it,s called wanting two bites of the Cherry.Agree entirely with your comments on two versions.

Tony

 

Rephrase that to one word - GREED.

 

On another point with respect to Fl versions keeping old tech, this is not always the case as the Octy II FL got the CR diesel ( less DPF issues) & the upgraded Petrol ( again, fewer issues).  

It looks like since the release of the Rapid, Skoda have seriously reduced the engine.gerabox options, & this is being carried to the FL Yeti.

 

The current lack of choice of engine / gearbox along with the other manufacturers engines moving on the customer base will stagnate & decline.

The FL is really what it says on the tin, a good old fashioned facelift.  With every other model having the new badging and kink to the top of the grill, they had to pull the Yeti into line appearance wise.

 

The shame is the loss of the truly distinctive front end.  The only other bodywork change seems to be the adoption of the kinked boot panel where the rear number plate sits.  On the inside a change to the dials and steering wheel are just that and not an improvement.

 

Reading the bit in AutoExpress, I think they share the feeling of disappointment.  In my book, FL Yeti could go either way, with the front changes attracting loads more buyers or instead losing buyers to the Kia/Hyundai/Suzuki/Mazda/Kuga samey looky swoopy alternatives.  An opportunity to modernise engines has been lost but will surely come with Yeti 2.

 

At least Skoda have not totally caved in and decided to clone their facelift like Nissan have with the Qashqai 2, now that shows a design department totally skint of new and/or original ideas.

 

I'll be keeping my early Yeti 1 until I see what Skoda decide to do with Yeti 2.  I'm hoping that FL will be a sales disaster so that 2 gets back the froggy eyes.

Yep agree with above ,,,,, seriously looked at cx5 but its just too alike to my current ix35 , as is the new Qq , standalone they all look very nice but in the real world, the only crossover that stands out from the swoopy crowd is the yeti , even with the changes to the front grille.

I know I'm in a minority but the fogs always put me off the yeti , I'm one of the few who think the facelift is a real improvement !

Yep agree with above ,,,,, seriously looked at cx5 but its just too alike to my current ix35 , as is the new Qq , standalone they all look very nice but in the real world, the only crossover that stands out from the swoopy crowd is the yeti , even with the changes to the front grille.

I know I'm in a minority but the fogs always put me off the yeti , I'm one of the few who think the facelift is a real improvement !

You never know - you may actually be in the majority. 

 

I can understand why owners of the original Yeti would defend its looks to the hilt (it used to be much the same when Beetles changed from year to year) but newer buyers (and I'm one) may well prefer the new styling.  Skoda will have done its research, and I can't believe they restyled it without good evidence that it would help sales.

 

I'm not sure which I prefer, but I'm entirely happy with both, and I'm very much looking forward to having a FL Yeti next year some time, delays permitting!

Yep agree with above ,,,,, seriously looked at cx5 but its just too alike to my current ix35 , as is the new Qq , standalone they all look very nice but in the real world, the only crossover that stands out from the swoopy crowd is the yeti , even with the changes to the front grille.

I know I'm in a minority but the fogs always put me off the yeti , I'm one of the few who think the facelift is a real improvement !

And me!

I know I'm in a minority but the fogs always put me off the yeti , I'm one of the few who think the facelift is a real improvement !

 I think that Johan's poll showed otherwise.

That being said, if I am fair, although I am one of those who strongly prefer the round fogs regarding the Yeti I also strongly believe that when it comes to taste it really is each to their own and most importantly no matter what majorities and/or minorities believe or think, one should always stick and stay loyal to his/her own preferences, for at the end of the day it's the individual that must live and be happy. In other words if you like it then that's way more than enough and should be more than enough for the rest too.

Edited 16 November, 201312 yr by OldBoy

 I think that Johan's poll showed otherwise.

 

But that was only for existing Yeti owners.

 

It could be that non Yeti owners may prefer the FL and be tempted to buy now, but did not like the look of the original. 

But that was only for existing Yeti owners.

 

It could be that non Yeti owners may prefer the FL and be tempted to buy now, but did not like the look of the original. 

Good point. 

Re non Yeti owners there certainly are some good reasons they were/are not Yeti owners, one of them being personal taste but the poll can't measure that now. I've only stated the poll for it shows that many people do like the FL which is a good thing (Mind you, I am one of those who don't prefer FL looks but that's sort of irrelevant to this point) 

The new look to the Yeti is one of a number of reasons I'm switching to the Octy III for my next mode of transport.

 

Personally think the designers have done a poor job with the new look and particularly made a mistake with introducing the City version. The colour coded sills and lower bumpers are likely to be shredded after two or three years on the road, if my own experience is anything to go by. Even with OEM mud flaps the non painted sills, on mine anyway, are showing heavy stone wear particularly towards the rear section and the car has only covered 37.5k miles on the narrower 215 tyres.

 

Pleased that some people are happy with the new look but as I say it's not for me and I'd advise staying clear of that City spec.

 

 

TP

With clearly different looks it's obvious some people are going to prefer one and some the other.

One point abut the FL front is that it now (appears to) have twin (ie 4) headlamps - like our 53-reg Fabia we're waiting to replace.  Seem to recall someone saying elsewhere that the frog front only has single headlamps.  That to me at least is a welcome practical  improvement.

Never noticed that.

My Yeti (just delivered 7 days ago) with round fog lights has 2 bulbs in the housing. Think its, DRL and Fog lights respectively if that helps.

I know I'm in a minority but the fogs always put me off the yeti , I'm one of the few who think the facelift is a real improvement !

+1

+1

+2

+2

 

-3

 

 

p.s.

why all cars has to look alike???  :wonder:   if you take badges off actually you cannot tell apart most of the cars today  :(

People like to kill individuality.

Apart from the looks, the lower position of the FL fog lights should make them more useful in, er, fog.

 

Fog lights are supposed to cut under the fog with a wide flat beam, are they not? So lower mounting should help.

My Yeti (just delivered 7 days ago) with round fog lights has 2 bulbs in the housing. Think its, DRL and Fog lights respectively if that helps.

Does it have 2 bulbs in the headlamp housing (main and dip)?  I'm guessing they can't both be on at once;  hence the advantage of the twin headlamp set-up.

Does it have 2 bulbs in the headlamp housing (main and dip)?  I'm guessing they can't both be on at once;  hence the advantage of the twin headlamp set-up.

 

Non HID cars have a twin filament H4 bulb in the headlights, therefore head and main beam.

The top section of the lower round lamp is the DRL section. These extinguish when you turn the other lights on.

The lower section is the fog light, and these only illuminate if the "side" lights are on.

Certainly on Xenon-equipped Yetis, the front fogs can be selected with side lights or headlights on. DRLs only on if the head and side lights are off. 

Pedant alert.

 

The side lights have to be on if the head lights are on.

Pedant alert.

 

The side lights have to be on if the head lights are on.

 

Come now, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself....