1 Oct 2011
SKODA set out to make its first real impact on the SUV-obsessed Australian car market with the debut of its competitively priced Yeti compact crossover, available from launch in a simple two-variant line-up.
Entry-level models were front-drive only, powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 77kW of power and 175Nm of torque.
Transmission choices on the base variant were a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic.
0-100km/h came in a leisurely 11.8 seconds (12.0 in automatic guise) while fuel consumption was a fairly frugal 6.6L/100km for the manual or 7.0L/100km for the automatic, equating to respective CO2 emissions of 154g/km and 165g/km.
The top-spec Yeti employed VW Group’s fourth-generation Haldex clutch-actuated part-time all-wheel drive system and a 103kW/320Nm turbo-diesel engine under the bonnet.
Despite the extra power, weight and frictional losses, the flagship Yeti consumed 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres in six-speed manual form and 6.7L/100km with the optional six-speed DSG automatic.
All Yetis were fitted as standard with seven airbags and an alphabet soup of safety acronyms – and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating – plus alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, electric front and rear windows, electric mirror adjustment and a cooled glove compartment.
A multi-function leather steering wheel, gearlever and handbrake cover added a touch of class, while the eight-speaker MP3-compatible sound-system with Bluetooth and auxiliary input, multi-mode trip computer and plenty of 12-volt power sockets were present to keep gadget fans happy.
In addition to the 13 available colours and choice of constrasting roof finishes, options included a panoramic sunroof, parking sensors, rear privacy glass, bi-Xenon headlights and automatic parking (including front and rear parking sensors).
The diesel came better equipped, with standard dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels (versus 16-inch) and front foglights.
As a more off-road oriented model, the diesel Yeti also gained under-body protection plus warning lights in the front doors, chrome brightwork in the gearlever/handbrake area, automatic headlights and wipers and silver (as opposed to black) roof-rails.
Options exclusive to the diesel included satellite-navigation and leather upholstery.
The diesel Yeti could tow 2000kg braked, while the petrol could haul 1200kg.
