Key facts:
Model tested: Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI SE
Price: £19,515
Date tested: May 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin


We've already driven and fallen in love with the 140bhp 2-litre diesel Skoda Yeti, but the petrol 1.8-litre TSI is a different kettle of fish.

Aimed more at the performance driver, its power delivery and handling make it a joy to drive. But, with a combined fuel consumption of 35.3mpg, does this happiness come at too much of a cost?

The latest diesel engines are incredible: advanced, efficient and able to push you back in your seat with a squeeze of the throttle.

But, get to a winding road and there's always the niggling feeling you could be having more fun if there was a smooth and revvy petrol engine under the bonnet.

The 1.8-litre TSI fitted in this Yeti goes some way to offering the best of both worlds. With 160bhp and 184lb/ft of pulling power, 0-62mph takes just 8.4 seconds, and its top speed is 124mph.

The 140bhp diesel takes 9.9 and reaches 118mph. There's the impressive 170bhp diesel too, which matches the 1.8-litre petrol for on-paper performance, but only comes in range-topping Elegance trim, costing £3,125 more than our SE trim test car.

Out on the road it's the Yeti's refinement which strikes you first. The petrol is whisper quiet when you're cruising, and makes a cultured sound as you accelerate, with only a faint whistle from the turbocharger. This, coupled with a ride which soaks up bumps and all but the worst pot holes, makes for a relaxing drive.

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As you head out of town onto more interesting roads, it's the precision of the steering and lack of body roll which start to shine. But, there's plenty of travel in the suspension, so sharply undulating roads do little to upset the handling balance.

With rear seats which slide backwards and forwards, fold down, flip forwards or can be removed, the Yeti is a seriously practical car, despite being shorter than Skoda's Octavia saloon. Its boot capacity of 416 litres increases to 1,760 when the rear seats are stowed.

The four-wheel drive provides reassuring traction too, and we expect the Yeti to be rather good in snow - although we weren't able to test this in our week with the car.

So, the 160bhp petrol Yeti is more fun to drive than the diesel, but is it worth the extra cost at the petrol station?

It depends how many miles you expect to drive. To equal the 1.8 TSI's performance you'll need the 170bhp diesel, and its price premium would contribute towards keeping the 1.8 TSI topped up with fuel.

Driving on the motorway, we achieved 36mpg in the petrol, which is 10mpg less than Skoda claims for the diesel.

For the extra fun and refinement which makes the Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI feel rather special, we'd say it's a penalty that's easily justified.