Used Skoda Yeti review: 2011-2013

It all started with a dream to head off the beaten track and explore this great and vast land of ours, but the tough-as-nails wagon we once used to chase our dreams has morphed into a much softer town-based family wagon. Few would survive the outback; they're simply not built for bush bashing, but one that just might be up to the task is the Skoda Yeti.

NEW

The Yeti isn't a full-on four-wheel drive, but its AWD version has a very capable drive system that shifts the torque around to the wheel that needs it the most and that makes it a useful off-roader able to go where most town's folks want to go. Skoda unleashed two variants at the initial launch, the front-wheel drive 77 TSi petrol version, and the all-wheel drive 103 TDi with a turbo-diesel. A third variant, the all-wheel drive 112 TSi, was added to the range in 2012.

The Yeti was distinctive, but appealing, and stood out from the SUV crowd. Inside, the seating could be rearranged to suit almost any need you might have. With the flick of a lever or two it could be transformed from a comfortable five-seater into a load carrier of impressive dimensions, and anything in between. With such flexibility it could be put to a multitude of uses, and appealed to a variety of users.

Overall the cabin took its cues from VW in terms of design and materials used, which was no bad thing. There was a choice of petrol and diesel power. A 77 kW 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo opened the bidding in the front-wheel drive version. To get a diesel it was necessary to step up to the all-wheel drive version, which then got you driving a 103 kW turbo-diesel.

In 2012, Skoda released an all-wheel drive version, the 112 TSi, with a 118 kW turbocharged four-cylinder. As well as the choice of petrol and diesel power Yeti buyers could also choose between manual and DSG auto gearboxes. On the road the Yeti was quiet, handled well and its ride was compliant and comfortable.

NOW

The Yeti was a member of the extended VW family and used the same engines and gearboxes, and suffered the same issues. We have received few complaints about Skodas in general and the Yeti in particular, and while that's an encouraging sign that owners are generally happy, it's important to keep in mind the issues that have plagued VWs in recent times.

When checking a car ask the owner for information about oil consumption, as that can be an issue for the petrol engine. It's not uncommon for VW petrol engines to consume an excessive amount of oil right from new. When they do dealers first carry out a consumption test to determine the amount of oil the car in question is using. Don't rush into buying a car that has been using oil unless you're certain that it has been sorted.

The other area of potential concern is the DSG gearbox, which has had issues with dodgy shifting, vibration and other maladies that have had owners tearing their hair out in frustration. Carefully assess the operation of the DSG gearbox during your test drive by putting it through as many different driving scenarios as possible in an attempt to flush out any underlying problems that might be present. It's also important to check for a service record, one that indicates the car has been serviced by a mechanic with Skoda or VW experience.

SMITHY SAYS

With a comfortable and flexible interior, great diesels, and a competent all-wheel drive system, the Yeti ticks plenty of the right boxes.

Skoda Yeti 2011-2013

Price new: $26,290 to $35,690
Engine: 1.2-litre 4-cyl turbo, 77 kW/175 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 103 kW/320 Nm; 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 118 kW/250 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed DSG, 6-speed DSG, FWD, AWD
Economy: 6.6 L/100 km (1.2T), 6.7 L/100 km (TD), 8.4 L/100 km (1.8T)
Body: 5-door wagon
Variants: 77 TSi, 103 TDi, 112 TSi
Safety: 5-stars

COMING UP

Do you own a Subaru Impreza? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.