Skoda Yeti is one of the most popular compact representatives of the SUV category. For the first time, those interested in a Czech compact SUV will have a choice of two design variants. The more stylish Yeti heads into the city and the more robustly tuned Yeti Outdoor off-road.
In both variants, Skoda Yeti impresses with a number of novelties: from redesigned front and rear, to light alloy wheels, a fresher interior, new " Simply Clever " elements and enhanced functionality, to an expanded range of engines and transmissions. The world premiere of both novelties will take place at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt . At the end of 2013, both variants of the Skoda Yeti model will be launched on the first markets.
The fundamental novelty of the modernization of the Yeti model is the offer of two separate design lines . From now on, the Skoda compact SUV will be offered either in an elegant design for the city, or in an outdoor version for trips that can lead off-road as well. At first glance, they differ from each other in, for example, the design of the front and rear bumpers. Similarly, the processing of the side moldings and thresholds is different: while the Yeti has them painted in the body color, in its "outdoor" sibling they are made of black plastic. Skoda Yeti Outdoor is equipped as standard with silver exterior mirror covers.
The modernized Yeti comes in a new Skoda design . Both the front and back have been redesigned and now have a much more expressive feel, with clearly visible signs of the contemporary design language: sharp edges and lines, an emphasis on the horizontal plane and a new logo. Both variants adhere to the same concept of the appearance of the bow . The horizontal orientation of the lines is emphasized with a distinctive radiator grille and newly shaped headlights, which are now optionally offered as bi-xenons with integrated LED daytime running lights. In accordance with the new design language of the Skoda brand, the front fog lights have received an angular shape and are located lower in the front bumper.
The redesigned rear of the Yeti models is clearly articulated. The fifth door received two cubist triangular elements and a new Skoda brand logo – exactly in the spirit of the brand's current design language. The distinctive rear cluster lamps can glow in the dark with the letter "C" made up of light-emitting diodes. The range of wheels has been expanded to include four light alloy wheels in a new, attractive design. The range of colors is also more varied. Four metallic shades are new: Moon white, Jungle green, Metal gray and Magnetic brown. The latter is available exclusively for the top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement .
News can also be found in the interior. Their list includes three-spoke steering wheels in a total of seven variants, new upholstery fabrics or decorative strips on the instrument panel. Yeti is the first model of the brand that can optionally be equipped with the Optical Parking Assistant system (rear parking camera). With the Yeti model, Skoda continues to introduce assistance systems that contribute to both comfort and driving safety. For the first time, the Skoda Yeti is also equipped with the latest generation Automatic Parking Assistant . With it, the Yeti can back up into gaps both longitudinally and transversely to the road; it will also automatically come out of the longitudinal gaps. Furthermore, KESSY keyless unlocking, locking and starting is celebrating its premiere in the SUV of the Mladá Boleslav brand. Thanks to this system, the car can be unlocked, locked and started without the key having to leave the pocket .
In the redesigned Skoda Yeti models, four new " Simply Clever " elements have been used: in addition to the double-sided carpet, which has already proven itself in other models of the brand, there is a removable LED lamp in the luggage compartment, a reflective vest holder under the driver's seat and a trash can in the door. In addition to these novelties, the redesigned Skoda Yeti also offers all previously known comfort equipment options, including a large panoramic glass roof, automatic two-zone climate control " Climatronic ", heated seats, cruise control, heated windshield or electrically adjustable driver's seat.
The Varioflex rear seat system continues to be a key element of the Skoda Yeti interior. It offers unique configuration variability: all three seats can be folded down individually or even removed from the car. With the middle seat removed, the side seats can be moved both longitudinally and transversely. In the blink of an eye, a five-seater car turns into a four-seater, with plenty of space in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Variability is further increased by a number of tried and tested equipment details, such as the folding backrest of the front passenger seat, folding tables on the back of the front backrests, plenty of storage space or practical bottle holders. The emphasis on functionality in the luggage compartment is evidenced by, among other things, fastening eyes or hinged hooks for hanging luggage. Just like before the modernization, the rejuvenated Skoda Yeti scores with a generous amount of space. No other compact SUV has more headroom for rear seat passengers – 1,027 millimeters to be exact. The volume of the luggage compartment is at least 405 liters , after moving all the rear seats forward, it can be increased to 510 liters . With all the rear seats removed, the cargo volume increases to an excellent 1,760 litres .
Four diesel and three petrol engines are available for the revised Skoda Yeti models, all turbocharged and with direct fuel injection. Their range extends from the 1.2 TSI/77 kW (105 hp) petrol unit to the 2.0 TDI/125 kW (170 hp) diesel unit. Depending on the specific motorization, the car has either only the front wheels or both axles; all-wheel drive is implemented via the Haldex inter-axle coupling of the fifth generation . As automatic transmissions, Yeti exclusively uses a modern dual-clutch DSG system with six or seven degrees.
The GreenLine version with a 1.6 TDI/77 kW engine, front-wheel drive and manual transmission produces only 119 g of CO2/km. This corresponds to the consumption of 4.6 liters of diesel per 100 km . There are also three other Green tec engines on offer: 2.0 TDI/103 kW with a six-speed manual transmission and 1.6 TDI/77 kW with a seven-speed DSG. The 1.4 TSI/90 kW petrol engine in combination with a manual transmission is only available in the Green tec variant with reduced consumption. The Green tec package includes the Start-Stop system, brake energy recovery and tires with reduced rolling resistance. The 2.0 TDI/125 kW diesel engine is also available in an attractive combination of all-wheel drive and six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. For the Yeti with front-wheel drive and a 1.6 TDI/77 kW engine, it will now be possible to order a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG.
Safety played a vital role in the design of the Skoda Yeti model. For the protection of the crew, the compact SUV received the maximum possible rating in Euro NCAP tests in the form of five stars when it was launched in 2009. Active safety is enhanced by ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with ABS and brake assist. These systems are part of the standard equipment for EU countries. The fog lights can optionally be equipped with the cornering lighting function. New bi-xenon headlights, optionally with LED daytime running lights, increase safety in low visibility conditions. The car can be equipped with electronic assistants for starting uphill and for going down slopes. In addition, a tire pressure check is also available.
With electronically controlled all-wheel drive (5th generation Haldex inter-axle coupling) and a ground clearance of 180 mm, the compact SUV is ready for driving not only on roads , but also off-road. The EDS electronic differential lock enables an even and comfortable start on surfaces with uneven adhesion. In the area of passive safety, passengers in the Yeti model can rely on up to nine airbags . There are Isofix mounts in the car for safe attachment of child seats. The safety package is completed by three-point belts (at the front with retractors) and height-adjustable headrests on all seats.
With the redesigned Yeti in two variants, Skoda Auto continues the biggest model offensive in its history. In 2013 alone, the automaker will launch eight new or redesigned models . By 2018, Skoda Auto wants to increase its global sales to at least 1.5 million cars per year .
Source: Skoda
