Firecracker of a crossover

It isn't imposing and has an uninspiring boxy silhouette, but the new Skoda Yeti is a capable compact SUV that can take on more than its size suggests

Skoda's small SUV, named after the Himalayan Snowman, is back in a new avatar. And though the Yeti's sales graph may be as elusive as the cryptid itself, the Czech car maker says it isn't losing any sleep over the numbers. Skoda has made no qualms about the fact that there may be as few takers for the compact vehicle this time as in the past, but believes that the launch of this SUV will help boost its brand and demonstrate, at the same time, what Skoda vehicles are capable of. I, for one, have always had a soft corner for the Yeti - as the 4x4 version of this little firecracker is one of the most capable compact crossovers ever to land on Indian shores.

Well, there is wisdom in that old saying, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it', and I am glad Skoda has stood by this mantra. The mid-life facelift of the Yeti is less about a revamp and more about an exterior redesign with some smart tweaks in the cabin. The Yeti's heart and soul remain much the same as earlier. The first change that you notice is the absence of its unconventional fog lamps. These have now been moved from their position diagonally below the headlights to the more conventional location on the front air-dam. The new bi-xenon headlamps are polygonal in shape, and come with a smart strip of LED running lights. So, while the Yeti now looks far more similar to the striking new stable mate Octavia, it has divested itself of some of its odd-ball characteristics. It still has the chopped designed nose, but it has become more angular. The bonnet too has a rigid crease that runs through the centre, all the way down to the Skoda logo that ornaments the company's distinguishing butterfly-shaped grille of its cars.

Skoda Yeti

In profile, the Yeti stays virtually the same as before - as a result, it remains as boxy as ever. But because it is not a very big car, the bread-box dimensions are not visually accentuated or bothersome. Both the 4x2 and 4x4 variants come with 16-inch alloy wheels, though they are differentiated by their different patterns. At the rear, the lamps comprise C-shaped LEDs, similar to the set-up in the Octavia. In keeping with Skoda's latest design philosophy, the boot-lid has two diagonal creases running across it. Also notable is how Skoda has managed to increase the sporty quotient of the car with roof and bumper colours that contrast with the body.

Inside, you are welcomed with a new three-spoke steering wheel and an engine-start button. However, only the drivers' seat has electronic controls with memory settings but that's not much of a concern. What is missing, though, is a rear-view camera that helps you when reversing, pretty much a common feature in cars in this range now. It does come with parking sensors, but you are assured of no visual help. The entertainment system has a touchscreen display that is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Apart from these changes, though, everything else pretty much remains the same. Which isn't quite a negative thing, because the Yeti has always been predominantly a comfortable four-seater. It is designed to be compact, and so it lacks the third row seats normal in an SUV.

The Yeti always drove like a passenger car - but one that had the ability to actually do some off-roading. It was never scared of foraying into the mud, and this face-lifted version remains as spirited - thankfully! Skoda has upgraded the clutch and installed a Haldex unit that is lighter and, therefore, easier on the road. Both the two- and four-wheel drive versions are powered by the same 2-litre diesel engine that was fitted in the outgoing model. However, the two models come with differing power outputs.

The engine is extremely refined and lacks annoying lags. The 109 bhp 4x2 Yeti is a city vehicle with bravado for any traffic on the streets. On open stretches, however, the engine let me down as I struggled to get it to give me top-end grunt. The 138 bhp 4x4 variant, however, has a phenomenal 320 Nm of torque at 1,750-2,500 rpm, giving it a very muscular mid-range character. It never runs out of breath, and always seemed willing to push that bit more - anything to bring a smile to my face. Both these versions proved efficient in the handling department: they stayed planted and swept through the curves smoothly due to their low stance and independent suspensions. The perfectly weighted steering is responsive and provides good feedback. The ride quality is firm - that's what leads to the impressive body control, but it can crash across some of the bigger bumps. It's smooth sailing on tarmac though. All-in-all, the Yeti remains one of the most driver-oriented crossovers on the market. But what goes against the car is the fact that it does not have an imposing silhouette or road presence. What it does achieve, however, is a more mainstream appearance. It is an excellent vehicle with impeccable build quality and fantastic road manners. Unfortunately, the price tag is a buzz kill, and will make people think twice before booking this extremely capable SUV.

SKODA YETI
Engine: 1,968cc / 4 cylinders (diesel)
Power: 109 bhp @ 4200 rpm (4x2) / 138 bhp @ 4200 rpm (4x4)
Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm (4x2) / 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (4x4)
Transmission: 5-speed manual (4x2) / 6-speed manual (4x4)
Price: 4x2: Rs 18.99 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
            4x4: Rs 20.54 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Arup Das is Features Editor at AutoX