Previously, the Skoda concern produced only sedans and station wagons, but in 2009 the Yeti subcompact crossover entered the market. Practicality, high availability and other characteristics instantly made this car a bestseller in Europe - in four years, more than 300,000 copies were sold. However, in Russia this model was not received very warmly. Perhaps the restyled Skoda Yeti will receive more attention. The ground clearance and other features of this compact crossover are perfect for Russian roads and climate.
How to recognize the new Yeti?
It’s quite easy to distinguish this car from the crowd against the backdrop of its somewhat specific appearance, even despite the restyling.
The most important change is the new optics. It is distinguished by a special crystal design, which has recently been considered the hallmark of Skoda cars. Bi-xenon headlights are used as the main light, and LED units are used as daytime running lights. It should also be noted that those round fog lights that were located next to the main light are no longer there. The new fog lights are now located much lower on the bumper and look very neutral.
In addition to optics, plastic body elements have also undergone changes. There are also additional color options. Separately, a potential owner can purchase the Outdoor design package. For more than 200 dollars, a different bumper is offered, designed for off-road driving, matte plastic lining along the entire body, as well as chrome mirror housings. As for the technical characteristics of the civilian and off-road versions, they are not in the new Skoda Yeti. The vehicle's ground clearance remains the same, and the range of engines is also generally the same as before.
checkpoint
The Skoda Yeti can be equipped with either a manual or automatic gearbox. In the first case, it is a six-speed gearbox, characterized by smooth and precise shifting. Speaking about the automatic transmission, it is worth noting that some Skoda Yeti models are equipped with seven-speed gearboxes with the ability to automatically or manually select gears.
OFF ROAD mode
The car is also equipped with an off-road OFF ROAD mode, which allows you to change the settings of the electronic control systems for the immediate driving conditions on the ground.
To put it simply, on a large slope, both in reverse and forward, the car can move down at the optimal speed without your help. To do this, just press the Off Road button on the panel and slightly steer. In this case, you need to remove your feet from the pedals and shift the gear to neutral, the automation will do everything itself. However, you have the opportunity to further slow down or accelerate if you wish. Moreover, if you have a manual transmission, when accelerating you do not need to depress the clutch pedal or select a gear.
Changes in the interior
There are practically no changes inside. The only new part is the steering wheel with a new emblem. Also, a decorative insert has now been added to the front panel, designed to refresh the boring and gray German design. Otherwise, this is the same old, good and familiar car of the Skoda Yeti model. The ground clearance also allows you to move confidently on and off roads in Russia and abroad.
Since the product is still restyled, the model received some options - these are additional upholstery options, new seat covers, and the possibility of trimming the interior with leather. New equipment has also been added, which can only be installed upon order. For example, it is possible to equip a subcompact crossover with a rear view camera and a parking assistant.
Body and interior
The body hardware and the quality of the paintwork do not stand out from the total mass of cars from any other automakers. After 2-3 years of operation, the emblems on the hood and tailgate begin to peel off. Soon the chrome on the front trim darkens. On several three-year-old examples, paint blisters were noticed in the area of the rear arches and rear doors.
The standard jack has poor stability. Many owners were convinced of this after “moving” the car off the jack. The rear plastic roof rail cap is often lost or stolen. A new one will cost 800 – 1800 rubles.
The interior of the Skoda Yeti hardly bothers you with squeaks. Only occasionally does the front panel begin to creak, or the instrument wells rattle. For many people, their door seals begin to creak. Treating rubber bands with silicone compounds often helps get rid of extraneous sounds. Over time, play in the back of the driver's seat appears. At the same time, the back may also creak.
The floor covering of the front passenger and driver is slightly dented, which spoils the overall impression of the car. Due to the “freezing of the anti-freeze”, the washer fluid supply line to the rear window often leaks. At the same time, a characteristic odor appears in the cabin, and washer fluid appears in the feet of the front passenger.
Massive “winter whistles” from VAG interior heaters have not yet been noted, but the problem appears from time to time. But abnormal cooling of the interior when the temperature regulator is positioned in the “hot sector” is a common occurrence on cars with a stripped-down version of the air conditioner. It is easy to bring the system out of its stupor. It is enough to turn the regulator a little and the supply of warm air is restored. The problem can be solved by flashing the unit, or, in extreme cases, by replacing it.
The electrics are almost flawless. Fuel gauge glitches are common. For example, the needle drops to zero. The readings are restored after turning the ignition off and on again. The reason is software errors. Incorrect fuel level readings may occur due to problems with the fuel sensor itself.
The standard 2-din Bolero radio sometimes turns off one of the speakers at low volumes. If you add a little more sound, the speaker turns on again. There is also a disappearance of the image on the radio display, which appears again after turning the ignition off and on again. The reason for this phenomenon is a failure of the display hardware. The car radio will have to be replaced.
Clearance and its features
The ground clearance is, as in previous versions, 180 mm. However, here it is necessary to take into account that the all-wheel drive versions are intended, rather, for the city, and in these Skoda Yetis the ground clearance is only 155 mm. This is enough for driving on city streets and country roads, but if you want something more, then you should choose all-wheel drive options with more powerful engines. In such modifications, the distance from the bottom to the ground is 18 cm.
In the new Skoda Yeti car, an increase in ground clearance is not automatically provided by the manufacturer. However, you can find special spacers for racks on sale. But you can also purchase air suspension. The easiest way is to install higher tires. At the same time, it will not rub when turning, and larger tires fit well into the wheel arches of the car. Thus, the ground clearance of the Skoda Yeti can be increased by 10 to 40 mm or more.
Rest
The independent suspension of the Czech crossover is unlikely to cause trouble for its owner. Especially if the car rarely left the asphalt. The most well-known problem with the Yeti chassis is the loose silent blocks of the front levers, costing 760 rubles. The owner will know about the need to replace them by a characteristic creaking sound. Stabilizer struts costing 900 rubles can begin to knock and require updating at intervals of about 20,000 km. The front brake pads of an SUV costing 2,000 rubles last about 40,000 km, and the rear brake pads costing 1,700 rubles last twice as long. During a test drive of the car, listen to see if the wheel bearings are humming. They are replaced along with the hub and are not cheap - 6800 rubles for the entire assembly.
Trunk
The situation with the usable trunk volume is unclear. The official documentation states that with the rear row folded, the volume is 416 liters. But if you look into the luggage compartment, it turns out that this is a hoax. There is very little space - only 321 liters with the seats unfolded, with folded ones - 510 liters. The loading height has not changed and is 712 mm. If the seats are completely removed, then you can count on 1580 liters of space.
The beginning of the crossover era
The Skoda company is one of the oldest automobile concerns in the world; the company's founding date is considered to be 1895.
For many years, the Czechs have produced passenger cars of various classes, and only in 2009 the first Czech crossover Skoda Yeti was launched into mass production.
The concept car of the future crossover was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005, and in March 2009, here in Geneva, Skoda presented a real model of the Czech SUV class car.
The first car rolled off the assembly line in the Czech Republic in May of the same year, and in November the start of sales of the brand was announced in Russia.
Specifications
The manufacturer equips the crossover with four turbodiesel power units and three turbocharged gasoline engines. For those countries where, traditionally, there are problems with the quality of gasoline, and car enthusiasts there do not like supercharged engines, and this is Russia, an atmospheric MPI with a volume of 1.6 liters is offered. These engines can be classified into one new family - VAG-EA211.
The technical characteristics and ground clearance available in the basic configuration of the Skoda Yeti make it possible to drive quite tolerably on city and country roads. The base engine is 1.2 TSI with 105 hp. With. Maybe the power is not enough, but due to the turbocharger, the torque of this engine is quite impressive. Already from 1400 rpm. the engine produces 175 Nm.
The second engine is 1.4 TSI with a power of 122 hp. With. This unit can be safely classified as “average”. It shows good dynamics, and fuel consumption when driving in the combined cycle barely reaches 8 liters per 100 km.
Most car enthusiasts naturally try to purchase a Skoda Yeti car, the characteristics and ground clearance of which are at the maximum. Thus, the Czech automaker offers a 1.8 TSI with a capacity of 160 horsepower. It is capable of delivering 250 Nm to each wheel, and single-wheel drive versions are not made with this engine.
Options and cost
Sales of the Skoda Yeti began in February 2014: Russian buyers liked the characteristics of the new car. The market offers a decent list of original accessories to add individuality and convenience to the car. Among other things, there are a couple of exterior trim packages and many variations of wheel rims and floor mats.
According to the configurations, the technical characteristics of the Skoda Yeti are as follows:
- Active - price range 739,000 - 939,000 rubles. Assumes the presence of all types of engines and transmissions except the diesel version. Set of options: halogen headlights, ABS, ESP, air conditioning, heated seats/windshield washer nozzles, immobilizer, front windows, central locking with remote control, audio system with 8 speakers, rear disc brakes, steel 16-radius wheels;
- Ambition - price range 789,000 - 1,089,000 rubles. Can be equipped with any engine. Unlike the “Active” version, the car is equipped with an on-board computer, a rain sensor, modern cruise control, PTF and tinted windows;
- Elegance - offered for 909,000 - 1,149,000 Russian rubles. Only the 1.2 L and 1.4 L manual transmissions are not equipped. An additional option that is not presented in the Ambition is climate control, a leather steering wheel, a color display of the audio system, a storage compartment under the passenger seat, 17-radius alloy wheels;
- Sochi - equipment specifically for the Russian market. Price range - 859,000 - 1,099,000 rubles. The configuration can be represented by any version, except for diesel models and 1.8 liter manual transmission. New options: Olympic stickers, tire pressure indicator, multifunction steering wheel, cooled glove compartment, luggage space lighting, heated windshield, rear parking sensors, textile mats, alarm.
Skoda Yeti is a practical and mobile crossover. From its relationship with Volkswagen models, the car inherited excellent characteristics. It is dynamic and has one of the best all-wheel drive devices. In addition, the car is also attractive in price. In terms of fuel consumption, this compact crossover is at the level of a city hatchback.
Motor for Russia
For Russia, Skoda offers a naturally aspirated 1.6 engine. This is an MPI engine and its power is 110 horsepower. This product is not very effective compared to its older TSI brothers. Its torque is only 155 Nm, which becomes available only from 2000 rpm. Fuel consumption is slightly higher, by about a liter. Regarding the price and reliability of this motor, everything is good here.
This unit is completely devoid of components and parts with which there were problems in the TSI type design. There is no turbocharger, heaters, or high-pressure pump. And this engine can even be filled with 92 liter gasoline.
Features of the power unit
But it was only the large trunk volume of the Skoda Yeti that made the car so popular. The vehicle also has other advantages. First of all, it’s worth talking about the car engine. This car can be equipped with the following power units:
- 1.2 liters with a power of 105 horsepower. You can accelerate the car to hundreds in 11.8 seconds. The dynamics indicators are not the best, so the model is ideal only for leisurely driving. The main disadvantage here is that it takes a long time to warm up, so in winter the cabin can be cold. This is compensated by low fuel consumption: 7.6 liters in the city and 6 liters on the highway. Comes with a six-speed manual transmission or a proprietary DSG robot;
- 1.4 liters, power – 122 horses. The best choice if you need to drive around the city and sometimes go on the highway. This engine combines quite good dynamics (acceleration to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds), as well as low fuel consumption (8.9 liters in the city and 6 liters on the highway). The gearbox can be either manual or automatic. But, although the engine size has increased compared to the previous version, the interior warms up quite slowly;
- 1.8 liters, 152 horsepower. Acceleration to hundreds takes only 8.7 seconds. The power unit is quite solid, and it does not consume much fuel for such a powerful engine. The engine requires 10.1 liters in the city and 6.9 liters on the highway. The set of transmissions is similar to previous versions, only this one has all-wheel drive;
- 2.0 l, 140 horsepower, diesel. Migrated to Skoda Yeti from Tiguan. But, since the Czech car is smaller than its German brother, the car drives a little faster. The vehicle can reach a hundred in 10.2 seconds. The car's economy is also impressive - only 7.6 liters in the city and 5.8 on the highway. It is equipped with all-wheel drive, but there is no choice of transmission - only an automatic gearbox is available.
It will also be interesting to read: New Porsche Cayenne 2021: specifications, prices, photos and videos
In fact, all of these power units are a classic example of downsizing, that is, reducing the size of the engine while maintaining functionality and performance. At the same time, if many competitors install advanced engine models only on the most expensive modifications, then the Czech car has turbines to improve performance on all engines.
