Yeti far from abominable

Feb 8 2010 Peter Hayward

CHUNKY Tonka toy looks have always found a ready market in the UK and it doesn't seem to matter whether four wheel drive is included.

Skoda's Yeti is one of the latest crop with this off-road look but although I drove a 2WD version, it is available with 4WD in 2.0-litre diesel form.

It makes a marvellous family car, with huge interior pace and a smooth ride. Excellent refinement helps to make it very east to drive and to live with.

I'm told that the the 4x4 model is capable and fun off-road so I shall see if I can get my hands on one in the near future.

Performance from the 1.2-litre engine is quite reasonable, thanks to its power output of no less than 102bhp.

And the good road-holding and well balanced handling make for quick and safe cornering even when pressed very hard.

Interior

It has a massive cabin and versatile seating but the removable rear seats are heavy to lift out and awkward to replace.

Entry-level E models come with most of what you want, including air-conditioning, remote locking, electric front windows and CD player.

FAST FACTS

Skoda Yeti

Price: £14,570

Mechanical: 102bhp, 1,197cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 109mph

0-62mph: 11.8 seconds

Combined mpg: 44

Insurance group: 9

CO2 emissions: 149g/km

BIK rating: 17%

Warranty: 3 years/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Land Rover Freelander 2