Skoda Yeti: A Legend

The Skoda Yeti made a significant impact when it was launched in India in 2010, offering a compact yet versatile SUV with impressive performance and European engineering. Known for its rugged design and high-quality interiors, the Yeti quickly became a favorite among SUV enthusiasts. Although it was discontinued in India in 2017, the Yeti’s legacy still holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Launch Of The Yeti

The Skoda Yeti was first introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. In India, the facelifted Yeti was launched in September 2014 at the Delhi Auto Expo. It came in only one variant, the Elegance variant available with both manual & automatic transmissions, petrol & diesel as well as an option between FWD & AWD. The 4X2 variant had a starting price of Rs 18.63 lakh, and the 4X4 variant had a starting price of Rs 20.14 lakh.

Design

The design of the Skoda Yeti blends rugged SUV characteristics with a refined, compact style that made it stand out in the Indian market. Its exterior design was a mix of sharp lines and soft curves, giving it a modern yet practical look. It had a uniquely boxy design and an upright design at the rear, unlike other competing crossovers at the time.

Interior Design

The Skoda Yeti’s interior was designed for comfort, style, and practicality. It offered spacious seating for five, with high-quality materials like soft-touch plastics and brushed metal accents. The front seats were supportive and provided excellent visibility, while the rear seats were roomy enough for taller passengers. The rear seats fold flat to create extra boot space, perfect for carrying larger items.
It came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supported Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity. It also featured automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control.

With an elevated driving position, the Yeti provided great visibility. It was equipped with safety features like airbags, ABS, and ESP. It came loaded with features and was an overall well-built & engineered premium crossover.

Engine Options & Drivetrain

The Skoda Yeti came with a 2.0L TDI diesel engine & a 1.2L TSI petrol engine. It was also available with both manual and automatic transmissions, with a 5-speed manual for FWD cars with the diesel engine. It came with a six-speed manual transmission for 4X4 cars & the 1.2L TSI variant. It also offered 6-speed & 7-speed DSG automatic transmissions in the diesel & petrol variants, respectively. You could also get your Yeti with a 4×4 Haldex AWD system.

Conclusion

The Skoda Yeti offered a unique combination of compact SUV design, practicality, and European craftsmanship. While it impressed with its premium interior, solid build quality, and versatile features, it faced tough competition in the Indian market from models like the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, and Mahindra XUV300. These competitors offered similar features at competitive prices, with some excelling in areas like engine performance and after-sales service.

Though the Yeti stood out for its comfort and handling, its pricing and limited service network were challenges. Despite being discontinued in India in 2017, the Yeti’s legacy remains, appreciated by those who seek a well-rounded and reliable SUV. Ultimately, the Yeti appealed to a niche audience, offering quality and refinement, but couldn’t match the mass-market appeal of its rivals.