Skoda Yeti 1.4 TSI 4X2 - proven solutions
When choosing a car, each potential buyer tries to be guided by his own rules, developed on the basis of experience. In the case of the tested Skoda Yeti, of course, the easiest way to eliminate one of the key factors: the so-called childhood illness. We are dealing with a mature model who has been working with us since May 2009. This is actually an eternity in the automotive world. The 8-year-old mark seems to bypass Skoda's timeless guise. Moreover, potential buyers may like it: after such a time, the car does not hide too many secrets from us, quite the contrary. This is a series of proven solutions.
Typical but unique body
When the Skoda Yeti hit the front ranks of the then fledgling crossovers or small SUVs, its silhouette captivated conservatives at first sight. In fact, a box-shaped body with sharp edges and pronounced edges may appeal to opponents of the roundness and dynamic lines ubiquitous in today's automotive industry. However, with closer contact, the Skoda body acquires a unique character, embodied in the details. A distinctive feature of the model has already become a single black pillars, which give the impression that together with the glasses they form one glass. At the same time, the middle and rear pillars are located in the shape of the letter L. It is also difficult not to notice the extremely simple, even boring shape of the trunk lid. This solution, in turn, allows you to download large packages. The pugnacious embossing on the hood of the Skoda Yeti has become sharper after the 2012 facelift and harmonizes well with the brand's characteristic grille. The fighting cock proudly curves high above the ground, thanks in part to its impressive ground clearance. Yeti has a height of more than 1,5 m. The rest of the dimensions are almost 1,8 m wide and 4,2 m long. It may seem that this is a really big car. Appearances?
The interior is also typical ... and cramped
We decide to choose not too big compared to competitors, but still an SUV. After the transition from the classic compact, we really hope that the cabin will give us space, like American pickups. Nothing like this. In the Skoda Yeti, this aspect is one of the biggest (and, unfortunately, negative) surprises. Despite the considerable dimensions and flexible high body, the driver and each of the potential passengers have the right to complain about the lack of space. The width of the cabin is especially striking. It will not be difficult to touch your elbows with a fellow traveler. The cockpit layout doesn't help either - the dashboard feels very close to the driver, which can be annoying.
Having mastered the interior, finding a place for yourself and other passengers, you can begin to leisurely study the equipment. Even extremely slow tests for everyone will probably run out in a few minutes. No, not because of the lack of any "buns". This is a whole series of known, loved and, above all, proven solutions in a hundred ways. Directly in front of the driver is a simple three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with multimedia controls - an extremely successful working tool. The wheel is small, the rim is the right thickness, and after a few months of use, the stuffing stops slipping in your hands. Directly behind the wheel is also quite pleasant - a large, legible clock and a central display, behind which you can see the passage of time. The pixelated monochrome images can be offensive, especially when paired with a rather nice touchscreen on the center console. It is with its help, also using a number of physical buttons, that we can control the audio system and car settings. Below is a classic air conditioner panel that hasn't changed over the years. Simple, functional, it also becomes intuitive after a while of use.
The front seats are set close enough to each other and, despite their narrowness, provide a comfortable fit and decent lateral support. The edge of the seat on the door side is unfortunately very sensitive to chafing caused by entry and exit. This ailment is especially noticeable on velor upholstery. The rear seat is just as comfortable, but there isn't as much legroom for passengers. But there is a lot of it overhead. The last branch, i.e. the trunk does not knock down either - it holds only 416 liters. On the other hand, its undoubted advantage is a low threshold and a wide loading opening, thanks to the simple cover mentioned above.
Driving is more than correct
In the case of the Skoda Yeti, it is very easy to fall into the dangerous trap of thinking: “this is an ordinary car, of an old design, it probably drives terribly.” Error. Driving is one of the greatest virtues of a car, even so many years after its introduction. Mid-range Skoda tested: supercharged 1.4 TSI petrol engine with 125 hp, Skoda brand design, combined with front-wheel drive and a manual 6-speed gearbox. This is where the "true car fans" usually return when they retire. Another mistake. This is a very reasonable package that allows you to comfortably travel on the Skoda Yeti, without fear that when the key moment comes, there will be no power under your foot. Special praise deserves a manual transmission with exceptional precision. A fairly short jack even directs itself to a given place, and sixth gear is beneficial for further, for example, road expeditions. After leaving safe asphalt, there may not be a fourth move, but smoothly overcoming bumps for the car is not a problem, mainly due to the above-average ground clearance. You can just drive the Skoda Yeti correctly, but you definitely need to ask for a little more, and the car will not fail.
Proven option at a good price
Finally, the tested Skoda Yeti confirms the initial assumptions. We are dealing with a set of ideas, technologies and solutions that have proven their reliability over the past years. And so the whole car is arranged - it deserves driver's sympathy. You don’t have to look far for confirmation - apparently the real Yeti has not been seen for many years, but Skoda on the streets of Polish cities is an extremely popular sight. It is also an interesting alternative for those who are tired of compact cars: eternal off-road body, pleasant performance with reasonable fuel consumption and a price of less than 80 thousand. zloty. Nice offer, proven over the years.
