 Most SUV’s like the Scorpio, Safari and Endeavour are compromised at some level or the other. Either its questionable dynamics or disconcerting body roll, weave and wallow. Plus not to forget all that weight. Joining this tribe is the Skoda Yeti – Skoda’s maiden SUV venture. While it does not promise a stress-free ride like the higher-end Audis, BMWs and Mercs, it does possess a very different set of downtown trampling abilities which might give its competitors a proper headache. Launched recently at the Auto Expo in January 2010, OverDrive (Aug. ’09) gives a lowdown on the Yeti...
So what is the Yeti? As with all Volkswagen group cars, Skoda has rummaged through the parts bin, picked up the best bits of the PQ 35 platform (underpinning the Laura), liberally helped themselves to the bits and bobs from the Superb’s interior, thrown in some off-road ability and Skoda practicality and knocked on a rather interesting name. The result is this rather interesting looking car that will polarise opinion wherever it goes...
 There is a distinct European character in the bold detailing and immaculate fit and finish of the Yeti. At just 4.2 metres in length, the Yeti is one compact SUV but the 17-inch alloys and 180mm ground clearance give it a robust look. From the outside the blacked out B and C pillar posts along with the tinted windows give the impression of the tailgate wrapping around the body and gives the glass area aft of the B pillar a continuous surface. The soft nose, chunky plastic cladding with aluminium effect skid plates and pumped up wheel arches hint at some mud-plugging action but overall the design lacks the strength, ruggedness and particularly the illusion of go-anywhere ability, which is so emphatically conveyed by the Grand Vitara and Endeavour.
On the inside, the Skoda is remarkably versatile as the vertical tailgate allows for a decently sized boot (405 to 510 litres) and the rear seats can be removed to liberate 1760 litres of luggage space. The rear seats not only slide fore and aft but an interesting trick is that the middle seat can be removed altogether (and the two seats slide together) transforming the five-seater into a vey comfortable four-seater with individually reclining and sliding seats all around.
 Seating is comfortable and supportive and the rear seats are mounted 100mm higher than the front ones to afford good visibility. The driving position is midway between a car and an SUV in proper soft-roader fashion. The cabin is largely made up of all the best bits from the Superb including the steering wheel, switchgear, dash, dials, centre console and most of the touch points. Storage space is aplenty with large door bins, multiple cubby holes, a big glove box and sliding hooks in the luggage area to hang large shopping bags. Overall the Yeti gives out a very high quality upmarket feel says OverDrive (Aug. ’09).
The Yeti will be available with two petrol options (1.2 and 1.8-litre TSI) and a 2.0-litre TDI common-rail diesel. Only the 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI will get four-wheel drive and there’s also the option of electronic off-road chassis aids.
 OverDrive testers (Aug. ’09) drove the 1.8 TSI and it is a massively impressive engine with masses of low down torque to rival the best diesels. The unit is smooth and very refined and with 160PS of power, has ample performance with a 0-100kmph claimed time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 200kmph. Both a DSG twin clutch automatic and a six-speed manual are on offer and power is channelled to all four wheels via an electro-hydraulically controlled Haldex multi-plate clutch. This is a set-up similar to that on the Superb 4x4 and Octavia Scout 4x4 and under normal driving conditions 96 per cent of torque is sent to the front wheels with up to 90 percent going to the rear wheels on demand. The system is also quick to react to changing road conditions and one can drive straight from asphalt to dirt in a manner almost similar to Quattro permanent four-wheel drive systems.
For what looks like a soft-roader, the Yeti’s ability in the dirt is seriously impressive and it’s aided by compact dimensions and short overhangs. What is of serious mention is the excellent hill descent control and that even with two wheels off the ground it can make precise and controllable progress.
 On the road the modified Laura platform works quite well. At the front there are MacPherson struts with double wishbones while at the rear the track is widened by 30mm and it has a 23mm diameter torsion stabiliser to cut body roll and compensate for the increased ride height. Ride quality is good and it can take a fair bit of punishment, especially over rutted dirt tracks. Skoda’s aim was to give the Yeti the best ride in its class and on that front it has succeeded.
What remains to be seen is the pricing. While the estimated price is around Rs. 12lakhs it would do good to price it around Rs. 10lakhs for a more competitive strategy feels OverDrive (Aug. ’09). At that price, says the magazine, the Yeti could build a whole new niche in India, offering an alternative to those looking for a modicum of go-anywhere ability but with the refinement, practicality and funky modern styling which none of the current crop of Scorpio’s, Safari’s and Endeavours offer...
|
