Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Skoda Yeti: Second report

Our youngest reader yet helps give verdict on family carry-all

You made up your mind in emphatic fashion – the Skoda Yeti was your number one car in our Driver Power reader survey earlier this year. This followed its coronation as Car of the Year in our 2010 New Car Awards.

So the Hope household is now in the presence of a bona fide trophy winner (a bit of a novelty for us these days, given our Arsenal leanings). However, while I would never dispute the expertise of my colleagues or our readers, the only verdict I was interested in was that of my daughter Isla.

Advertisement - Article continues below

At two years and 10 months, her vocabulary is expanding by the day, but tact is not her forte. Isla pulls no punches, which can make life difficult when you regularly test different cars. Would it be a “Yay!” or a “Yuk!” for the Yeti?

First impressions were positive. She liked the chunky styling, although Mrs Hope and I are less keen. It’s just a bit too ‘Tonka toyish’ for me. As my wife Seema said: “One or two curves wouldn’t go amiss.”

Inside, though, we’re smitten. The driving position is comfortable, it’s all solidly put together and, crucially, everything is sited exactly where you would expect it to be and works just as it should.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GLC

2022 Mercedes

GLC

75,544 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,097
View GLC
Grandland X

2018 Vauxhall

Grandland X

41,400 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,100
View Grandland X
Mokka

2021 Vauxhall

Mokka

33,983 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £13,100
View Mokka
Arona

2021 SEAT

Arona

21,085 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,500
View Arona

The Yeti doesn’t need fancy adornments to prove its worth, and this is reflected in the £1,510 touchscreen radio/sat-nav system, which is a breeze to operate, and shames some of the overly complicated and unreliable systems in similarly priced cars. Only the sound from the speakers disappoints; there’s a lack of depth and a bit of a tinny feel to it.

That apart, the only other note of dissent has come from Isla. Fitting her Maxi Cosi Axiss car seat was simple, but rear legroom is tighter than she is used to, causing her to develop the annoying habit of resting her feet on the back of the front passenger seat.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Just a week after picking up the Yeti, the leather is filthy and despite constant telling-offs, her stock response is: “I need more space.” It’s worth bearing in mind if you carry kids in child seats.

The 416-litre boot is full of clever features, with the carry hooks especially useful – never again will Isla’s bucket and spade be left behind by a forgetful dad on a trip to the beach. Folding two of the rear seats always ensures there is enough room if Isla’s buggy is taking up too much space, although we may have to pack a bit more carefully come October when there will be another addition to the Hope clan.

But it’s on the road that the Yeti’s functional appeal shines brightest. The 1.6-litre diesel provides adequate pulling power, and although it’s not the most refined engine around, the noise is never intrusive. Motorway journeys are dispatched with ease, and only the firm ride in town disappoints.

Our eco-friendly GreenLine II model has stop-start as standard, which has helped deliver 47.5mpg to date, but it’s the simplicity with which the Yeti carries out all its tasks that really stands out. Little wonder you voted it Britain’s easiest car to drive in Driver Power.

And to that accolade, I’d like to add another: it’s kept my hyper-critical toddler largely quiet. In my eyes, that’s the Yeti’s best achievement yet.

Our view

“Great to drive, with a cleverly packaged cabin, eye-catching styling and award-winning customer care; a car you can choose with both heart and head.”James Disdale, Road test editor

Your view

“A fantastic car that ticks all the boxes. Skoda should be proud of its achievement, while all Yeti owners can feel smug knowing they have chosen a pure gem of a vehicle.”dgc4rter, via www.autoexpress.co.uk

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,882
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025