The family wagon - our Skoda Yeti
Discussion
A diesel Skoda SUV? Have I given up on life?
That’s the question some of my friends asked and if I’m honest I asked myself too. Could I really see myself driving a diesel SUV?
The story of my Yeti actually started a couple of years ago when the Range Rover Evoque was announced. My wife and I fell in love with it straight away and put a deposit on one as soon as we were allowed. Time passed and we got more excited – then the price list came out. Thank God we were sitting down at the time of reading; the model we wanted came in at a frightening £41,560.
That really started to get me thinking – yes it’s amazingly stylish and has a stunning interior, but is it worth more than twice the cost of a Skoda Yeti? Once I got the chance to sit in and drive the Evoque, I then drove the Yeti on an extended 3hr drive and that was that. I was going to ditch the Evoque and order a diesel Skoda SUV. Just to pacify the PH Finance Police, we actually had the full amount to spend on the Yeti in cash, but we saw a cracking Lease deal - 2yrs, fully maintained, FWD 140bhp diesel SE model in steel grey, for just £250/month. Adding it up over 2yrs that's £6600 including the fees, which is almost exactly the same as the depreciation we'd lose on a new one over 2yrs. So for us, we'd prefer that £19k offsetting our mortgage so we went for the lease.
Come delivery day I was like a child on Xmas day and we had a nice 500 mile round trip to see the folks in Cheshire planned the day after arrival to break it in and get to grips with the Yeti. First and foremost, when it arrived I was blown away – I genuinely think this is a great looking car. The way the c-pillar is suspended and the b-pillar is raked backwards gives the Yeti a really sporty look to it, especially from the side. The round lamps in the front give it some excitement and the standard 17” alloy wheels are a simple yet effective design. The interior is pure VW, with the standard touch screen radio, cruise control, steering wheel controls, dual zone A/C and rear parking sensors adding up to a great standard kit count.
The 2.0 diesel lump pulls like a train, only really getting a bit out of breath above the motorway speed limit due to the Yeti’s rather brick-like aerodynamic properties. Even more surprising is that so far the Yeti has averaged 54.5mpg, amazing for a car with a brand new engine. These VW engines are supposed to free up nicely as well to give even better economy. But the main revelation for me is the handling.
With a combination of startlingly effective damping and long wheel travel the Yeti goes around corners on my favourite B-road like a hot hatchback, with virtually no roll at all. This is really surprising given the high stance of the car, but it all goes together to form a car that is really good fun to throw around. The brakes are strong, though a slightly dead middle pedal limits their feel somewhat, and there’s no shortage of grip from the tyres.
With 1000 miles covered, this will actually be the most it will cover per month as we both work in London and catch the train, so with my ecurie25 cars providing me with weekend toys, the Yeti is used for ordinary trips to the shops/gym/other, but that is really its strong suit – an all-rounder.
Only costs so far are a set of OEM Skoda mats and an OEM rubber mat for the boot (both found 40% cheaper on eBay) to keep it looking tidy inside.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the Yeti fits into our lives; though I have a feeling it’ll be seamless. As for the Evoque? I must have seen about 30 of them around Brentwood so far, whereas I’ve not seen a single other Yeti, so I’m quite happy having the less common choice…
That’s the question some of my friends asked and if I’m honest I asked myself too. Could I really see myself driving a diesel SUV?
The story of my Yeti actually started a couple of years ago when the Range Rover Evoque was announced. My wife and I fell in love with it straight away and put a deposit on one as soon as we were allowed. Time passed and we got more excited – then the price list came out. Thank God we were sitting down at the time of reading; the model we wanted came in at a frightening £41,560.
That really started to get me thinking – yes it’s amazingly stylish and has a stunning interior, but is it worth more than twice the cost of a Skoda Yeti? Once I got the chance to sit in and drive the Evoque, I then drove the Yeti on an extended 3hr drive and that was that. I was going to ditch the Evoque and order a diesel Skoda SUV. Just to pacify the PH Finance Police, we actually had the full amount to spend on the Yeti in cash, but we saw a cracking Lease deal - 2yrs, fully maintained, FWD 140bhp diesel SE model in steel grey, for just £250/month. Adding it up over 2yrs that's £6600 including the fees, which is almost exactly the same as the depreciation we'd lose on a new one over 2yrs. So for us, we'd prefer that £19k offsetting our mortgage so we went for the lease.
Come delivery day I was like a child on Xmas day and we had a nice 500 mile round trip to see the folks in Cheshire planned the day after arrival to break it in and get to grips with the Yeti. First and foremost, when it arrived I was blown away – I genuinely think this is a great looking car. The way the c-pillar is suspended and the b-pillar is raked backwards gives the Yeti a really sporty look to it, especially from the side. The round lamps in the front give it some excitement and the standard 17” alloy wheels are a simple yet effective design. The interior is pure VW, with the standard touch screen radio, cruise control, steering wheel controls, dual zone A/C and rear parking sensors adding up to a great standard kit count.
The 2.0 diesel lump pulls like a train, only really getting a bit out of breath above the motorway speed limit due to the Yeti’s rather brick-like aerodynamic properties. Even more surprising is that so far the Yeti has averaged 54.5mpg, amazing for a car with a brand new engine. These VW engines are supposed to free up nicely as well to give even better economy. But the main revelation for me is the handling.
With a combination of startlingly effective damping and long wheel travel the Yeti goes around corners on my favourite B-road like a hot hatchback, with virtually no roll at all. This is really surprising given the high stance of the car, but it all goes together to form a car that is really good fun to throw around. The brakes are strong, though a slightly dead middle pedal limits their feel somewhat, and there’s no shortage of grip from the tyres.
With 1000 miles covered, this will actually be the most it will cover per month as we both work in London and catch the train, so with my ecurie25 cars providing me with weekend toys, the Yeti is used for ordinary trips to the shops/gym/other, but that is really its strong suit – an all-rounder.
Only costs so far are a set of OEM Skoda mats and an OEM rubber mat for the boot (both found 40% cheaper on eBay) to keep it looking tidy inside.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the Yeti fits into our lives; though I have a feeling it’ll be seamless. As for the Evoque? I must have seen about 30 of them around Brentwood so far, whereas I’ve not seen a single other Yeti, so I’m quite happy having the less common choice…
Hurrah!
See, I like these, my manager is after an SUV and she's determined to buy a Tiguan because she wouldn't be seen in a Skoda, I just don't understand why not??!?!?! I think they are a unusual looking (in a good way) rare car, that more people should buy!
I'll bee keeping track of this thread to see how life is with this as I quite fancy one for the missus and the sprogs, was there an up front payment? because that seems like a cracking lease!!!
See, I like these, my manager is after an SUV and she's determined to buy a Tiguan because she wouldn't be seen in a Skoda, I just don't understand why not??!?!?! I think they are a unusual looking (in a good way) rare car, that more people should buy!
I'll bee keeping track of this thread to see how life is with this as I quite fancy one for the missus and the sprogs, was there an up front payment? because that seems like a cracking lease!!!
Good write up!
I do like the Yeti and we seriously considered getting one but ended up with the Octy vRS diseasal wagon, with which we're also very pleased.
UK lease prices are vry much lower than we have in Luxembourg. I'd be looking at €650/month for a Yeti on a 3 year fully operational lease here.
MuZiZZle said:
Hurrah!
See, I like these, my manager is after an SUV and she's determined to buy a Tiguan because she wouldn't be seen in a Skoda, I just don't understand why not??!?!?! I think they are a unusual looking (in a good way) rare car, that more people should buy!
I'll bee keeping track of this thread to see how life is with this as I quite fancy one for the missus and the sprogs, was there an up front payment? because that seems like a cracking lease!!!
The deal has changed slightly to the 110bhp SE, but in all honesty I have driven one and there's not much difference:See, I like these, my manager is after an SUV and she's determined to buy a Tiguan because she wouldn't be seen in a Skoda, I just don't understand why not??!?!?! I think they are a unusual looking (in a good way) rare car, that more people should buy!
I'll bee keeping track of this thread to see how life is with this as I quite fancy one for the missus and the sprogs, was there an up front payment? because that seems like a cracking lease!!!
http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/Skoda_...
Up front payment is now about £1000, it was about £600 for us.
I actually copied the writeup from my Auto-Journals entry. Now at about 2500 miles and 3.5 months and I'm still loving it just as much.
Really practical too, can remove the rear seats completely effectively giving you a van. Or the tip right forward which is enough room for two mountain bikes with just the front wheels removed.
Edited by Beefmeister on Wednesday 19th September 10:21
A friend works for a National Lease company and therefore has the option to lease cars on a cheap basis. Normally gets a Ibiza but decided on the Yeti this time. Does a 20mile commute each day, and uses it to transport football kits, balls etc on the weekend and absolutly loves it. So much so ordered another one for his next car in 6 months time.
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