Skoda Yeti buying guide
Why buy the Skoda Yeti?
The Skoda Yeti is a brilliantly useful car. Its interior is much more spacious than you might expect for a car of this relatively small size and it’s really practical, too. The back seats slide backwards and forwards, fold down or come out of the car entirely, so you can prioritise passenger or boot space as you need it. Most models are well-equipped, fuel efficient and great value. You also have the option of four-wheel-drive models that give you extra reassurance in slippery conditions. If you need a compact family car with an SUV look and feel, the Yeti could be ideal.
Skoda Yeti range and updates
The Yeti was launched in 2009 as Skoda’s first SUV model. It was available until 2017 when it was replaced by a new model called the Karoq.
The Yeti is available with petrol or diesel engines and there’s a choice of manual or automatic gearbox. Some models have four-wheel drive and they’re surprisingly capable when driving over rough ground – you can spot them by the 4x4 badge on the boot lid.
Trim levels range from the value-focused S up to the luxurious Laurin & Klement, which is named after Skoda’s founders.
Skoda Yeti tech and features
Many Yeti models have air con, Bluetooth, DAB radio and front and rear electric windows as standard. SE models also have cruise control and parking sensors. Elegance models add heated leather seats and the top-of-the-range Laurin & Klement model also has sat nav and a panoramic roof. Sat nav was a popular optional extra on most models, so you don’t necessarily have to go for the Laurin & Klement model to get it.
Skoda Yeti running costs and value
According to official figures, the Yeti can give you an average fuel economy of 35-51mpg with a petrol engine and 44-64mpg with a diesel engine, although keep in mind that models with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive are at the low end of those ranges. Annual Vehicle Excise Duty charges (car tax) range from £30 up to £330, depending on the model.
Skoda Yeti vs rivals
The Yeti is closest in size to small SUVs such as the Renault Captur but, when it was first sold, its more sophisticated feel meant it was compared to bigger SUVs like the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai. The Ford feels better to drive and the Nissan generally has more standard features, but the Skoda’s practical, flexible interior and distinctive looks may seal the deal for you.
