You might not think to look at it, but the 1.6 litre turbodiesel Skoda Yeti Elegance Greenline provides a fun way to travel. Despite being optimised for fuel efficiency, it hasn’t detracted from its original fun factor. Even the fact that this model has two wheel drive compared to its more practical 4WD twin does not lessen the appeal.
Inside the boxy body is enough room for four adults, five at a pinch, and a decent sized boot to carry all the family gubbins needed for a staycation. That boxy body must also account for the Yeti’s surprising stability and agility. Because it is 2WD and the green version, the ride height has been lowered by 20 mm to improve the aerodynamics.
That must also have had a positive impact on its centre of gravity because it doesn’t really roll too much in the corners for this style of vehicle. And why would anyone want to find out how much an SUV rolls in the corners? In this case, because the wee car handles so well despite the modest output from the oil burner up front.
It may only have 105 hp but the 5 speed gearbox is a wee sweetie and once the car is on the move, its pace across undulating terrain is quite gratifying and hugely enjoyable. Get the 4 pots on song above 1500 rpm and you can hear it clearing its throat and sounding like a distant Barry White gargling with Lemsip.
It’s not noisy, but it’s pleasantly audible, thrumming away under the bonnet. And because it rides so well, the driver is further encouraged to explore its limits. Given the high-ish, upright seating position, it feels quite odd to be hustling this thing along like a sports car, but it certainly is up for it.
In fact, the only drawback is the Continental Premium Contact 2E 16 inch tyres. They rumble a bit and highlight the rougher potholes, but that’s the price we must all pay these days for low rolling resistance tyres. You can’t have comfort and silence as well as fuel economy. That’s not to say their performance is unacceptable, its just that the different grade of rubber is noticeable. There is a cure though, just turn the radio up a notch.
Speaking of fuel economy, Government figures are only good when comparing like with like i.e. comparing one set of vehicle figures with a rival vehicle, they certainly don’t give an accurate representation of driving in the real world. And so it is with the Yeti.
Although the Combined mpg figure is claimed to be 61 mpg, I got nowhere near that, I was actually averaging 51 mpg. However, I blame Skoda for this entirely. It’s all their own fault I couldn’t get anywhere near the Govt figures, I was having too much fun. Really, I couldn’t stop myself looking for twisty roads to play on. It has enough power to be enjoyable without being irresponsible. It’ll bring out the hooligan in a choirboy.
Unlike a really fast and powerful car like the Audi R8 which requires intense concentration and quick reflexes, but doesn’t allow the driver to relax until he pulls over, the enjoyment is quite different in the Skoda. It provides lots of fun at low speed. In fact, the Yeti would be the perfect stablemate for the Audi, a practical everyday car that will put a smile on your face, while keeping the supercar only for fun and weekends.
And here’s another reason for liking the 1.6 Skoda, the annual Road Fund Licence is only 30 quid. On that basis there is little justification for buying the 2 litre job. This one provides as much fun as anyone really needs on Britain’s speed restricted roads and makes the most of the power its got.
Although the entry level Yetis start from £18,000, this Greenline II had 16 inch alloys, full leather, bi-xenon lights with cornering function, energy recuperation, Hill/Hold Control and engine Stop/Start, and it also had a couple of priced extras on top of that with floor mats (£65) and Columbus satellite navigation (£1530) which took the final OTR price to almost 22 grand.
Even if I was spending someone else’s money, I’d still be tempted to plump for the 1.6. I liked it that much.