![[ Auto Express ]](http://photos.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/images/ae_website_logo.gif){kind=logo}
Why it won...
The winner of our Car of the Year prize has to be the unanimous choice of our judging panel, and is picked from our line-up of class champions.
This year, the award goes to a car that blends the looks of an off-roader with the versatility of a compact MPV, but doesn’t demand the dynamic or financial compromises usually associated with either.
The Skoda Yeti mixes tough Tonka toy looks, sharp handling and a high-quality and spacious cabin with the brand’s famed value-for-money pricing and customer service. Its brilliant engine line-up ranges from the entry-level 1.2 TSI (arguably the sweetest of the lot) to a 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel, and buyers can also choose between two-wheel-drive or 4x4 models.
In addition, the VW Group’s excellent twin-clutch DSG transmission is available as an option. Best of all is the price, as the Yeti range kicks off at less than £14,000.
In a year that has seen the arrival of some truly special new cars, the Skoda is a worthy winner of our overall crown.
