Skoda has launched a facelift for its capable Yeti. Being a mid-life update, the tweaks aren't extensive.
Let’s start with the obvious changes, the ones to the look of the exterior. Though we were fans of the old car’s rather quirky looking face — that quad headlamp arrangement in particular — we can see why Skoda would’ve wanted to swap it for something a little bit more palatable. A small number of people would have found the oddball styling unique and interesting, but the fact of the matter is that the masses prefer something non-controversial, and so the new Yeti’s face looks a lot like the rest of the range now. The LED-imbued rectangular headlamps feature projector beams and sit alongside the new Skoda ‘butterfly’ grille. You can also opt for a Mini Cooper-esque contrast-coloured roof in black, white or silver on certain paint shades.
Other cosmetic changes are less obvious, like the silver wing mirrors, LED tail-lamps in the signature Skoda ‘C’ shape, nips and tucks to both bumpers, the angular kinks in the tailgate – another new Skoda design staple, and a sliver of chrome along the doors. The alloy wheels, though still 16-inchers, are new too, and you get two different designs for the 4x2 and 4x4 versions.
Which brings us on to the mechanicals of the Yeti, which are almost entirely the same as before. It’s still powered by the ubiquitous (and rather good) VW Group 2.0 TDI diesel engine, making either 109bhp or 138bhp, depending on whether you choose the 4x2 or the 4x4. Skoda says it’s worked on the clutch to make it lighter and less prone to stalling, as was an issue with the old car. It is a little better than before, but we did still manage to stall it a few times when we weren’t being careful. Sadly, however, there is still no petrol engine option, nor is there the option of Skoda’s excellent DSG automatic gearbox, which are both things we feel would have simply enhanced the Yeti’s appeal as an urban SUV.
The one slight mechanical change is the inclusion of a new generation of Haldex 4x4 system, which is a few kilograms lighter than the old one. It also brings with it a new off-road programme, which at the press of a button on the dashboard, will alter the way the engine, gearbox, brakes, four-wheel-drive system and electronic aids behave, in order to give you better performance off tarmac.
Otherwise, it’s business as usual driving the Yeti, and business is good. The less-powerful version of the engine in the 4x2 has been tuned for a better bottom end, with quick responses when you set off and not too much poke at the upper reaches of the powerband. Conversely, the 138bhp version in the 4x4 does feel more sluggish low down, but instead has a really strong top end by diesel standards.
What’s common to both, however, is a mighty mid-range, which lets you catapult out of corners with ease and overtake other cars with a twitch of your right ankle.
Despite the engine, however, the highlight of the Yeti was always its ride and handling balance. It’s not as nimble as a sedan and the setup is a little stiff, but for such a tall, heavy car, the compromise is really very good. The ride is a little thumpy at low speeds, but the moment you pick the pace up even slightly, it improves dramatically and just squashes any sort of bump. Both versions handle well too, with a steering that feels good in your hands and dynamics that are great for this sort of car, and pretty tidy in isolation as well. But above all else, it feels supremely secure at speed, making for a great highway car.
On the inside, you’ll find the same supportive front seats, and the super-flexible rear seats that split 60:40:60, fold, flip forward or can be removed altogether. The steering wheel is the new three-spoke design that’s spread across the rest of the Skoda range, and feels good to hold. The car is currently only available in the top Elegance trim, and comes with a bit more kit — like an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, electric folding mirrors, keyless entry and go, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control. It might seem like basic stuff, but it helps cement the car’s premium positioning.
And that’s really the point of this Yeti facelift, at the end of the day. Because it’s not very large and only has five seats, the sentiment in India was that it wasn’t great value at its price. At Rs 18.99 lakh for the 4x2 version, the facelift is even more expensive than the outgoing car. Yes, we would have liked to have seen a petrol version or an automatic gearbox, but then the current engine and gearbox combo is really competent. Skoda is clear that it isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel with the Yeti, nor is it after huge sales numbers – in fact, its target is only a couple hundred units per month. It wants, instead, to show that its cars are premium, well engineered and very capable, and there can be no doubt that the Yeti fits that bill.
