Skoda Yeti or something else?
Discussion
We are looking for a practical rugged car for camping and outdoor trips all over the UK and possibly into Europe. Needs a decent sized boot for quite a bit of equipment like tents, biking gear, fishing stuff, kayak and paddle board gear and the like. Will most likely get a roof box and a rear mount cycle carrier. It would also be a massive bonus if when the seats are folded there is enough room to lay down in the back
Want the car to be reasonably economical and not too slow when loaded up. I'd consider a diesel but would prefer a petrol, awd would be good but not essential. Needs to not be too big either as don't have a huge parking bay. Also looking at under 10k.
I keep coming back to the Skoda Yeti as it ticks nearly all to boxes other than maybe being a tad on the small size, considering a Dacia Duster too but put off by the cabin as it really is quite low rent. at the other end of the scale I may look at Landrovers or Wranglers but worry about the cost and comfort on long journeys as this will be the min car. Also have A Mito as a run around.
Want the car to be reasonably economical and not too slow when loaded up. I'd consider a diesel but would prefer a petrol, awd would be good but not essential. Needs to not be too big either as don't have a huge parking bay. Also looking at under 10k.
I keep coming back to the Skoda Yeti as it ticks nearly all to boxes other than maybe being a tad on the small size, considering a Dacia Duster too but put off by the cabin as it really is quite low rent. at the other end of the scale I may look at Landrovers or Wranglers but worry about the cost and comfort on long journeys as this will be the min car. Also have A Mito as a run around.
From what you describe a Yeti is too small especially in the boot also a torquey diesel will be better for your needs than a petrol as you'll end up working it harder for no real gain.
My options are a bit leftfield:
Mazda5 Sport Ventue petrol/diesel
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Diesel
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Infiniti EX GT Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
X3 30d SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
If you really want petrol then these are the picks:
X3 25i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Subaru Tribeca
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
My options are a bit leftfield:
Mazda5 Sport Ventue petrol/diesel
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Diesel
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Infiniti EX GT Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
X3 30d SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
If you really want petrol then these are the picks:
X3 25i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Subaru Tribeca
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Hello Matt,
We looked at the Yeti many moons ago and whilst I liked the way it drove and the quirkiness it was pretty obvious it was not up to the job of outdoor holidays and all the paraphanalia that goes with it. it's just not big enough to carry all the stuff you are likely need to take with you and the family.
If you are anything like us inevitably you start making the camping experience more comfortable and luxurious (oxy-moron I know, slumming it in a tent haha) so you start adding to your kit and before you know it you need a transit
our activities included camping, walking, cycling and fishing - so that adds up to a whole load of kit - and there was only the two of us!
We plumped on a Hyundai Santa Fe Premium auto 5 seater which had a huge boot, great under rear deck storage and a full size spare alloy slung underneath the rear. It was a decent steer for a big bus. Ours was a 2010 and did us fine for nearly five years without any troubles. Not the most agile of drives and economy was not great around town but ok on a good run - possibly up to 40 mpg if careful.
I would say with the rear seats folded you probably could lie down in the back at a pinch.
We looked at the Yeti many moons ago and whilst I liked the way it drove and the quirkiness it was pretty obvious it was not up to the job of outdoor holidays and all the paraphanalia that goes with it. it's just not big enough to carry all the stuff you are likely need to take with you and the family.
If you are anything like us inevitably you start making the camping experience more comfortable and luxurious (oxy-moron I know, slumming it in a tent haha) so you start adding to your kit and before you know it you need a transit
our activities included camping, walking, cycling and fishing - so that adds up to a whole load of kit - and there was only the two of us!We plumped on a Hyundai Santa Fe Premium auto 5 seater which had a huge boot, great under rear deck storage and a full size spare alloy slung underneath the rear. It was a decent steer for a big bus. Ours was a 2010 and did us fine for nearly five years without any troubles. Not the most agile of drives and economy was not great around town but ok on a good run - possibly up to 40 mpg if careful.
I would say with the rear seats folded you probably could lie down in the back at a pinch.
Deerfoot said:
Have a look at an Octavia Scout, it has a bigger boot than the Yeti.
The Yeti boot is small. Octavia estate boot (despite the claimed volume) is not that big for large items, though, especially if you have people in the back seats. As somebody else has said, a van type vehicle would be better. How "rugged" do you need?
Edited by MC Bodge on Saturday 23 May 14:59
Matt, here's a short review I did on the Santa Fe when I had a bit, just bare in mind it's a few years ago now.
Review 2010 2.2 CRDi Premium (5 seat) Auto 5dr 4 X 4
Surprisingly good, exceeded expectations for a Hyundai but more thirsty than I expected
Bought car new in July 2010 to meet my needs – versatile 4wd, 5 seats, large load bay, decent refinement and driving manners and researched with help from the motoring web sites and press.
Considered Tiguan, Kuga, Yeti, Qashqai etc – all too small for my needs.
Test drove Freelander (boot too small, all nice kit extra money, dealer not willing to deal sensibly) CRV (VTEC and Auto together not good, diesel never available for test drive), iX35 surprisingly good but Santa Fe better).
So why did I go for the Santa Fe? In a nut shell, the Hyundai impressed with its ability, kit list and quality considering the price you pay and I got a fair amount off the list price and a good price for my trade-in. The premium spec offers a comprehensive equipment list (check it out), surprisingly good drive especially with the auto box, refinement, 5yr warranty.
A few points to note which may be helpful to both existing and prospective owners.
Official fuel economy 39.2mpg. Actual 34.0 mpg in mixed driving. 40.0mpg motorway. Around town and short cold journeys give much less than this and I find myself using less right foot which spoils the driving enjoyment a tad. 7200 mls so hope this will improve somewhat. Would gladly trade the power for economy at this stage of ownership.
6-speed auto gearbox (also with manual shift) is excellent in most situations. However, considering the amount of torque available, I think it is too quick to change down from 6th to 5th at about 50mph, just the sort of speed on A-roads where you want to maximise economy in top gear.
4WD this last winter marked improvement over previous 2WD cars. Very competent and sure footed.
Foot operated parking brake – no problem – operated from pedal to left of brake pedal, push to set, push to unset – easy. In fact would not have it any other way now. This is not like the Mercedes-
Benz offering of pedal to set and dashboard lever to unset. (My car is automatic, manuals have conventional handbrake set too high and heavy clutch).
Steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach and suits me just fine.
Electrically operated drivers seat is quite comfortable but does not allow the seat to go low enough for my preference. I’m 5’8” so this may be a problem for taller drivers.
Dashboard very logical and easy to use all controls. Radio/CD decent quality sound with power bass enabled.
Indicator stalk on RHS of steering column OK once you get used to it. Only problem is driving most other cars now.
On my 5st version there is a lot of storage under the boot floor where the rear seats stow on the 7st version – 2 rucksacks and 2 pair boots easy – very useful. The boot is huge and with the seats folded massive. Great for the camping gear. 60/40 Split rear seats recline and fold individually and very useful. Plenty of in-cabin storage including big door pockets and two compartment centre armrest.
Spare wheel is full sized alloy deployed from under rear deck by manual cable winch which takes away a lot of the effort in handling the weight of 18” wheels.
Privacy glass standard on premium spec and would not have been my choice. Too dark.
Faults: None whatsoever.
Niggles: Fuel consumption, jiggly ride on some surfaces, rear seat backs “shudder” noisily when traversing bumps.
Review 2010 2.2 CRDi Premium (5 seat) Auto 5dr 4 X 4
Surprisingly good, exceeded expectations for a Hyundai but more thirsty than I expected
Bought car new in July 2010 to meet my needs – versatile 4wd, 5 seats, large load bay, decent refinement and driving manners and researched with help from the motoring web sites and press.
Considered Tiguan, Kuga, Yeti, Qashqai etc – all too small for my needs.
Test drove Freelander (boot too small, all nice kit extra money, dealer not willing to deal sensibly) CRV (VTEC and Auto together not good, diesel never available for test drive), iX35 surprisingly good but Santa Fe better).
So why did I go for the Santa Fe? In a nut shell, the Hyundai impressed with its ability, kit list and quality considering the price you pay and I got a fair amount off the list price and a good price for my trade-in. The premium spec offers a comprehensive equipment list (check it out), surprisingly good drive especially with the auto box, refinement, 5yr warranty.
A few points to note which may be helpful to both existing and prospective owners.
Official fuel economy 39.2mpg. Actual 34.0 mpg in mixed driving. 40.0mpg motorway. Around town and short cold journeys give much less than this and I find myself using less right foot which spoils the driving enjoyment a tad. 7200 mls so hope this will improve somewhat. Would gladly trade the power for economy at this stage of ownership.
6-speed auto gearbox (also with manual shift) is excellent in most situations. However, considering the amount of torque available, I think it is too quick to change down from 6th to 5th at about 50mph, just the sort of speed on A-roads where you want to maximise economy in top gear.
4WD this last winter marked improvement over previous 2WD cars. Very competent and sure footed.
Foot operated parking brake – no problem – operated from pedal to left of brake pedal, push to set, push to unset – easy. In fact would not have it any other way now. This is not like the Mercedes-
Benz offering of pedal to set and dashboard lever to unset. (My car is automatic, manuals have conventional handbrake set too high and heavy clutch).
Steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach and suits me just fine.
Electrically operated drivers seat is quite comfortable but does not allow the seat to go low enough for my preference. I’m 5’8” so this may be a problem for taller drivers.
Dashboard very logical and easy to use all controls. Radio/CD decent quality sound with power bass enabled.
Indicator stalk on RHS of steering column OK once you get used to it. Only problem is driving most other cars now.
On my 5st version there is a lot of storage under the boot floor where the rear seats stow on the 7st version – 2 rucksacks and 2 pair boots easy – very useful. The boot is huge and with the seats folded massive. Great for the camping gear. 60/40 Split rear seats recline and fold individually and very useful. Plenty of in-cabin storage including big door pockets and two compartment centre armrest.
Spare wheel is full sized alloy deployed from under rear deck by manual cable winch which takes away a lot of the effort in handling the weight of 18” wheels.
Privacy glass standard on premium spec and would not have been my choice. Too dark.
Faults: None whatsoever.
Niggles: Fuel consumption, jiggly ride on some surfaces, rear seat backs “shudder” noisily when traversing bumps.
Had a yeti 2.0 tdi 4x4 with dsg gearbox, very torquy, fun to drive on b-roads, not so spacious but depending on how you arrange the cargo you will be amazed how much stuff you can put in (is taller than a combi or wagon), also having the driving characteristics of a small-medium size car is easy to throw around and drive on the city, not the very best driving position and the seat was a bit weird for my also weird body.
If you really need more cargo space I will try to look for an Octavia or even a Touareg, the 2.5 TDI ones are pretty reliable and more simple than the bigger engines/more equipped models.
(sorry for my crappy english).
If you really need more cargo space I will try to look for an Octavia or even a Touareg, the 2.5 TDI ones are pretty reliable and more simple than the bigger engines/more equipped models.
(sorry for my crappy english).
MC Bodge said:
The Yeti boot is small. Octavia estate boot (despite the claimed volume) is not that big for large items, though, especially if you have people in the back seats.
Yeti boot volume seats up = 416 litresOctavia Scout volume seats up = 610 litres
Appears considerably bigger to me?
The T5/6 suggestion is good, however they are all way overpriced.
The short wheelbase MB Viano could fit the bill, very compact so good in urban situations, comes with a 3.0 CDI and the suspension on the facelifted model (post 2011 I think) is way better then the VW.
Similarly some Transit version is a better steer then the VW.
The short wheelbase MB Viano could fit the bill, very compact so good in urban situations, comes with a 3.0 CDI and the suspension on the facelifted model (post 2011 I think) is way better then the VW.
Similarly some Transit version is a better steer then the VW.
I had a Yeti. The boot volume below the parcel shelf is very small when you've got the full sized spare wheel. I ended up getting a cargo barrier to go behind the seats so I could pack it to the ceiling. It is so tall that you can really fill it up once the barrier is in. Being able to remove the seats from the car opens up many possibilities if you aren't carrying rear passengers. I once got a drop leaf dining table and 4 chairs in mine. As for sleeping in the back, there's only 1500mm behind the front seats. So, not impossible, but not ideal. If I had kept mine I would have eventually gone down the roof tent route.
Brilliant cars though. Drove ours 2000 miles around France a couple of years ago, camping along the way. With rear seats removed, you can place 3x large ikea boxes in their place, and they fit snugly against the seat rails. They are really excellent camping/outdoors cars. IMO it's got just the right amount of off road clearances for the everyman. The places I visit are often up pot holed and rutted tracks and it's ideal for it. Personally I'd get another Yeti over an Octavia, even though it's smaller. They are proper fun
Number plate was cleared immediately after! This was the beast from the east in 2017 early on a Sunday morning. With a set of all-season tyres it was epic fun.
Example of it's van-like abilities. Those are 27.5" mountain bike wheels - so around 700mm tall.
Brilliant cars though. Drove ours 2000 miles around France a couple of years ago, camping along the way. With rear seats removed, you can place 3x large ikea boxes in their place, and they fit snugly against the seat rails. They are really excellent camping/outdoors cars. IMO it's got just the right amount of off road clearances for the everyman. The places I visit are often up pot holed and rutted tracks and it's ideal for it. Personally I'd get another Yeti over an Octavia, even though it's smaller. They are proper fun
Number plate was cleared immediately after! This was the beast from the east in 2017 early on a Sunday morning. With a set of all-season tyres it was epic fun.
Example of it's van-like abilities. Those are 27.5" mountain bike wheels - so around 700mm tall.
Edited by mstrbkr on Sunday 24th May 07:07
Thanks very much all for the good advice and info! its looking like the boot on a Yeti is going to be small. Love the idea of a T5 but unfortunately its far too big, maybe a VW Caddy would be worth a look. The idea of an Octavia scout could be worth a look along with other small/medium estate cars. Something like a Hyundai Santa Fe and the like doesn't really appeal and I couldn't think of a car I would less likely want to own than a BMW X3.
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