2011 - Skoda Yeti 4x4

People have never tired of talking about that mythical creature who, with his white fur coat and sharp teeth, lives high up in icy mountains. Although they have never met him, people still speak with great conviction of their encounter with that peaceful inhabitant of the dizzying heights, who is said to have shown many a lost soul the route from the regions of eternal ice to the safety of the valley below. Škoda Auto is celebrating a new member of our model range, which has been given the name of that helpful snowman: The Škoda Yeti is launched. The choice of name truly has a deeper significance. The Škoda Yeti is strong, geared to move under difficult conditions and help its passengers along where others give up. But it has the edge on the original Yeti: Unlike him, it is also happy in warmer areas, finding its way not just in difficult terrain and off road, but with equal confidence and assurance on the road.

These were precisely the aims its designers had in mind during Škoda Yeti's development: The fifth model in the Škoda range would combine these virtues, which have so far been realised by cars in completely different segments, but not found together in one vehicle. That is, the handling and driving comfort of conventional mid-range vehicles, combined with brilliant off-road capabilities. That such a vehicle should also provide above-average space, high carrying capacity and a powerful towing capability has raised the stakes considerably.

The result marks a new chapter in the extremely diverse history of Škoda. Although in the past there were a number of off-road vehicles in the long-established Škoda brand, they never even remotely met the high demands of uncompromised suitability for driving on normal, public roads as well as off-road that Škoda Yeti does.

The first notable Škoda off-roader was a prototype of the Škoda Superb 3000 - Kfz 15 (type 956). From 1942 to 1943, it was built as a saloon with a 3.1 litre, in-line, six cylinder engine and four wheel drive. The type 973 off-road vehicle was produced from 1952 to 1956 and left its mark thanks to its off-road suitability, a wading depth of 600 millimetres, a climbing capability of 85 per cent and excellent handling on the road.

Yeti takes Škoda's experience of more than 100 years of car development, concentrating and honing it in a comfortable and powerful vehicle, setting new standards in the compact SUV segment. Škoda Yeti comes to market with five wide-opening doors, making access to the passenger compartment and luggage storing easy. In addition, permanent, intelligent, power-distributing four-wheel drive and ground clearance of 180 millimetres makes Škoda Yeti suitable for off-roading.

Škoda Yeti's overall length of 4,223 millimetres allows drivers to fit into even those parking spaces that are far from generous, while its width of 1,793 millimetres guarantees that the doors can be opened wide in tight spots. And if the terrain becomes rough and more challenging, the slim stature of the Škoda Yeti always finds a gap to get through. Dimensions are a height of 1,691 millimetres, unladen weight with driver of 1,520 kilograms (1.8 TSI 4x4) and a load of at least 545 kilograms, with flexible boot volume of 416 litres to 1,760 litres. A maximum trailer weight of 1,800 kilograms makes Škoda Yeti a safe and hardworking towing vehicle.

In the compact SUV segment, the Škoda Yeti encounters seasoned competitors, such as the Kia Sportage, the Hyundai Tucson, the Nissan Qashqai and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Škoda Yeti claims leadership in this very popular, but densely populated, class. Apart from its excellent off-road properties and handling characteristics in town, on country roads and motorways - which in no way lag behind those of the compact sector - the new Škoda possesses the youngest engine range in the segment. This ensures maximum fuel economy and the lowest possible emissions.

Škoda Yeti's developers believe the SUV class can only achieve lasting success with an environmentally sound and affordable engine strategy. Therefore, Škoda Yeti's engine range is based on Škoda's downsizing strategy, reducing capacity while at the same increasing performance, thanks to highly sophisticated forced induction. High torque at low engine speeds results from this innovative power unit development.

At the same time, consumption is lowered, easing the strain on Škoda Yeti drivers' wallets, and engine emissions drop, making a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2, NOX and HC. Škoda Yeti wants to be at home in nature and, therefore, not endanger it. For motorists who may not want permanent four-wheel drive, Škoda Auto also offers Yeti in front-wheel drive versions. The generous ground clearance of the new compact SUV still ensures better and safer progress on poor, rutted tracks.

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