Skoda has announced that the highly anticipated release of the new Yeti will take place at next month’s Frankfurt motor show (10-22 September).
The popular SUV’s 2014 instalment will feature two separate design ranges – an urban focused one, with body-coloured bumpers for a “stylish city look”, and a more rugged, off-road version, retaining the robust black plastic bumpers.
A point of interest to caravanners will be the layout of the Yeti’s new rear-end.
This includes a new form of tailgate with distinctive tail lights, optionally available with LEDs, and, in line with the new Skoda look, two cubist triangular elements alongside the new Skoda logo.
Shifting our attention to the layout of the interior, the outer seats can be shifted across with the middle seat removed, transforming the Yeti from a five-seater to a spacious four-seater.
When all rear seats are taken out the boot volume increases from the standard 405 litres, up to a maximum of 1,760 litres.
Skoda has also confirmed that the new Yeti boasts the most rear headspace among compact SUVs, all thanks to the Czech company’s VarioFlex rear seating system, aiming to bring maximum versatility to the vehicle.
The engine line-up features three turbo petrol engines – including a 1.2-litre unit with 103bhp, and a 1.4 with 121bhp – and four diesel engines, including a 1.6 with 103bhp and a 2.0-litre with 138bhp or 168bhp.
The SUV’s electronically controlled all-wheel drive, with fifth generation Haldex coupling and ground clearance of 180 mm, serve to make it suitable for handling on any terrain.
The new Yeti will also be the first Skoda car to feature a rear parking camera, and an Optical Parking Assistant feature, which can reverse parallel park and pull out the vehicle automatically.
The GreenLine version is the line up’s attempt at appealing to the environmentally conscious customer, producing the lowest CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.
Skoda has reiterated their commitment to being “uncompromised in terms of safety”, an aspect for which the Yeti was awarded five stars at the 2009 Euro NCAP Crashtest.
With this in mind, the new model is equipped with electronic stability control and an anti-lock braking system.
Depending on the engine of choice, the kerbweight can be up to1,435 kg .
Based on the Caravan Club’s 85% rule, this would make a Sprite Alpine 4 a suitable towing match.
The new Yeti has not been given an official price tag yet; however it is unlikely to change dramatically from the current models, which are among the most affordable on the market.
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