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Skoda Yeti Greenline

Our Car of the Year gets new eco-tech - but do the changes spoil one of the best crossovers on the market? We get behind the wheel to find out.

Skoda Yeti Greenline corner

Text: Paul Bond / Photos: Pete Gibson

February 2011

Crossovers are all about adding versatility, and a new eco version of Skoda’s Yeti shows they can be efficient, too. This GreenLine adaptation of our reigning Car of the Year boasts some of the lowest running costs in its class and CO2 emissions of 119g/km – although you’d never guess from the exterior.

Sadly, the eye-catching green roof on our car won’t be available to customers. Apart from a decorative leaf-like banner on the wings and bootlid, the Yeti doesn’t shout about its credentials.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Skoda Yeti

 

It’s the same story inside. Only a stop-start button in the attractive, well built cabin gives any indication of this Skoda’s fuel-saving potential. Under the bonnet is a 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine. It has plenty of overtaking torque and doesn’t need to be worked too hard to make meaningful progress. Combined with longer gearing than normal, this relaxed character makes the Yeti quiet and refined at motorway speeds.

The GreenLine features lowered suspension to reduce drag, but this hasn’t spoiled the standard car’s beautifully smooth ride. It still manages to soak up bumps with ease. Body control is excellent, and few crossovers can match its handling poise.

With the aid of stop-start, energy recovery through braking and lower-rolling-resistance tyres, the Yeti manages to return an impressive 61.4mpg on the combined cycle. That makes it one of the most economical crossovers money can buy, and means running costs that can shame some smaller cars.

Yet unlike with other eco-models, there’s barely any premium – the GreenLine costs only £280 more than the 2.0-litre diesel, but returns nearly 10mpg more, and will save you £90 in road tax per year.

Rival: Kia Sportage
Slightly faster and roomier, but the Kia can’t match the Czech car’s fuel economy figures, and costs over £2,000 more. 

For an alternative review of the latest Skoda Yeti visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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7 Comments

Roomier?

The Yeti can carry a whopping 30% more in the back than the Kia (1760 vs 1353L), I can't see how the Kia is roomier?

By straight7 on 24 February, 2011, 2:20pm

WHY COMPROMISE?

It is a complete package, but for the lack of an auto option on the lower engined models in the range! Why no auto in the 1.6 TDi? With the DSG 7-speed installed, the best gear for all occasions will make this an even more economical and efficient package! Wake UP VW, you are losing sales to non-competitive opposition that are nowhere near as good as the Yeti! Even Jeremy Clarkson rates it!

By CyprusYid on 24 February, 2011, 4:26pm

Greenline?

Is this the Skoda Yeti 757 service from Luton Airport to Victoria?

By Kingbob12 on 24 February, 2011, 5:30pm

DSG option

Cyprus Yid, you're dead right. I'm an owner of 2 VAG cars - a Golf and an Eos, and I'm looking to replace the Golf. I'm considering a Yeti because I need the space with a grandchild on the way. Good fuel economy is essential, given the trend in oil prices. But I must have an automatic transmission! And the DSG box (as on my Eos) is one of the best. So come on, VAG, make a great car even better! Or I might have to desert you for another manufacturer (BMW?)

By gannet on 24 February, 2011, 5:53pm

DSG BMW?

gannet, when did BMW ever have a DSG box? Last time I drove one of their autos it had a lot less gears and a fluid or semi fluid clutch. The current crop according to tehir web site is a standard 5 speed.

By fellwalker2000 on 24 February, 2011, 6:35pm

DCT BMW

BMW do have a DSG gearbox, The M-DCT, it's available on the extremely economical M3.

By phil_h2 on 25 February, 2011, 10:50am

And how about adding the same eco features to the 4*4? Many buyers choose the Yeti over a conventional estate because they need ground clearance and 4*4, yet as a result have to endure an even lower mileage. Just because you drive a 4*4 doesn't mean you don't care about the environment!

By teuchter2004b on 10 June, 2011, 1:33pm

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Pictures

Skoda Yeti Greenline track
Skoda Yeti Greenline rear
Skoda Yeti Greenline interior
Skoda Yeti Greenline engine

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FIRST OPINION

    By combining SUV styling with supermini economy, the GreenLine is a great addition to the Yeti range. The 1.6 TDI engine is just as capable as the 2.0 unit, and the ride and handling are as good as ever. The only downside is that you can’t get a 4x4 version with the same efficiency tweaks.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £18,325
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 104bhp/250Nm
    0-62mph: 12.1 seconds
    Top speed: 109mph
    Econ/CO2: 61.4mpg/119g/km
    Standard equipment: 16-inch alloys, climate control, cruise control, stop-start, rear parking sensors, electric windows and mirrors, ESP, MP3 connectivity
    On sale: Now
     
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