The Skoda Yeti is a crossover, and therefore a member of the fastest-growing niche of vehicles: one that aims to combine the versatility of a tall hatchback with sufficient off-road ability to meet the needs of 95 per cent of buyers. It's also a new area of sales for Skoda - there is no direct antecedent if you discount the Matra and Simca (later badged a Talbot) Rancho or the niche Skoda Octavia 4x4.
Like other recent cars of its ilk, the Yeti is available with four-wheel drive or as a front-wheel-drive-only model. In either form it consumes fuel and emits gases at rates little worse than those of a regular hatchback.
The Yeti is a slightly unusual size. At only 4.2 metres in length, its proportions are somewhere between a Fiat Panda 4x4 and a conventional C-segment soft-roader such as the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Its price is pushing towards the latter, especially as you move up the engine range into the high powered 2.0-litre diesel and up the spec list. However, an entry-level 1.2 TSI petrol around the same money as an equivalent Octavia. You can also get 1.4 and 1.8 TSI motors, the latter in two states of tune, while the diesel line up comprises 1.6 TDI and three versions of the 2.0 TDI with 109, 138 or 168bhp.
Trim levels range from S, SE, SE Plus and Elegance.
