Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Skoda Yeti: First report

Eco-friendly GreenLine II version of our former Car of the Year joins our fleet

Collecting the keys to any new car is always exciting, but I was particularly keen to get my hands on the latest addition to the Auto Express fleet.

You see, the Skoda Yeti is a previous winner of our coveted Car of the Year accolade, so it comes with impeccable credentials. What’s more, colleagues had raved about the 1.2-litre TSI petrol model we ran for 12 months in 2010. As a result, I couldn’t wait to see how our new, eco-friendly GreenLine II diesel version would measure up.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Initial impressions have been positive. I was given a guided tour of the Yeti by the sales manager of Westover Skoda in Bournemouth, Dan Jenkins (pictured right), who pointed out the powerful xenon headlamps and handsome 16-inch alloys that come as standard on our range-topping Elegance model.

Inside, I was shown the leather trim, heated seats and dual-zone climate control that all feature on the lavishly equipped flagship. However, I was disappointed to discover that the useful touchscreen sat-nav fitted to our car costs a hefty £1,510 extra.

There are no complaints about the space on offer in the Yeti’s cabin, though. My previous Renault Megane GT Sport Tourer was hugely versatile, but the Skoda is better still.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

MG3

2018 MG

MG3

24,350 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £8,999
View MG3
3 Series Touring

2020 BMW

3 Series Touring

49,500 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,599
View 3 Series Touring
Taycan

2024 Porsche

Taycan

24,588 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £54,990
View Taycan
Formentor

2024 Cupra

Formentor

25,468 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,935
View Formentor

Its 416-litre boot swallows all my camera gear with room to spare, while the dark tinted rear windows help shield my valuable kit from prying eyes. Yet it’s the way the Yeti drives that’s really grabbed my attention.

From the moment I pulled off Westover’s forecourt I knew the Skoda was going to be special. Beautifully weighted controls, excellent body control and strong grip make the GreenLine II as much fun to drive as my racy Renault.

The Skoda is equally impressive on a long run, turning my 100-mile commute from the south coast to our central London offices into a real pleasure.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The hugely comfortable seats, low noise levels and commanding view of the road all combine to leave me feeling remarkably relaxed and refreshed at the end of every journey. In fact, the only fly in the ointment is the firm low-speed ride.

Even the engine has exceeded expectations. I was worried the 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel would feel puny, but it’s a strong performer, thanks to its muscular 250Nm torque peak.

Better still, this doesn’t come at the expense of economy. All GreenLine II models feature fuel-saving kit such as a smooth stop-start system, regenerative braking and improved aerodynamics. The upshot of these additions is that our car is returning 50.4mpg.

So it’s a good start for the Yeti. In fact, if it continues this exemplary performance over the next 12 months and 40,000 miles, then I’m going to be extremely reluctant to hand the keys back.

Extra Info

“For me the GreenLine II is the best Yeti in the range. It never feels underpowered, returns great fuel economy and handles a little sharper than the standard car.”
Paul Bond, Road tester

“I own a Yeti 2.0 TDI SE, and I can’t sing its praises enough. The quality of the drive and interior, plus the great- value price, have all won me over.”
frenchpress2, via www.autoexpress.co.uk

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,000
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,395
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,372
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag
Dacia £15k EV design render

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag

Dacia's new model will be developed in double-quick time, and it'll be built in Europe to avoid China tariffs
News
24 Jul 2025
Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe
Renault 5 - front static

Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe

Renault has no plans to fight Volkswagen for sales supremacy, despite huge growth in EV sales due to new Renault 5
News
23 Jul 2025
New MG IM6 review: the EV to finally tame Tesla
MG IM6 - front

New MG IM6 review: the EV to finally tame Tesla

The new MG IM6 boasts a dual-motor set-up with an astonishing 741bhp
Road tests
23 Jul 2025