New-Look Skoda Yeti: Family Bus, Off-Road Champ And All-Round Good Guy

The Skoda Yeti has always been a lot more than just a capable crossover since its introduction in 2009; it’s also proven itself to be a perfect family car that’s affordable, durable and, importantly, a decent steer too. So with this facelifted version, how has Skoda moved the game on?

The first improvement comes in the Yeti’s fresh look, which features angular new headlights, grilles and bumpers that bring it in line with the rest of the range. The AWD Outdoor also has more rakish lines to provide greater ground clearance, and bulky trim that’ll stand up to off-road abuse.

Our route through the Cotswolds took in sweeping country roads and picturesque villages, before we punched our way across a genuinely tough off-road course to properly test the Outdoor’s Haldex 4x4 system.

But before that, we got behind the wheel of the 108bhp 2.0TDI. First impressions? It’s a bit gruff and grumbly, lacking the refinement of other modern diesels. If you’ve bought this car primarily for lugging snot-ridden sprogs to and from school, the 1.2-litre TSI is the one to go for. It may pump a little more CO2 into the atmosphere, but you’ll appreciate the infinitely smoother drive.

The interior certainly serves its purpose. If you’re used to clearing up after excitable youngsters you’ll no doubt appreciate the ease with which you can clean it. The seats leave a lot to be desired, though, providing little support, which leads to a detached driving experience. The infotainment system is, again, adequate. It’ll do the job, even if the graphics are a little dated and the sat-nav isn’t particularly intuitive.

If you want your Yeti with 4x4, you need to go for the Outdoor model whose 2.0-litre TDI makes a healthy 138bhp. Again, the diesel is gruff, but its latest-gen Haldex multi-disc clutch seamlessly shifts power to the wheels that are generating the most grip. It monitors the steering angle, throttle position and brake inputs to interpret the car’s behaviour, acting accordingly.

How does this work in the real world? Effortlessly. Skoda really couldn’t have asked for a tougher test; the English winter appears to have picked up as much of the Atlantic as its deep black clouds will allow meaning we bounced and scrabbled through deep, water-logged ruts, all the while the wheels pinching and grabbing for grip. It’s certainly no Land Rover, but for a family car on road tyres, it was mighty impressive.

But don’t think for a minute that this is a faux-by-four. For serious off roading it has uphill and downhill assist and you can also spec a rough road package, which gives extra protection to the important bits underneath.

In its on road form the Yeti isn’t exactly a game changer. The Czechs have found a formula that works and they’re sticking to it, doing just enough to keep up with their rivals. Starting at £16,600 for the 1.2-litre TSI, it comes in about £1000 less expensive than the entry-level Qashqai, in whom it has a strong rival. Honestly? The extra cash is probably worth it for the Nissan’s premium interior.

The real story, though, is the Yeti Outdoor. If you own a farm or enjoy an occasional soiree onto the green stuff, we think you’ll be surprised at how effectively this cute crossover handles life.

Simply put, the Yeti is just bloody good at what it does. Whether that’s ferrying the family or kicking mud into the sky, it won’t blow your mind or set any precedents, but it’ll get on with the job at hand, no questions asked.