Why the Skoda Yeti is better than most modern cars - review

Why am I reviewing a car that came out 14 years ago? Because it’s a Skoda Yeti and it’s bloomin' awesome, that’s why. The Yeti has a special place in my driving history for reasons we’ll get onto, but it was popular in the pre-KZbin era, so I’m just trying to bring this car’s greatness into the 2020s. Really enjoyed making this video - please drop us a like if you… liked it!
Here's the Clarkson film of the Yeti with a helicopter on its roof: • Skoda Yeti | Road Test...
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[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I'm really enjoying hearing all your Yeti ownership stories - keep 'em coming!

[@amimartian]

VW naming idiocy. All Skoda SUVs have to start with a K. For VWs it’s a T.

[@MattBotan]

I bought mine for 8.3 k euro last year with 142k km on it (4th owner). It’s my first car and I absolutely love it. I’ve already put 18k more kms on it since I’ve bought it and I wanna keep it for as long as I reasonably can. But the sadness of having nothing to replace it with in a few years is slowly starting to dawn on me. Mine is a 140 hp diesel from 2012 and almost top spec interior (sans leather). I’ve taken it places offroad in the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania that maybe were beyond it’s intended capabilities! But it pulled through. It really is a budget dream car for me.

[@fishbiscuit2000]

I had a brand new Yeti TDI 4x4 company car back in 2009. That winter 2009/10, I was travelling home for Christmas from Edinburgh to Inverness and beyond on the 22nd December. I was literally the last car off the A9 before it was closed for three days, with some cars stuck for much longer. A friend of mine who was trying to drive up a few hours behind me in a Suzuki Grand Vitara was stuck on the M90 near Perth overnight. With snow tires it just kept going where other cars were sliding off the road. The police at the north end of the Drumochter pass couldn't believe I had got through. The previous car, twenty minutes or so before me was a Defender. I loved that car, shame I had to give it back when I changed jobs.

[@paulbarber8450]

The Skoda Yeti ....awesome??🤔 I thought their handling was "Abominable"..😂😂

[@delwalker2124]

Looking at some online Can see one with high mileage..should that put me off?

[@tantaroba1337]

I worked at a Skoda dealer for 7 years. For everyone looking to buy a Yeti, inspect all the doors and rear wheelarches, since they are notorious for rust. We had an entire Yeti door cemetary behind the shop, we changed so many of them.

[@bastik.3011]

My superb rusts in the wheel arches and on the passenger door sil at the wheel arch

[@tantaroba1337]

@@sunnasmilieu not quite true. I know rusty front fenders are very common across many VW models. Strangely, the Yeti was the only Skoda to have such rust issues. (I'm excluding the mk1 Octavia).

[@TheKruxed]

Mine has the rust blisters on one door, they've come from nowhere and are degrading and spreading fast, so you can imagine my not surprise to read this comment or see all the Yeti doors for sale with rust imperfections of them already lol

[@mrdunns3338]

Agreed. The second of my Yetis was bought new and traded in after 5 years with 74k miles on the clock. Rear bottom corners on both front door were showing signs of rust, well known fault as the proofing doesn't reach that spot.

[@alexnder8401]

Skoda really screwed with Yeti painting

[@mtumasz]

Why they gave up on this great name is beyond me

[@hillstart8149]

I can’t remember where I heard this, but apparently the reason why Skoda canned it is because it didn’t sell that well in mainland Europe.

[@oxygenium92]

Because average customer wants crossover/suv and not a practical car

[@wutsfordinner]

Sales in China. The CCP is not too fond of any psycholinguistics related to Tibet or the region's culture. It exists as the Karoq now, which is part of the escimo three - kamiq, karoq and kodiaq

[@stu573]

They are every other car in Yorkshire. Lol

[@DalmintheLastbottom]

​@wutsfordinner doesnt the Enyaq also qualify for that or is that name just to make it fit in the line-up?

[@SteveSmith-wk9dx]

I manage a taxi fleet which mostly used Skodas, and back in the day we had a few Yetis. Most drivers weren't impressed to be issued one as opposed to a Octavia or Superb because of its van-like appearance. After they'd driven one for a bit, they'd fight tooth and nail to keep it.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Haha, yup! One of those cars you need to drive to appreciate

[@mrdunns3338]

When I had an Octavia estate before the first of my 2 Yetis, I fitted a genuine Skoda steel sump guard. The dealer said it was their best-selling accessory, lots of taxi owners were fitting them, as the thousands of speed humps in & around Edinburgh were ripping out their sumps.

[@bitsbobs5509]

What’s the road tax on them as all 4x4s are hit hard usually. Is there a 2 wheel drive version option. Having just sold my 02 Disco cos of the punitive road tax I don’t want the same if I buy a Yeti. I don’t need the 4x4 drive these days as I only go down a few tracks which front drive and higher ground clearance will.

[@chrisw9642]

I went from an 08' accord to a 2013 2.0 Skoda Yeti 170 elegance. Was the best car I ever owned. Very fast, very practical, great handling. Then someone unfortunately crashed into the side of me and it was written off. But, I loved the yeti so much I went and searched all of UK for another 170 elegance yeti. I found another and bought it right away! Long live the yeti.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Dammit...off to autotrader

[@popuptoaster]

If you think a 2 litre Yeti is "very fast" you really need to drive something decent, the Yeti is many good things, fast, it is not.

[@chrisw9642]

@@popuptoaster Yeah, not everyone is driving supercars. I'm speaking of my own experience and probably most usual drivers who aren't minted. A 170bhp yeti isn't nothing.

[@RATADATUAVELHA]

@@popuptoaster 2.0 TDI 170 is very fast, whatever VAG it is inserted in. I have a Skoda Superb 130 remap to 170 and an Octavia 140 remap to 180 and trust me, any bmw, mercedes and whatever with same hp, it will be smashed by both of my cars. many did and they get angry 😂 I see their faces on the mirror.

[@TheFlyingClutchman]

​@@popuptoasterconsidering an E46 320d only had 150bhp, the 170bhp you get from the Yeti TDI is not bad at all

[@Elwon20]

The man on topgear who got the tattoo in that car was a friend of mine. Sadly he passed not all that long ago. He will always be remembered fondly by the family and friends he left behind. Rest in peace.

[@dante666jt]

Rip

[@nicholasbell9931]

Cars like this Yeti, and the Roomster were from a time when Skoda had the leeway to produce individual and characterful vehicles. It was pretty obvious that the VW masters didnt like the fact that these quirky models were so successful, and more appealling than the main VW brand stuff, so Skoda had to be brought into line and come up with somwthing more mainstream.

[@thajdu1]

yeah. they've managed to turn Skoda into a boring and overpriced brand.

[@vrusostalstreak6557]

Exactly, when I found out about Skoda Tudor concept I was furious that VW always has to be "the only one taking credit" and obviously VW ditched that concept.

[@montre-moi]

It's like they all want to kill practical cars. Let us have practical cars ffs!!!

[@swisswildpicsswp3095]

VW, give us back the Yeti, the roomster, and all practical vehicles! Renault, we want the Espace back! Toyota, give us another Yaris Verso ffs! Where are the vans, the roomy SUVs, the Chevrolet Astros of the future?? We want removable seats, great volumes, less gadgets and more USB ports!

[@Nulrom]

I have a yeti and a roomster 😂

[@johnrussell5245]

I have a 2015, 2 litre, 170bhp Monte Carlo diesel 4x4 Yeti and I agree with all you say. The only thing I'd add is it's amazing towing ability. It's rated up to two tonnes and is really capable-mainly due to the short rear overhang and excellent pulling power. It also averages 45-50 mpg on a long run without a trailer. I'll be hanging onto it for a long time to come.

[@joedennehy386]

Great stuff. I had a 2010 VW passat 125kw TDI, loved the car, and the engine. good for towing

[@michaellavery4899]

Nice to hear that from a 170bhp TDI owner. These figures are fantastic when you consider the size and power of the engine and increased drag coefficient. That is only 10 to 15 mpg less than the 105bhp 1.6 TDI Rapid that I own.

[@Aluzcz]

This reminds me the tropic thunder quote... you never go full.... well you went full with this skoda :D

[@ambergris5705]

The Yeti is amazing, because it's got the rare combination of two attributes: it makes sense, and it's got a soul. Now, we like cars with souls, but they tend to be the worst to live with. The Yeti on the other hand has got plenty of character, but it's never at the expense of its practicality and down to earth common sense. Like: the styling? It just works really well, that's a very nice looking car from all angles. And it does not compromise practicality. It handles well, but does not become uncomfortable. Quality, but not expensive. And it's simple, but not basic. They really struck gold with the Yeti, and made their efforts for the following generations of Skoda a bit "try hard"

[@g_r_e_e_b_o]

That bit about the character of the yeti… couldn’t have said it better, you summed it up brilliantly.

[@Random-nf7qb]

Imo, the Touran is better, apart from the fact it didn't get a 4x4 version

[@Samlowry27B-6]

We just got an 8 year old Yeti and it feels and drives like a new car. its so impressive.

[@Ambienfinity]

It's a brilliant 'do everything' car. I remember the film Clarkson did on Top Gear, and it proved the point -- you're right, the Yeti was awesome.

[@paulwardzynski3265]

Good fun. I still regret not buying one as it would have lasted us for years. Skoda missed a trick not bringing out a modern version based on such a good compact, well engineered platform.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

100% agree. I guess the maths didn't stack up for them :(

[@TheKruxed]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Its more likely VW started pressuring them, look what Seat has done in spinning off Cupra to be able to continue doing their own thing

[@renardargent6487]

I thought the Karoq was the Yeti's replacement.

[@TheKruxed]

@@renardargent6487Yea and its the generic curved box with stiff suspension and crud handling lol it was brought in line with what VW was releasing, I forget the equivalent name but its basically a carbon copy now where as the Yeti was a bit unique

[@philipglasgow3307]

T-Roc?@@TheKruxed

[@khrisbharath752]

I'm so pleased to see this particular car, as it was this very example and Jeremy's review that led me to getting mine about a 11 years ago. (2.0 TDI 4x4 Elegance). It still puts a smile on my face, every time I get behind the wheel.

[@SgtNuker]

The Yeti's episode made me want a Yeti. How could you not? The capability, the design. Definitely agree on the 2.0L diesel option as well. Oh and ... this is all coming from someone that lives in the States.

[@mrdunns3338]

Simply one of the best ever cars built and such a shame that it's replacement isn't as characterful. I owned 2 Yetis over a 7 year period and only had 2 warranty issues, pan roof switch dropped to bits and the heating element in the driver's seat failed, both sorted quickly and a courtesy car provided. Went to replace the second car and after much research bought an ex-demo Subaru Forester as the then new Kodiaq was outside the budget. Scooby was a disaster 4 warranty garage visits in 16 months and couldn't get rid of it quickly enough when the Kodiaq fell into the budget. 3 1/2 years on driving a Skoda ex-management 150 TDi Edition with pan roof, 7 seats and space saver spare, still very happy and zero warranty issues. RIP Yeti, you're missed.

[@nicolestam1377]

I’ve just purchased a 2010 one and picking it up next week, exact same model as this one! Very excited after having a handful of different cars over the last couple of months (including a 59 plate Honda jazz aha), im hoping this will keep me going for the foreseeable 😊 great video!

[@msulemanf]

Great choice of car. You have a really good presentation and voice for getting across lots of info quickly. It would be great to see other under appreciated cars which did their job well.

[@adnanshah5469]

I had a new one in 2013, a 110ps TDI Elegance in black as a company car. What an amazing car it was, it was one of only 2 cars in my entire life I actually bonded with (the other was a B6 A4 Quattro 3.0 V6 Avant) - I've driven 100 plus cars in 20 years by the way. The Yeti was so simple, so flexible and so so comfortable. Would seriously consider another one again. The Elegance spec was just right for everything I needed.

[@DamianIbberson]

I’d been looking for a Yeti for quite a while and finally got my hands on one nearly two months ago. What a car! It’s a 2014 1.6TDI Elegance, fully loaded, loads of space and comfy. Am going to keep it until the end, as is truly renewed my love of driving. Especially as I easily get more than 60mpg on a run!

[@AlexTenThousand]

The Yeti was like the Czech answer to the Fiat Panda - the supreme demonstration that you could use a small platform to make a spacious and practical car.

[@videorowtv5198]

It's really nice to see people from other countries enjoying Czech cars

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

We're big Skoda fans here in the UK!

[@miskatonic6210]

Except they aren't czech. They are basically german.

[@videorowtv5198]

@@miskatonic6210 Well they are as much Czech as the new Supra is Japanese. Nevertheless it still is designed by Skoda even if it uses VW components, just like Bugatti for example.

[@kojsiusoaliu6772]

@@miskatonic6210 it uses German tech but it's designed by CZ mind and built by CZ hands !

[@khelgarironfist3301]

@@kojsiusoaliu6772 now do it again. Those new Skoda SUVs are generic af in comparison

[@ChrisMisMYhandle]

I remember reading the writers sections in evo. Everyone used to jump in the long term yeti when going on the lunch run. Definitely a favourite.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I remember that! I completely forgot to mention the Evo long termer. From memory they put some trackday tyres on it at some point. It's also worth hunting out the videos from the guy who put a TTRS engine in one...

[@coltheironman5977]

I've had a Yeti 1.6D Greenline for the past few years - it's rock solid! I hitch up the caravan, get to the motorway, hit cruise control and relax... Effortless. Best car I've ever owned.

[@MrMeecles]

Been driving the same since 2020 Everyone who hops in to drive for a run really surprised how well it handles

[@cotswoldphotographers]

My French in-laws/outlaws have one and it’s been brilliant. Proper workhorse and has now done 240,0000 kms

[@adriandickinson204]

Great video on a mega car. Had my 170tdi 4x4 Elegance for 12 years since new, 155k miles on it now, 90k since it was remapped, yet it's still been 100% reliable. The boot's even bigger than Tim said too at 1760 litres if you don't have the spare wheel option, or a whopping 2100 litres if you have the rare fold flat front passenger seat, all in a 4.2m car that'll tow 2 tons. They don't make 'em like this anymore!

[@stephenberry8658]

Loved my new 2013 Yeti 2 litre TDI 4x4 DSG... Also a great tow car for my brother's boat. The diesel torque, 4x4 and 6 speed DSG. FANTASTIC.

[@sobobwas6871]

Truly great car, just had to get rid of ours because of ULEZ and seriously considered buying a yeti one year newer but I couldn’t find one to the spec I wanted. Just so sensible on so many levels. Effectively a standard hatchback but with a more upright seating position. With L&K spec you get the gadgets. Great load space but not stupidly big. The reason why people keep them is simply they have no downsides and they actually have character missing in anything else in the market. Have driven in winter tyres skiing many times, snow? No problem at all

[@martinwesterstrand]

LOVE the energy! New fan from Sweden here!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks Martin, appreciate it! I think I'd had my breakfast Haribo that day

[@lyubotopa]

My Dad has one of those, 1.8 TSI 4x4, top trim. Bought it with worn out piston rings, and had the engine upgraded to version 3 (new pistons, connecting rods, the lot). It has 200hp now, drives like a dream :) And those seats are very, very comfortable!

[@Pitmonkey2]

Excellent review. Bought my Yeti new in 2013 just before the face lifted version came out as I loved the styling with the round fog lights. Tried one after Clarkson (AC ?). Bought to replace my company car. It’s done long distance high speed regularly, great comfort, no noticeable wind noise and able to out drag almost anything off a wet roundabout on the A414 early in the morning! Mine’s the 2 litre diesel 4 x 4, good economy and performance. It’s done pretty much everything from heavy loads to the tip, fast long runs, grandchild transport etc. The cloth upholstery is pretty much still perfect, mine has Bluetooth and locks it’s doors after a few metres. I’m keeping it until one of us expires from extreme old age. Running Michelin Cross Climates. It now has an MX5 as a stablemate and I now have the perfect two car set up but I. had to sell my motorcycle to do it. 😢. Keep the Yeti videos coming……

[@grahamrichards193]

I drive a 2.0lt 150bhp diesel Yeti, permanent 4x4 drive. It does require AdBlue, but, being a 2016 model, I’m not affected by ULEZ. The performance is excellent, all that you say in your review. Also, I’m averaging 60-65mpg on runs and around 55 mpg around town. Very much appreciated when fuel prices went sky high! I love my Yeti, even more than my Roomster.

[@robertlindstrom540]

My everyday ride is a 2 litre 4X4 Yeti diesel from 2016. Bought it used in 2019 and I propably never want to get rid of it. It is just so good. I´m a professional truck driver, I drive the big boys toys at work so it is mostly the sheer practicality that I like the most but it drives really well at all sensible road speeds and is very economical in the process. Plus I can tow my boat, and put it in and out of the water from the trailer without hassle. The towing capacity was the main reason for me to buy it, and I would buy a new one now in a heartbeat if it was possible but that is not of course possible anymore so I just have to keep the old one. Brilliant car!

[@04smallmj]

Great video! I had one a few years back. It was a 1.2 petrol in light bluish silver. It was a bit of an odd choice for a 25 ish year old but I've always had an old-man's taste in cars - I've always liked the big Volvo estates! Unfortunately I didn't have it long - I decided to move to the Netherlands after a few months of having it so I have memories of filling it with all of my stuff and it was parked on various streets in Utrecht for 3 months before I drove it back to the UK to sell it.

[@georgewalker7061]

Tim. Great vid. We must remember just how many 1.8 TSI failures there have been. Also the Zinc Inclusion issue needs remembering. Just because Skoda / VW Group would have people believe those to be Internet Myths and people only go to BRISKODA when they have problems. Well really they go because they are Skoda fans and many are Yeti fans.

[@johnstephenson6231]

Actually you can get the doors to auto lock which they do at about 9 mph. It's in the MDI, (between the dials) in the 'Convenience / Comfort' settings. Also Bluetooth was available on some models dependant on the head unit fitted. Certainly my 2013 L&K has it as does a mates 2012 Elegance which was later named as SEL

[@johnralston5164]

great review, spot on, just bought a 2011 elegance and it's very impressive, your review sums up a great vastly underated car so well, best wishes

[@toysandgameswithesmeeandis4096]

Great review. New to this channel and subscribed! Carry on buddy!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks so much - really appreciate it! Can't promise all the videos will be this good 🤣

[@callyakn718]

Ive got a 2020 karoq scout 190ps dsg. Use it for shooting on the farm, and what a car it is !

[@Betasatan631]

I've been in Yeti on an Uber drive. Car hit me hard. Never drove it, but being a passenger in it felt like a treat.

[@GregQchi]

Greet review. I've always wanted one.. never realised my instincts were bang on.

[@adverspace]

I bought my yeti back in 2012, in India, TDI , and I still have it , its just amazing. Sadly in my country (India), They have banned diesel cars over 10 years old in the capital region so Its illegal on the streets where I live, but I am still holding on to it because it is just amazing, never driven a car like it .

[@chrismawa]

I picked up a 1 owner Elegance TDI 170 4x4 model at the beginning of the year and its absolutely fantastic. The perfect practical daily car. I'll be definitely keeping a hold of it. Great video btw.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Ooo, enjoy! Thanks for the kind words :)

[@chrishart8548]

I bet that wasn't a cheap car very nice though. Is it a manual ?

[@chrismawa]

@@chrishart8548 Was quite well priced I think considering its spec and history. Yeah it is a manual and in white. My perfect spec :-)

[@khelgarironfist3301]

Wonder if you can get Android Auto in these, or just install a modern screen or something. Have you got some sort of navigation?

[@chrismawa]

@khelgarironfist3301 yeah mines got nav and Bluetooth. You can retrofit an aftermarket head unit though for extra features like car play etc.

[@sunsetgarage755]

Great review. I’ve never considered the Skoda Yeti personally, but I do know a few people who have bought them & absolutely love these quirky little cars. It reminds me of a downsized 1st gen (C5) Audi allroad which I’m a huge fan of & have owned a few. Love the fact these cars had the manual option & it’s quite similar in interior styling to my 2007 Octavia VRS wagon (petrol) which was my first Skoda, & still a great all rounder family car.

[@everestyeti]

The later 4x4 version with the off road package, uses the Audi Quattro system. It's really, really good, I used to every day access a motorway and had to do a full anti clockwise circle to join the motorway. My Skoda Yeti 4x4 with the Audi system stuck to that road like glue, an absolutely brilliant vehicle. 👍

[@_rythomas]

You have talent. Your hosting is absolutely fantastic. Keep up the videos. You have big things ahead.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thank you Ryan - that's really kind. Will keep it up!

[@jamesrothwell8693]

I was selling Skoda when these launched and there was such a pleasant hype and interest around them, I recall the 9+ month build time to actually get a TDI 4x4 though!!

[@simonscofield8825]

Loved my Yeti, was sad to see it go when i had to sell it... :( Lost count when people used to come up to me in the petrol station or supermarkets and ask me about it!!

[@fkkmag8692]

I love older technique cars, it’s more fun than the soulless cars nowadays!

[@rw80]

Cars never had a soul. They’re just mechanical devices.

[@goose4150]

A true piece of Top Gear history and it's still in one piece!

[@NorthernMan932]

Great review 👍 I actually watched until the end which is a first for me 😁

[@colingoode3702]

I liked the Yeti but never owned one. TBF we had a R reg Renault Scenic that had the same folding, tumbling & removable rear seats. Very handy for visits to the dump. We do currently have a 4x4 Karoq which has the same "Varioflex" seats & is the successor to the Yeti. Great car but it's going to make way soon for our 1st EV. A used Kona if I can find one at the right price.

[@dartmoorkid4797]

Bought a 2yr old elegance 170bhp 4x4 outdoor in early 2016. Love it to bits. Put Michelin cross climate tyres on it and it handled the 2017/2018 200mm snow without ever missing a beat. Also gave a dramatic decrease in road noise over the factory fitted Pirellis. Historically I have not been great at maintaining cars properly but this one is looked after fastidiously as I really want it to last. Very common motor in my part of Devon.

[@SuzJim99]

We just got one of these, a 2.0 tdi with 114k miles. Its fantastic, the space, the practicality, the features, its an amazing amount of car and specs for what little we paid. Thanks for your review, it helped us make the decision!

[@yesman2755]

I’ve had a 170 Mk1 170 2010 Yeti since 2015. Mine is probably the highest mileage Yeti in the country, just going up to 471,000 miles. Engine still ticks over perfectly. It’s had a couple of clutches, cam belts and serviced every 10,000 miles. The only major work I’ve done on it is replace the rear driveshafts, hubs, rotors and calipers, due to the hub nuts welding themselves onto the shafts over time with rust. Still using it for local runs but now also have a 2017 150 Yeti currently on 110,000 miles. Lovely smooth drive, easily get over 50 mpg on a run. Wouldn’t even consider anything else. Last of the Skodas that aren’t over complicated with electronics, oh yeh and it’s got a manual handbrake. Happy days !!

[@darekmistrz4364]

I would recommend to service more often but I'm just a guy on the internet.

[@wholesomegamer]

Currently driving a 4x4 TDI 150hp through Sweden. It is a great long distance car in combination with a decently capeable offroad buddy. That's why it was extremly popular with hunters and forest personal in Germany. That Diesel runs snoothly with tons of torque. It's a fantastic "best of both worlds" car modern SUV's are not able to do. This was ment to be a long distance car AND being able to do some mild offroad.

[@allistairneil8968]

Sounds almost too good to be true! I like the looks.

[@everestyeti]

It's an absolutely brilliant car, mine is the 2litre Diesel 4x4 with the off road package. So sure in the wet, especially when your going down country lanes. 👍🤗

[@zoiglbua627]

German Forest Personal here... in fact the Yeti was (apart from DPF/AGR related issues due to short distances) the perfekt car! Over 20cm ground clearance, large and most important high trunk, seats that could be taken out completely yet still very quiet and efficient on paved road. Sadly Škoda has let us down so the only vehicles availiable in the price range are Dusters and Vitaras of which many chose the latter. Its a shame that there is NO afforfable EU built conpact 4x4 car with the abbilities that the Yeti had anymore!

[@featherstonehobbies]

Hey buddy just watched your first video this one realy good loved it how did you manage to get this actual top gear car must be a collector who has this

[@gregroles5638]

Great video, nice to see a recent video on this forgotten gem from Skoda. Adore my 2014 4x4 TDI. Over 300 thou kms now, and it's easily been the most trouble free and even rattle free car I've ever owned. Stock they are indeed polarising, quirky and here in Australia rather rare. I was going to upgrade to a "proper" exec car such as an Audi when COVID happened, and I decided more debt in a precarious work situation was stupid, so spent my saved up new car deposit on the Yeti. Gave it an entire makeover with custom aftermarket parts and from the GTI/R/VRS parts bin, and it's now the most fun little go-cart ever, and I doubt I will ever sell it. Lowered on decent wheels with some engine, suspension, brake and interior/exterior mods and you have a little beast. Anything Golf GTI/R and most Octavia VRS bits from the wreckers bolt straight on. Currently building a low km modified Audi TDI engine to drop into it, and should be even funner with 100 more hp and a lot more torx. Still get asked about it to this day!

[@Beartore]

Go on there pal! best wishes from bonny Scotland. Life is best lived modified!

[@gregroles5638]

@@Beartore cheers mate, totally agree, I love being different, and a modified Yeti is indeed that down under!

[@v8will]

I work for a NHS ambulance trust and use Yetis for fast response work. Not sure on what spec we have but its a 2.0tdi 4x4 and they get absolutely hammered. Brilliant cars that are now sadly due for retirement, I'll miss them.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Ah I love a Yeti in ambulance colours! Do you know what they're being replaced with?

[@v8will]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Hyundai Tucson I think. We've a few Hyundai i40's about - not overly impressed if i'm honest

[@stephenberry1205]

My 2 litre turbo diesel 4 x 4 DSG was a wonderful tow car for my brother's 19 foot plate aluminium boat with 115 hp 4 stroke Mercury plus trailer. Lots of low down torgue 6 speed transmission - it pulled well at all speeds.

[@Beyond_Adventure]

Really good review! I've been looking at yetis for a while as its the only vehicle that really does absolutely everything I want it to. Think now is the time!

[@John64125]

We had two diesels. Second one was a four wheel drive semi auto diesel. I didn’t fall in love with the gearbox but it was otherwise brilliant. We leased it for four years and I regret not buying it from the leasing company. Nothing we’ve had since matches it. Great cars, buy a good one if you get the chance.

[@shaunm9928]

Amazing car for its day Tim - quite rare, can only find two listed for sale (Monte Carlo 170 PS) Great review - thank you.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks for the kind words! It was a proper 'moment' for Skoda I think...

[@michaelglynn2638]

When Clarkson hosted Top Gear, even he stated after testing one that you don't need any other car. Praise indeed!

[@terrysmith8859]

Sněžný medvěd ❄️🐻‍❄️👍 loved these when they were released and still do now. Really want one 😍

[@InspirationSessions]

Couldn't agree more - our family hack is the lowly 1.2TSI FWD model (pick of the range, many reviews said) - it has carried us all over the UK in remarkable comfort (in Elegance trim) and loaded to the gunwales, surprisingly perky engine that averages north of 40mpg, engaging chassis, cruises effortlessly on motorway journeys despite the miniature engine, still going strong at 90,000 miles. We love it and plan to run it into the ground. Cult car.

[@RedHotscot]

Brilliant. We had a 1.2 petrol Yeti as a 'fill in' lease car between an E Class estate and our present VW diesel Tiguan. OMG why didn't I buy the Yeti at the end of it's lease, I'm still kicking myself. The 2 Litre diesel Tiguan is a slug with the gearbox out a tractor. My one and only complaint about the Yeti was, because of that 1.2, 110bhp engine, it was tedious on the motorway between 70mph and 90mph. Keep it rolling and it was OK but getting up to 90 was painful and overtaking was just dangerous on occasions. To be fair to the Tiguan it's reasonable at that point but the Yeti was a pretty low bar in that respect. Never mind, next on the lease list is a Cupra Ateca with a 300bhp petrol engine and DSG box. When the lease ends in 2027 I'll be 70 years old and we'll all know better where we stand with the NetZero nonsense relative to ICE's and I can make the decision to buy it or lease something else then. If the hybrid/EV compulsion is maintained by our lunatic government, I'll buy it and run it until either it's knackered or I am. The only problem is, I have been a bit economical with the truth when informing my wife about the Cupra's ~ahem~ performance qualities. We may end up as a two car family again with a nice used Yeti for her regular runs to the recycling centre with garden rubbish. My god, she's getting old...........

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Haha, I love your style! I ran a Cupra Ateca for a while in 2019 and really liked it. The Formentor's even better in some departments, but not quite so practical…

[@ladislavmalak444]

Oh, man, do I miss the Yeti! I had a diesel 4x4 M/T for a long-term test, but my dream version was always this: petrol, 4x4. Well, almost this, cos I would choose the double-clutch automatic and fabric seats, not leather. Thank you for the video and nice memories! :)

[@kevinroark5815]

Wow! Great review, mate. Didn't know that these cars were that good

[@MrLivajev]

It all would have been good, but the bloody thing started to rust away only after 2 years. I kept it, however, for 10 years, having to fight rust and respray panels 2 times.

[@anthonysimoes7307]

I've got one here in Australia. The very last generation with the higher power (81kw with an aftermarket tune) 1.2 tsi motor 6 speed manual but 2wd. It's a great pretty much do everything car, hustles around like a hot hatch when needed, tours on high speed open roads (including some terrible Aussie bush and outback roads) nicely with awesome fuel range, doesn't overheat and the ac works well in Aussie summers (and the heaters are great in the snowy winters where i live) and can even tow my mates jet ski easily (which we did hauling it from Brisbane back to Sydney on a single tank of fuel).

[@khelgarironfist3301]

Wonder if you can get Android Auto in these, or just install a modern screen or something. Have you got some sort of navigation?

[@volt8684]

I’ve got a 2007 berlingo 1.6 petrol equally a fantastic vehicle..smooth, silent, economical, comfortable, zero rust, reliable and its key quality the practicality of the insides. Very robust too. Zero toys except 2 front electric windows

[@peterknight7880]

Totally agree. This thing was great and loads better than most cars today.

[@pigeonpoo1823]

I reckon a lot of these will have been well cared for (owned by old people doing 30 miles a week), so a canny used buy. I'm glad you like these. Especially the useable interior and chunky tyres.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I think you're right - I'd try to buy one without the leather seats (so saggy and also I just don't like hot leather seats), stick some all-seasons on it and go green-laning in it.

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

Pre-pandemic, I was saving money to get a decent 2.0 TDI 4X4 170bhp Yeti. Then prices started to shoot up for all vehicles and the Yetis available had ridiculously high mileage and just weren’t worth spending so much money despite the fact they’re decent vehicles. Places like Glasgow now have LEZ (low emissions zones) and it’s difficult to buy a vehicle that’s suitable for those zones, that’s about the size of a Golf, gets decent mileage, isn’t expensive to maintain and isn’t ridiculous to park like many SUVs. Damn shame Skoda stopped making them!

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

That's because Glasgow is a socialist hell hole - much like London

[@yesman2755]

The later 150 bhp Euro 6 diesel Yeti is around for not too much money. I bought a 2017 (last year they were produced) last December (2022) for 12k with only 80,000 on the clock which is nothing for these cars and it’s probably the best 12k I’ve ever spent on a motor. And it’s ULEZ compliant.

[@dhvanantrivedi]

Now that’s a man with a lot of passion in cars reviewing a car he’s really passionate about. Nice

[@MAM5198]

I actually clicked on this with Clarkson’s review in mind so it was a nice surprise seeing the actual car!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Yeah, I did wonder if anyone would notice so had to point it out!

[@chrisinnz1988]

We've had a 1.8 TSI 4x4 with a DSG for 6 years. Fantastic car! Agree with the turbo lag but once its on boost, man it flies! We've recently had a big dump of snow, hands down handles the conditions atleast 50% better than a Subaru Legacy wagon i drove the same day. Long live the yeti!!!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

If I had a Yeti 4x4 and lots of snow I think I'd have to find an empty car park and mess about!

[@mach3reached]

Pěkný video! Yeti je dost dobrej, ja byl na něj sice naštvanej, protože byl oproti konceptu dost hnusnej, ale kdyz ho vidím zpětně, tak je naopak dost dobrej oproti ostatním nudným krabicím. Thanks for the review...:)

[@JK-pd7jf]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

[@simmytu]

The Yeti always reminds me of a first gen Kia Soul. Both quite the practical commuters which can handle towing or moving lots of stuff! I'll concede that the option to remove the back seats of the Yeti is briliant.

[@Kingsleyjamesflint]

Running a ten year old 2013 diesel car. It does everything you need runs beautifully. A wonderful car, we love ours. Skoda should resurrect the Yeti no doubt, but their decision to scrap the name and go conventional was a sad part of VW group losing its bottle after dieselgate and the death of Piech

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Funny you should mention Piech, dig around the channel somewhere and you'll find a review of his other engineering marvel (the one with 1500hp)!

[@markgatland977]

Got a '65 reg 1.2 TSI which we love to bits in our family... surprisingly good fun to drive and probably the most reliable car I've ever owned

[@khelgarironfist3301]

I guess then 1.4 tsi would be reliable too and it has more power. Manual or dsg?

[@markgatland977]

@@khelgarironfist3301 manual, and has been rock solid, so far 🤞

[@Jc-lk7wn]

Excellent video & content. I have a 2014 2.0tdi 4X4 Elegance… & it is exactly how you describe it in every aspect. It’s not been as reliable as I would have hoped (EGR, leaking Pano roof etc etc) even tho full service history & only 60k miles as at today. Keep the videos coming about older cars in today’s market👍🏻👏🏻 But it’s absolutely irreplaceable with anything more modern…. Not that I would ever want to.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks for the kind words - the general consensus seems to be: don't get one with a sunroof! Doh.

[@raymondbeveridge7508]

I have had one since new without a single fault, maybe lucky

[@Jc-lk7wn]

@@raymondbeveridge7508 hi Ray, I think U are the norm & it’s me that’s just unlucky… but I’m working on the principle that if I renew everything that breaks eventually I will have a renewed/reliable car at much less than the cost of replacing it… as there is nothing better suited to my needs than the Yeti👍🏻

[@Mac10UK]

We have a 110 Defender and X5 in the family but we'll never sell our Yeti because it's just that good and versatile. (2015 Outdoor SE 4x4, 2.0 diesel 150, in Jungle Green with the Outdoor Plus and Rough Road packs) We live out in the sticks down South where negotiating narrow country lanes and oncoming traffic and farm vehicles is a daily occurance and the Yeti is in its element and very reliable and capable, in all weathers, including the slippery stuff, especially on All Season tyres. (Goodyear Vector 4Seasons) Surprsingly capable off road as well and I've read articles where they're used in parts of Europe for mountain rescue and remote-area paramedic purposes. The fact that we see a lot of them around these parts also speaks volumes. It's a very reassuring drive, sure-footed, light and agile but solidly built, with plenty of ground clearance. Really decent tow car as well. It's deceptively spacious and practical inside and is such a well designed and well thought out car that is happy to go anywhere in all weathers. Cheap to service and insure with great MPG, good ones still attract a premium, especially once Autumn approaches, and for good reason. Skoda certainly missed a trick by not refreshing and repeating the formula.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Sounds ideal - I'd love to have one with winter tyres on...

[@borjastick]

I have one and love it massively and wouldn't sell it. Mine is a 2012 4x4 with the off road pack, auto gearbox, tow option etc in fact it was pretty much the top of the line when my mate bought it new here in France. The price new was 29800 euros. Quite a lot of dosh. But here we are now, I bought it off him for 10,000 six years ago and it continues to please and fulfill everything I need from a car. Mine is the diesel version which gives me 40-50mpg but it hasn't been a cheap car to maintain. I have had new discs, water pump etc, four new shocks and struts and bushes two weeks ago and servicing every year. Having said that it now has 165000kms on the clock and drives like new. The gearbox is sublime and when you want it to be a van it will because you can just remove all the three rear seats giving massive storage space. Basically it's a keeper.

[@neilbenton1152]

I had a 2014 TDI elegance loaded with kit had it for a year I only sold it because my wife thought it looked like a disability car 😂 but I still look at yetis as a fantastic vehicle ! Headlamps were the best I've ever used aswell ❤

[@tubecated_development]

“looked like a disability car”

[@gs425]

Yes it is a bit of an oap car

[@eivinstens6091]

Bought a 2012 Yeti 4x4 2.0 TDI a couple of months ago and i LOVE it.

[@garden-Railway]

Got 4x4 Laurin Klement 170 had it 7 years love it Fast, loaded and 50mpg

[@arthurkettle3010]

Was looking to upgrade mine about 6 months ago and move onto something different as id had her for 8 or 9 years.......after plodding around a huge Automart for hours looking at an endless collection of overpriced lookalike / identikit SUV's.....i got back to my Yeti and it dawned on me that it was probably the best looking car ud seen all day!... decided there and then to keep her till the bitter end - of either her or me 😁 .... a brilliant car which Skoda were insane to discontinue ...

[@stevegeek]

Same here….thinking of “upgrading” from Yeti after 8 years but then stop and ask myself why. Nothing wrong with the car…and my wife still loves it. 😊

[@khelgarironfist3301]

Wonder if you can get Android Auto in these, or just install a modern screen or something. Have you got some sort of navigation?

[@stevegeek]

@@khelgarironfist3301 I have a phone cradle that clips onto the fan vent and use Google Maps to navigate…works fine. I just came back from holiday in Devon and used this to get around.

[@davidoldboy5425]

I've had 3, the 2.0 diesel 4x4 manual (The worst), the 1.6 diesel Greenline 2wd manual (The best) and currently the 1.2 petrol auto one of the last built. A popular car for good reason and Skoda were foolish to finish production, have you seen the prices Dealers are asking for them?? still strong sellers.

[@chrishart8548]

When I was looking I could get a ford kuga for less than a yeti

[@german_dude_]

I have a 2016 1.2L Yeti. The fuel economy is absolutely fantastic. I will keep the car as long as possible as its been really reliable.

[@MK-hl2rl]

In 13 minutes he has convinced me it’s the best car ever made

[@robc5955]

Had a diesel version for four years, bought at 30k, turned out hadn’t been serviced 🙄 but I took it to 170k in those 4 years and it was great I had the elegance and it was comfy practical etc reliable only issues were a snapped glow plug (could happen on anything) and a snapped spring. Only thing I could fault was the paint, stone chips turned up a lot down the sides and blistered very quickly.

[@ln5747]

Auto or manual?

[@robc5955]

@@ln5747 manual

[@daviddaw999]

I agree with you. I replaced my Lexus GS300SE with a 2.0 TDI Elegance 4x4. It goes like stink, averages 54mpg on a run, is more comfortable than the Lexus, and is far more practical. In 2 years of ownership the sensor that detects whether the bonnet is shut has failed; that's great for a car with 145K miles on the clock.

[@JohnKelly-xl5su]

2 years ago I bought a 2016 high mileage 2 litre diesel 4x4 manual Yeti, great car and it's been 100 percent reliable.

[@WayApp]

Great job on the video!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thank you!

[@findecycle6533]

You should be able to configure the autolocking via the settings menu on the dash. The dealer will quite gladly charge you around 30 minutes labour for activating auto locking at speeds above 15kph, and a few other things besides; one press all doors unlock, not just the driver's as set at the factory Carista is a better and cheaper option. The 1.8 petrol was prone to timing chain issues, and there was also an issue around the rear doors where (iirc) zinc inclusion would occur. Skoda fixed this via a clear adhesive protector. Factory Bluetooth modules were fitted under the driver's seat and were prone to failing due to water ingress. If buying a 4x4, ensure the haldex oil has been changed(it wasn't listed in the Service Manual, nor the website) every 37k miles or 3 years, whatever is reached first. Haldex II (reactive) is fitted pre facelift, Haldex IV (proactive) is fitted post facelift. Iirc, if fitted with a full sized spare, the boot floor did not sit flush. Some owners built a raised platform to get around this.

[@allistairneil8968]

Aren't you the veritable and even venerable fountain of knowledge...

[@findecycle6533]

@@allistairneil8968 Unfortunately someone had already taken my preferred "Veni Vidi Vici", so that left me with "Venerable, Veritable, Valid".

[@allistairneil8968]

@@findecycle6533 😄😆😁

[@ivankovac3799]

You are wrong on Haldex generations. Prefacelift Yeti (

[@findecycle6533]

@@ivankovac3799 happy to be corrected.

[@findecycle6533]

I bitterly regret buying an Octavia Scout over this. I thought the boot space was far too small for my requirements and so discounted it Three years ago I traded in the Scout for a MKII Honda HR-V which proved beyond doubt that clever storage solutions (Yeti: slide, fold, remove rear seats) (HR-V MAGIC SEATS!!) can more than compensate outright capacity. On the plus side, if I had purchased a Yeti, I would have been forced to sell it due to its diesel engine not being Glasgow ULEZ compliant.

[@cagethepepper]

Worth leaving Glasgow for a Yeti

[@andreaspetershtc]

Still have my Yeti from 2014 and I love it every day.

[@ZoltanVaradi-zero]

"sněžný medvěd" This was the first video from you I watched so I'm not quite sure why I just left this here? 😂But anyway great video mate.

[@brentfairlie]

The other great Skoda of the time was the Roomster. I love them. Not pretty, but bloody handy.

[@howardmason2199]

My diesel roomster is on 465,000 miles and so practical