Skoda Yeti Greenline
Our Car of the Year gets new eco-tech - but do the changes spoil one of the best crossovers on the market? We get behind the wheel to find out.
By combining SUV styling with supermini economy, the GreenLine is a great addition to the Yeti range. The 1.6 TDI engine is just as capable as the 2.0 unit, and the ride and handling are as good as ever. The only downside is that you can’t get a 4x4 version with the same efficiency tweaks.
Crossovers are all about adding versatility, and a new eco version of Skoda’s Yeti shows they can be efficient, too. This GreenLine adaptation of our reigning Car of the Year boasts some of the lowest running costs in its class and CO2 emissions of 119g/km – although you’d never guess from the exterior.
Sadly, the eye-catching green roof on our car won’t be available to customers. Apart from a decorative leaf-like banner on the wings and bootlid, the Yeti doesn’t shout about its credentials.
Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Skoda Yeti
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It’s the same story inside. Only a stop-start button in the attractive, well built cabin gives any indication of this Skoda’s fuel-saving potential. Under the bonnet is a 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine. It has plenty of overtaking torque and doesn’t need to be worked too hard to make meaningful progress. Combined with longer gearing than normal, this relaxed character makes the Yeti quiet and refined at motorway speeds.
The GreenLine features lowered suspension to reduce drag, but this hasn’t spoiled the standard car’s beautifully smooth ride. It still manages to soak up bumps with ease. Body control is excellent, and few crossovers can match its handling poise.
With the aid of stop-start, energy recovery through braking and lower-rolling-resistance tyres, the Yeti manages to return an impressive 61.4mpg on the combined cycle. That makes it one of the most economical crossovers money can buy, and means running costs that can shame some smaller cars.
Yet unlike with other eco-models, there’s barely any premium – the GreenLine costs only £280 more than the 2.0-litre diesel, but returns nearly 10mpg more, and will save you £90 in road tax per year.
Rival: Kia Sportage
Slightly faster and roomier, but the Kia can’t match the Czech car’s fuel economy figures, and costs over £2,000 more.
