Used Škoda Yeti Review (2009-2017) MK1
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Practicality
- Low running costs
- Various powertrains to choose from
- Not the most stylish
- Rivals are more up-to-date
- Interior could be more refined
What's the Škoda Yeti like?
The Škoda Yeti was one of a crop of SUVs that all appeared around the same time, and it's available with both two and four-wheel drive (4WD).
Chunky Tonka toy looks have always found a ready market in the UK, and it doesn't seem to matter whether they have 4WD or not.
The Yeti has been a massive sales hit for Škoda, with used values remaining fairly stable for years.
With Škoda being a part of the Volkswagen group, the Yeti is largely based on the VW Tiguan, which is a great starting point, and it makes a marvellous family car, with huge interior space.
Excellent refinement also helps to make it very easy to drive and to live with, and brilliant ride quality means it's very comfortable over the roughest of roads and for long periods.
The large number of special editions and standard model lines make buying a Yeti rather bewildering, so just make sure the one you go for has everything you want.
Engines
Performance from the base petrol 1.2-litre, 103bhp engine is fair and the 110bhp version is good. Next up is a 1.4-litre with 120bhp or a later 150bhp, and earlier models were also offered with a 1.8-litre that had 157bhp.
Diesels are a 1.6-litre with 105bhp and a 2.0-litre with either 108bhp, 138bhp, or 167bhp.
Only some 1.4-litre petrols, the 1.8-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre TDI diesels come with 4WD, so double-check if you're after maximum off-road capabilities.
There's a special super economy 1.6-litre diesel called the Greenline that’s capable of a fantastic 61mpg – amazing for such a big vehicle.
Driving Experience
Four-wheel drive models are capable and fun off-road, but they don’t have low range gears to help when the going gets really tough.
That said, they're very versatile and aren't afraid of tackling rougher terrain if and when required.
Good road holding and well-balanced handling make for quick and safe cornering, even when pressed very hard, and the steering system used is one of the best on the market.
Peter Hayward
Practicality and Equipment
There's plenty of room inside, especially for rear passengers, and the boot can swallow a huge amount of luggage or shopping.
Entry-level models come with most of what you want, including air-conditioning, remote locking, electric front windows, and CD player.
Mid-range SE also has alloys, traction control, alarm, and loads of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering column.
The seating system is versatile, but the removable rear seats are heavy to lift out and very awkward to replace.
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Find your Škoda Yeti your way with CarStore
The Škoda Yeti is a small SUV with big character, making it much-loved by many across the UK. With a surprisingly practical interior that rivals cars from classes above, and genuine off-road capabilities, the Yeti is an ideal match for adventurous individuals and families.
