Test drive Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI: Everything in white?

Will a compact SUV succeed? Skoda will keep its promise for 100 kilometers, or will it stain its white clothes with technical faults?

Wait, something is wrong here - when looking at the documentation from the Skoda Yeti marathon test, serious doubts arise: after 100 kilometers of merciless operation in daily traffic, the damage list is so short? There must be a sheet missing. To clarify the issue, we call the editorial staff responsible for the fleet. It turns out that nothing was missing - neither in the SUV, nor in the notes. Our Yeti is just that. Reliable, trouble-free and the enemy of unnecessary service visits. Only once did a damaged valve in the exhaust gas recirculation system force him into the shop outside of schedule.

But we'll talk about that later - after all, there must be some element of tension in the final story of our white model climber. So, let's start softly from the beginning, when the Yeti 2.0 TDI 4×4 in the top-of-the-line Experience first entered the editorial garage at the end of October 2010 with 2085 kilometers on it. The car has 170 horsepower and 350 Newton meters, manual transmission, dual transmission, as well as generous equipment such as leather upholstery and Alcantara, a navigation system, parking assistance with active assistant, a panoramic sunroof, a stationary heater, a hitch for trailer and power driver's seat.

The place in question will reappear in our story, but let's focus on price first. At the beginning of the marathon, it was 39 euros, of which, according to expert estimates, at the end of the test there were 000 euros left. Strong cushioning? We agree, but the bitter 18 percent is largely due to the extra services that make life on board a compact SUV extremely enjoyable.

Note only stationary heating. It sounds as sexy at first as "varicose vein socks" or "wheelchair lift", but it will fill you with emotional excitement when you see neighbors scratching ice in the morning, shivering from the cold and swearing while you sit down. in a pleasantly heated cockpit. It is already comfortably furnished, has ample space and, like everything in the Yeti, combines compact size with friendly off-road charm and many useful qualities for everyday use. This is evidenced by both the entries in the test diary and the letters from Yeti owners.

A powerful factor in well-being

You sit inside and feel good - this is how most reviews characterize the interior. Even the dashboard with clear instruments and clearly marked buttons takes almost no time to get used to and causes enduring sympathy. They are also due to the beneficial rejection of fashion effects, which, among other things, is good for visibility from the driver's seat. Therefore, many models of SUVs are bought - after all, their owners hope for the benefits associated with a high seating position and supposedly large glazed areas. The Yeti lived up to those expectations - unlike some very stylish rivals, which the designers endowed with coupe features and thereby worsened the side view. However, not everyone likes the large glass roof because of the strong interior heating, although according to Skoda only 12 percent of light and 0,03 percent of UV radiation penetrate through it.

Otherwise, the dimensions of the straight Yeti are easily perceived when maneuvering, the speakers on the roof are practically not obstructed, and in the test car, parking is supported by sensors and sound signals, as well as the image on the screen. If you want, you can let the automatic system turn the steering wheel as you adjust to the parking gap - then all you have to do is apply the accelerator and brake. In a comparison of parking systems, another test Yeti took second place, leaving more expensive rivals behind.

Ranked # XNUMX in damage index

By the way, when it comes to the fact that many are left behind Yeti, we add that according to the index of damage to cars participating in marathon tests of auto motors and sports cars, the Czech model is the leader in its category and teaches all its competitors with just one defect. and from its own concern - the first place is VW Tiguan, which occupies only the tenth place. The reason for the unscheduled visit to the Skoda service station after a run of 64 kilometers was as follows: after the engine went into emergency mode several times, a defect in the exhaust gas recirculation valve was diagnosed at the service station. Due to the installation work required for the replacement, the repair cost almost 227 euros, but was carried out under warranty. Shortly thereafter, the faulty fog lamps and parking lights had to be replaced - and that's it. And for a rodent bite shortly before the end of the test, which hit the temperature sensor, our car number DA-X 1100 really was not at fault.

However, it can be blamed on an addictive memory function that brings the driver's seat to the position memorized in the ignition key every time it is started. This mode is especially annoying in a marathon test, in which car users are constantly changing, but after studying the operating instructions, they can be disabled. Otherwise, as a rule, people in front sit comfortably in cramped, solid seats with a fairly large range of adjustment. And even rear passengers never feel like second-class passengers, thanks in part to the adjustable reclining sliding rear seats. The middle one can be folded in and out, after which the outer two can be moved to create more room around the shoulders.

Invitation to travel

The Yeti simply cannot be called a compact, well-designed vehicle for long-distance travel. Precise steering and maneuverability and reliability in control please everyone who drives it; even the more sporty and / or phobic SUVs have no reason to complain. Maybe because the suspension is balanced tightness, and under the hood knocks out a muscular diesel.

Once in revolutions, it develops 170 hp. TDI develops its power a little disharmoniously, but otherwise nothing interferes. When starting or at very low speeds, the engine feels a little sluggish. The more negligent even manage to turn it off - or start it with more gas, and then all 350 Newton meters land on the drive wheels.

However, even in such cases there is no mention of skidding – with the electronically controlled dual transmission system (Haldex viscous clutch) the result is only more powerful acceleration. The manual transmission worked crisp and clear day after day – as did the Yeti as a whole. The lacquered finish, the upholstery of the seats and the surfaces of the plastic parts say almost nothing about the 100 km traveled, but also speak of a high level of quality.

The powerful TDI is not to be admired for its smooth and quiet operation; to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the load, diesel intonations, accompanied by palpable vibrations, did not appeal to some drivers. However, everyone liked the dynamic performance - from acceleration and intermediate thrust to a maximum speed of about 200 km / h, especially since the power of the two-liter engine increased slightly with increasing mileage.

Considering the large frontal area, the dual powertrain and the sometimes quite dynamic driving on the freeways, the average fuel consumption in the test of 7,9 l / 100 km is generally fine. With a more restrained driving style, the XNUMX-liter TDI can get past less than six percent. It wouldn't be very nice if our white Yeti's white reputation was tarnished by overuse of diesel fuel.

Skoda Yeti as a tractor

The Yeti can tow two tons, and thanks to the high torque diesel engine, the responsive dual transmission and the well-matched gearbox combined with the strong grip, the car is well equipped for the role of a tractor. In a closed area, he steadily maintained a given course with a deliberately poorly loaded test caravan at speeds up to 105 km / h, which is a very good indicator. When the trailer starts to sway, the standard trailer stabilization system quickly tames it again.

From the experience of readers

The readers' hands-on experience is confirmed by the results of marathon tests: Yeti performs convincingly.

With the exception of the slightly scratch-sensitive plastic in the interior, our Yeti 2.0 TDI gives us limitless pleasure. An unexplained coolant leak after driving 11 km remained an isolated case. TDI engine with 000 hp suits from 170 to eight liters per 6,5 km. The workmanship is on par with the clutch thanks to the dual transmission.

Ulrich Spanut, Babenhausen

I bought the 2.0kW Yeti 4 TDI 4×103 Ambition Plus Edition because I was looking for a dual drivetrain model. It had to be a diesel engine, not too big, not too small, with room for two dogs and for shopping at the hardware store, and its seats provided good comfort. Our Yeti has not left any of our desires unfulfilled and even in snow and ice guides us reliably on highways and dirt roads. Even 2500 kilometers are painless, although I have back problems. But the Škoda is not only an ingeniously designed “long distance limousine”, but thanks to its compact size and good visibility, it can be easily parked. And about everything that you have not noticed yet, the valet will warn you. To this should be added simple operation, flexible interior layout and a powerful engine. Apart from a slightly high loading threshold, the car is almost perfect.

Ulrike Feifar, Peterswald-Löfelscheid

I received my Yeti with a 140hp diesel, DSG and dual transmission in March 2011. Even after 12 km there is nothing to complain about, the car is agile and fast, the traction is very good. When towing a trailer, the interaction between DSG and cruise control is a dream, with average fuel consumption remaining in a moderate range of around six liters per 000 km.

Hans Heino Sifers, Lutienwestet

Since March 2010, I own Yeti 1.8 TSI with 160 hp. I especially like the evenly running and fast-growing engine with a powerful intermediate thrust. The average consumption is eight liters per 100 km. I was also pleased with the maneuverability of the road and the many options for arranging an impeccably designed interior. I am somewhat annoyed by the loud noise from the contact of the tires with the road. In addition, after 19 km, the disk drive of the Amundsen navigation system failed, so the entire device was replaced under warranty - as was the discolored Skoda logo on the trunk lid. Other than the occasional oil pressure light for no reason, the Yeti hasn't caused any problems, and I've never been so pleased with any other machine so far.

Dr. Klaus Peter Diemert, Lilienfeld

CONCLUSION

Hello people Mlada Boleslav - Yeti is not only one of the coolest models in the Skoda lineup, but also showed that it has the qualities of a marathon runner for 100 difficult kilometers. If the defective valve is excluded from the recirculation system, it has traveled the distance without any damage. Workmanship also appears to be in good condition - the Yeti looks old but not worn. It handles everyday city traffic and long drives equally well, offering comfort and flexible interior design. And thanks to its 000 hp. and dual transmission confidently develops in any conditions.

Text: Jorn Thomas

Photo: Jurgen Decker, Ingolf Pompe, Rainer Schubert, Peter Folkenstein.