I said I would report back on how I am getting on with the Ateca (picture attached).

 

The engine and gearbox combination is really superb.  If you like the 140/150 DSG in the Yeti you will love this.  As you would imagine, it’s quicker but gives around the same fuel economy although at 2000 miles it’s not really loosened up much.  It probably is less frugal on short trips, but better on long ones where it doesn’t plummet when you go over 60.  No doubt a combination of less drag and a 7^th gear.

 

Driving it is really relaxing.  I can’t speak highly enough of the adaptive cruise control and assuming it is offered on the Karoq I would highly recommend it.  Combined with the electric handbrake and hold system it really does make driving effortless.  Other good changes from my old Yeti include a max aircon button, a snow setting for the 4wd and more room, particularly in the boot.  Disappointingly, the boot light is just as crap as the Yeti’s.

 

It’s not all good although the gripes are fairly minor.  Internal cubby holes are nowhere near as well thought out as in the Yeti.  There is also only a single CD player as apparently people now keep their music on SD cards, for which there are two slots.  I suspect Skoda will make a better fist of the storage.  Apart from cubby holes the interior is well laid out and comfortable and the leather seats feel like better quality than the Yeti.

 

Not being square the back does not get encrusted with crud and I make a lot less use of the rear wiper.  Mainly out of curiosity I specced park assist.  Take it from me, don’t bother.  The 360degree camera is good though. 

 

Overall I’m pleased.  In most departments it’s a step up from the Yeti and I suspect that the Karoq will be very similar.  I know some will regret the loss of the Yeti’s ruggedly individual lines, but you could always get a Davy Crockett hat if you feel that strongly about it.

 

Let me know if there is anything you want to know.

Very nice. What sort of MPG are you getting now?

An interesting mini-review 

53 minutes ago, Dr Zoidberg said:

Very nice. What sort of MPG are you getting now?

Around 40, which is what I got from the Yeti.  I am lead footed!

53 minutes ago, yetifabia said:

Around 40, which is what I got from the Yeti.  I am lead footed!

 

That's not unreasonable. Thanks. 

How would you rate 'refinement' (comfort, wind & road noise etc.) on a scale of 0-10 compared with Yeti?

Good to know... we'r mulling replacing the Yeti with one of these, albeit a TSi one.

11 hours ago, Expatman said:

How would you rate 'refinement' (comfort, wind & road noise etc.) on a scale of 0-10 compared with Yeti?

 

Comfort of seats, driving position etc is a little better.  My version comes with sports seats which give good support.  Wind noise is a little less.  Road noise seems a little more, but it may be the Bridgestone tyres which I haven't had before.  Overall, Yeti 7, Ateca 8.  The thing that strikes me most is how relaxing it is with ACC, DSG, auto handbrake and hill hold, auto lights and wipers, it virtually drives itself on long runs.  But if you want to take control and have some fun you can just floor it to drop a couple of gears (or use the flappy paddles), or switch to sport mode.

I'm waiting for the Karoq but if the boot's not much of an improvement over the Yeti then I'll be looking at an Ateca.

 

I'd assumed that the Kodiaq was of a similar size to the Ateca but was surprised when someone posted the dimensions on another thread how much bigger the Kodiaq is which is longer than I want.

Everyone is expecting the Karoq to be very similar in size to the Ateca. The boot might be marginally bigger but it won't be smaller than the Ateca. Current Yeti has 416 litres and Ateca has 510 litres so almost 25% bigger. Of course Yeti boot space is only 320 litres of you have the spare wheel.

7 hours ago, VAGCF said:

I'm waiting for the Karoq but if the boot's not much of an improvement over the Yeti then I'll be looking at an Ateca.

 

I'd assumed that the Kodiaq was of a similar size to the Ateca but was surprised when someone posted the dimensions on another thread how much bigger the Kodiaq is which is longer than I want.

That was me, but here it is again, now with added boot volumes which I think are all correct. Feel free to correct any of them.

Yeti        4222x1793 - boot 402 litres

Ateca     4363x1841 - boot 490-510 litres (4wd vs 2wd)
Karoq     4382x1841 - boot 520-615 litres with movable seats
Tiguan    4464x1839 - boot 520-615 litres with movable seats

Octavia   4659x1814 - boot 590 litres
Kodiaq    4698x1882 - boot 720 litres

Tiguan Allspace 4701x1839 - boot 760 litres

Q3    4388x1831 - boot 420 litres
Q5    4663x1893 - boot 550-610 litres
Q7    5052x1968 - boot 770 litres

 

The 19mm difference in length between Ateca and Karoq is probably just the bumpers.

Well, having seen the official release photos it is just what we expected. Basically a Skoda'ised Ateca, will await full reviews with interest but it's too big and homologised to carry the Yeti name so welcome to the Karoq. Glad I bought  an SE-L Driver when I did. Maybe the hinted at Fabia based SUV will be more suitable but I fear it will be overstyled like the Juke and new Nissan where style overrides purpose. The Yeti was one of those rare cars where purpose trumped style, sad really

Thanks for Ateca impressions, yes the Karoq DOES look like an Ateca with Skoda badges so I suppose customers will buy at the most convenient/helpful dealer. 

One factor that sways me is the retention of Varioflex rear seats on the Skoda - I really often use their practicality.

I will probably wait for the early production 'niggles' to be ironed out although the Ateca is built in a Yeti factory.

The doors on the Ateca and Karoq look identical. The Tiguan has the crease in the metal in a different place.