Skoda Yeti SUV Unveiled in Geneva

The adorably chunky Škoda Yeti made its debut at Geneva today. First seen as a concept in 1997, the Yeti is a compact yet efficient SUV that's the latest expansion for the brand, bringing its lineup to five vehicles and offering a challenge to vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga.

The Yeti is an interesting mix, with Land Rover-ish styling and running gear that's a clever mix of Octavia and Fabia chassis and a four-wheel drive system sourced from parent company Volkswagen. Smaller than VW's Tiguan with a 4.2 meter overall length, the Yeti is distinguished by Škoda hallmarks like the ribbed grille and hood contours. A hidden C-pillar gives the impression of wraparound glass at the rear and offers some distinction. Inside, there's a 1760-liter cargo area once the rear seats are removed,

A choice of petrol or diesel engines is offered, with a 77kW (102 hp) 1.2 liter FSI four-cylinder petrol engine starting the range as an economy leader in a front-wheel drive only model. A turbocharged 1.8 liter four raises the ante to 118kw (158 hp) and allows four-wheel drive. Three diesels are offered, all of them common-rail 2.0 liter units, in a choice of 81kW (109 hp), 103 kW (138 hp) and 125kW (168 hp) outputs. The Yeti is designed to be a capable off-roader as well.

Press Release

Compact, attractively styled and full of surprises: Škoda Auto will celebrate the extension of its model range to five with the introduction of Yeti at Geneva. The 4.2 metre long, five-door vehicle bears the well-known features of the brand. An impressive front end with a ribbed grille and friendly looking headlamps confidently demonstrate Yeti's relationship with the Škoda family. Sturdy flanks and distinct wings give Yeti its robust and solid look on 17 inch wheels, without coming across as bulky and heavy.

The Yeti is a clever response by Škoda Auto to the increasingly important ecological issues in the popular and growing SUV class. Škoda has met the demands for a cleanly styled body, a high seat position and versatile operating options with a design, which despite its robustness, exudes lightness rather than bulky shapes. The Yeti also meets the needs for environmental care, luggage space, safety and great road holding.

A carefully balanced running gear concept allows the driver to implement what the design implies: fun and dynamic to drive. The Yeti distinguishes itself with very agile handling coupled with high safety reserves. As well as the stylish exterior of the Yeti, the driver and passengers feel safe.

This impression is reinforced, among other things, by the turbo-charged and frugal engines. Two petrol engines and three diesel are on offer: The entry unit (front wheel drive), a petrol engine with four cylinders and 1.2 litre capacity, delivers 77 kW thanks to a power-providing turbo charger (105 PS). The fuel consumption stays within tight limits.

The Yeti is also available with the following engines:

Petrol:

• 1.2 TSI with 77 kW (front wheel drive)
• 1.8l TSI with 118 kW (4x4)

Diesel:

• 2.0l TDI CR DPF with 81 kW (front wheel drive, 4x4)
• 2.0l TDI CR DPF with 103 kW; (4x4)
• 2.0l TDI CR DPF with 125 kW (4x4)

The Yeti is very well equipped for load lugging, too. The luggage compartment volume is flexible; up to 1760 litres is available by removing the rear seats. A luggage cover and net as well as lashing rings are available to further secure the load. As the Yeti is born of a brand which offers clever automobile concepts as its core competence, it is designed with a highly flexible luggage system.

The Yeti is a clever compact SUV that is bound to create a stir in this segment. Excellent handling characteristics and high agility are features of all trims. The 4x4 variants are also characterised by outstanding off-road suitability and excellent traction. These, coupled with superb emission values and low fuel consumption meet the needs for a socially acceptable extension of the SUV class.