Skoda Yeti 90TSI 2014 review

Despite having a history of car making that stretches back to the late 1890s Skoda remains largely unknown in Australia. A pity, because the Czech company offers a range of quality European vehicles with lots of character at very affordable prices.

Our latest test car, the Skoda Yeti, is a case in point. On sale here since late 2011 it’s a sensible and practical compact SUV but one that sits well down amongst the also-rans in the sales graph in what is admittedly one of the most competitive of market segments. Although it is built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan, shares most of its components, including engines, and is similarly priced, buyers choose the VW over the Skoda by nearly 10 to 1.

DESIGN 

Explore the 2014 Skoda Yeti range

• Skoda Yeti 77TSI 2014 review
• Skoda Yeti Active 77 2014 review
• Skoda Yeti Ambition 90TSI 2014 review
• Skoda Yeti 90TSI 2014 review
• Skoda Yeti 2014 review

With the arrival of the second generation model earlier this year the Yeti has become a little more stylish, especially at the front where the grille is attractive. It’s still boxy in profile but that’s the price that has to be paid for being such a sensible and practical vehicle. 

INTERIOR

The Yeti’s tall, square shape and large doors allow easy access and excellent headroom in all seats. The cockpit is a bit narrow and could be uncomfortable for taller drivers especially on longish trips.

Yeti’s dashboard arrangement is simple and sensible with switches, buttons and knobs all easy to locate and control. There’s also a clever mobile phone holder that fits into the right-hand drink holder. The only problem is that it extends over the top of the left-hand drink holder meaning that you have to choose one or the other. A smart idea nevertheless - just needs a bit of design work.

All models have a 5-inch touchscreen that displays the various information and entertainment features. These include the Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, SD card slot, and USB and Aux sockets. 

Satellite navigation is available in the 90TSI and 103TDI as part of a $2900 Tech Pack which also includes bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, 6.5-inch touchscreen and premium sound system.

There’s reasonable rear legroom and a brilliant seat arrangement. Called Varioflex it comprises three separate rear seats, each of which can be adjusted for length and also reclined. All three seats can be tumbled forward or removed altogether to provide van-like storage space. The favoured option is likely to be removing the centre seat and increasing elbow room by sliding the two outer seats towards each other. Alternatively the centre seat can be lowered to provide a table with a pair of drink holders. 

The rear seats are around 20mm higher than the front ones to improve the forward view of the rear passengers without causing any headroom issues.

Storage capacity ranges from 310-415-litres depending on the rear seats’ position and can get to 1665-litres with all three rear seats removed. The spare wheel is a space saver with a number of additional moulded storage bins.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Skoda Yeti is available with the choice of three engines, two petrol and one diesel. The idea of an SUV being powered by either a 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol engine would have been unthinkable not that long ago but such have been the advances in turbocharging technology that even with maximum power outputs of 77kW and 90kW respectively Yeti punts along nicely in normal usage albeit at a fairly high 5000rpm.

More importantly there’s excellent torque of 175Nm in the 1.2-litre 77TSI and 200Nm from the 1.4-litre 90TSI both from around 1500rpm.

Driving enthusiasts are likely to opt for the 103TDI 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. It’s a lively unit with sharp acceleration both from a standing start as well as in the overtaking range of 80 km/h to 120 km/h. The engine puts out 320Nm of torque between 1750-2500rpm.

There are three transmissions options – six-speed manual for both petrol and diesel, seven-speed DSG for the petrol engine and six-speed DSG for the diesel. The DSG gear changes are lightning fast . This type of transmission had problems with stop/start traffic in its early form, but has improved greatly and is now a pleasure to drive in all conditions. The six-speed manual will appeal to drivers who enjoy the driving experience. It's a smooth shifter that makes the most of the engine's torque.

The two petrol variants are front-wheel-drive only, the diesel drives all four wheels.  

SAFETY

Standard across the three Yeti models are seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knees; ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution; emergency hazard light activation in emergency braking; stability and traction control; hill hold; IsoFix child seat anchorage; reversing camera and rear parking sensors. The 90TSI and 103TDI add front parking sensors.

DRIVING

Yeti’s high driving position and large windows provide almost optimum outward visibility. 

On the open road the Yeti points nicely and remains assuredly stable in long sweeping corners and tight bends with little body roll and insignificant understeer.

Fuel consumption in the 1.4-litre 90TSI that we tested is listed at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle. We averaged an acceptable 7.4 L/100 km in a combination of urban, motorway and rural conditions.