Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI review

The Skoda Yeti makes our Urban Cruiser seem like it has a sensible name. Read our review to see what's in a name.

"Silly name, really very good car"

What is it?
The Skoda Yeti is the car that has just deposed the Superb as the best car/worst name in the Skoda range. And it’s this 105hp 1.2-litre TSI-powered front-wheel-drive Yeti in particular that’s predicted to be the biggest seller.

[Click here to watch our video road test]

What does it look like?
The Yeti is described as a crossover, which could mean any number of traditional car bodystyles blended into one. Yes, the Yeti does have jacked-up suspension, chunky bumpers and flared wheelarches, but you’d struggle to call it an SUV. Basically, it’s a squared off hatchback, or just about the same length as the Roomster mini-MPV. But whatever you call it, I quite like the Yeti’s fusion of styling cues; especially the quirky front lights.

What’s it like inside?
The little Skoda is surprisingly roomy inside, with more than enough room to swing a Yeti if you can track one down. And it’s not just those up front who have plenty of space to enjoy – thanks to Skoda’s Varioflex rear seats, which tilt back and forwards, fold down or can be removed completely, there’s a van-like 1,760-litre load area. As with all Skoda products, quality is top-notch too.

What’s it like to drive?
It’s a sign of the times that the Yeti comes with Skoda’s first all-turbocharged engine range. The 105hp 1.2 TSI petrol engine in my car revved sweetly due to its light weight and low inertia. The fantastic twin-clutch DSG gearbox made it feel sporty, too.

The Yeti is surprisingly capable over rough terrain too. Hill descent deals with steep slopes by applying the brakes to maintain a constant speed and keep the wheels turning. All the driver has to do is steer.

On the move, the wide track ensures the Yeti feels extremely sure-footed, while extra travel in the suspension provides a beautifully supple ride. Weighty steering and a positive gearshift complete yet another polished and refreshingly different Skoda.

Verdict
The Skoda Yeti has a quirky look and a quirky name, but there’s nothing odd about the way the car drives, rides and feels. The Yeti is the best car that Skoda makes, with build quality to match its VW stablemates and a level of practicality that’s truly impressive. It’ll be aggressively priced when it arrives in the UK in September too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Car Specs - Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI DSG

Engine:1.2-litre TSI petrol, 105hp
0-62mph:12.0 seconds (est)
Top speed:115mph (est)
Economy/emissions:42.0mpg/130g/km CO2
Price/On sale £13,500 (est) /Sept

We rate:
Spacious interior
Great engine/gearbox combo

We slate:
Still got a silly name
Not much else

Rating:

by Bryce Richards

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024