Skoda Yeti vs rivals

The Yeti has reduced its carbon footprint! With the introduction of the eco-friendly GreenLine, our reigning Car of the Year is set to add supermini running costs to its long list of attributes.

Thanks to the addition of stop-start technology, regenerative braking and low-friction engine components, the 1.6-litre diesel emits only 119g/km of CO2 and promises to return fuel economy of 61.4mpg. The newcomer is front-wheel drive only and available in S, SE and Elegance trim – and it’s the well equipped £20,185 range-topper we test here.

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

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The rugged, SUV-inspired Yeti proves that the compact family sector is more crowded than ever, with buyers able to take their pick from a variety of distinctive, versatile and efficient cars. Representing the traditional hatch is the VW Golf – our current class champ. The 2.0-litre TDI Match BlueMotion Technology version costs £1,130 more than the Yeti, but delivers stronger pace and lower emissions.

Finally, for a £10 premium over the Skoda, you could bag Ford’s C-MAX MPV. It’s a tempting choice thanks to its versatile cabin, great refinement and CO2 output of only 119g/km. So, which one of 
our eco-friendly cars will clean up?

Verdict

All three models in this test 
are superb family cars. And with each offering official fuel returns of 60mpg-plus and impressively low emissions, they should 
be cheap to run as well. 

Picking a winner isn’t easy. 
If you often carry three people 
in the back or rate refinement as your main priority, then choose the C-MAX. It’s so good to drive, too. But the classy Ford trails on performance, and can’t match the VW and Skoda’s kerbside appeal.

You’ll pay extra for the Golf, but the upshot is extremely punchy performance. Better still, it emits the least CO2 and boasts the best fuel returns here. It also has the strongest residuals and a peerless image. Yet although it’s good to drive and great to own, it’s not 
as versatile as its opponents.

With its sliding rear seats 
and versatile load bay, the Yeti 
is a very family friendly package. Plus, while the 1.6-litre TDI is a little unrefined, the chunky car loses none of its driver appeal in GreenLine trim. Its rugged looks, top quality and generous kit add to this. Factor in decent residuals, plus Skoda’s fine reputation for customer care, and the Yeti takes victory by the tiniest of margins.