Which has the best interior?

As different as they look, the Yeti and Golf share similar underpinnings and an identical wheelbase. But it’s on the inside where they have the most in common.

Both cars are faultlessly put together and use a lot of the same top-notch switchgear. The Skoda’s dash design is straightforward and very easy to live with, and the chunky buttons and clear instruments are particular plus points. Crucially, material quality is a match for the upmarket Golf’s. A soft-touch dashboard, chrome door pulls, dual-zone climate control and trip computer add extra appeal.

The Yeti’s haul of executive car kit doesn’t end there, though. The comfortable front seats are heated, boast double lumbar support and are trimmed in leather. Our car’s sand-coloured finish won’t be to all tastes, but there’s the option to go with black instead.

Pick hide trim in the Golf and you’ll need to stump up an extra £1,945, while heated seats come as part of the £375 Winter pack. If you want leather trim and heated chairs in your C-MAX, you have to go for the £2,000 Titanium X pack. 

The Skoda doesn’t have things all its own way in terms of kit. The excellent VW Group navigation touchscreen is £330 cheaper as an option in the Golf, at £1,180. Plus, in Match trim, the hatch gets a superb Multi Device Interface (MDI) which gives you iPod and USB cables; Yeti buyers have to make do with an aux-in socket. Each of the trio boasts Bluetooth preparation, plus they all have cruise control and feature multifunction steering wheels. 

When we look at safety, only the Skoda and Volkswagen feature a knee airbag. Meanwhile, from a comfort point of view, the driving positions are superb across the board, although the Yeti and C-MAX provide a slightly higher stance.

Not that there’s anything wrong with the more traditional Golf cabin. It features first-rate materials, and Match trim brings a leather steering wheel, parking sensors, a touchscreen DAB radio and a trip computer as standard. 

Small touches such as footwell illumination also add to the upmarket interior ambience.

That’s something the VW shares with the Ford, as the layered dash, stylish instruments and blue lighting all give the latter’s cabin a premium feel. 

The rubberised rollers for the air vents are a nice touch, too. 

However, jump into the C-MAX straight from the Skoda or VW, and the sheer number of switches can be a little confusing. There are two control pads on the wheel – one for the central trip computer and the other for the small display screen – while the smart ebony-effect Sony audio system has a lot of buttons, too.

Still, once you get used to the layout, the C-MAX is very easy to live with, especially as the raised driving position and large windscreen give a commanding view of the road ahead.