ŠKODA Yeti at AIMS 2011

The search for the elusive beast the ŠKODA Yeti is getting closer to fruition. The ŠKODA Yeti was again seen at this years Australian International Motor Show. The Yeti is eagerly anticipated for its rugged cross country qualities.

The Yeti takes ŠKODA’s experience of more than 100 years of car development and sets new standards in the compact SUV segment.

Thanks to a ground clearance of 180 millimetres and a four-wheel-drive system that incorporates a fourth generation Haldex clutch, the Yeti is ideal for those who want to venture off the beaten track. For motorists who may not want four-wheel drive, ŠKODA offers the Yeti with a front-wheel drive version, too.

The ŠKODA Yeti’s overall length of 4,223 millimetres allows drivers to fit into those parking spaces that are far from generous, while its width of 1,793 millimetres guarantees that the doors can be opened wide in tight spots.

Developers of the Yeti believe that the compact SUV class can only achieve lasting success with an environmentally sound and affordable engine strategy. Therefore, the Yeti’s engine range is based on ŠKODA’s downsizing strategy, reducing capacity while at the same increasing performance, thanks to highly-sophisticated forced induction. The engine range includes a petrol and diesel, both with their own sets of advantages.

The two-wheel drive Yeti is powered by the 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine delivering 77kW and 175Nm between 1,550 and 4,100rpm. This engine is paired with the innovative seven-speed DSG transmission (or six-speed manual).

The Yeti 4×4 is powered by the economical 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine with 103kW and 320Nm from 1,750 – 2,500rpm. It comes with a six-speed DSG transmission (or six-speed manual).

I know that the Yeti doesnt look like this but its a bit of fun anyway.  The real  ŠKODA Yeti bears attributes typical of the brand and gives the new compact SUV a clear family identity.

This means the evocative rib-shaped grille with the distinct chrome surround and the ŠKODA logo centred above. Additional lights, sited ‘inside’ the headlights, provide the Yeti with character, lending the front end a friendly look. The side view is dominated by clean lines, the distinct wheelarches and wings confer on the compact SUV a unique character, while the lower body protective panels are classic hallmarks of a vehicle with off-road capability. The black C pillars and standard roof rails round off the robust shape. The rear design is just as unfussy: the rear lights are C-shaped and the smooth, vertical tailgate opens easily and far upwards, allowing easy access to the boot.

The ŠKODA Yeti achieved the highest rating of five stars in the independent Euro NCAP crash tests. Thanks to the use of high-strength steel, the Yeti’s passenger cell offers a strong survival space for driver and passengers in the event of an accident. The Yeti also gives vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, high levels of protection in a collision as the bonnet is designed to absorb on impact. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard on all Yetis (including ABS, EBD, ASR and Hill Hold Control) while seven airbags (which includes a driver’s knee airbag) protect passengers in the event of an accident.

The ŠKODA Yeti (with front-wheel drive) will be available in Australia from a competitive price of $28,690*.
The ŠKODA Yeti 4×4 will be available from $35,690*.

* Prices quoted are Manufacturer List Prices excluding dealer delivery charges, which may vary from dealer to dealer and statutory charges, which vary from state to state.