What's new in the 2014 Skoda Yeti
You've already seen the new Skoda Yeti at the 2014 Auto Expo but we now have definitive information about the variants that we will be getting in India. Skoda will offer the Yeti only in the top end Elegance trim but will continue to offer both the front wheel drive and all wheel drive variants. Here's what's new in Skoda's compact but highly capable SUV.
Design
The new front and rear bumpers get contrasting silver cladding
Skoda's new design language is apparent with the sharper lamps and sculpted bumpers. While the overall silhouette is similar, the Yeti gets plenty of details that give it a fresh look. The new bi-xenon headlamps come with DRLs and the fog lamps in the bumper are new too. The tail lamps are LED as well and coupled with the aggressive new bumpers, give the Yeti a new, sharper look that we quite like. Skoda helps you distinguish the top end 4x4 model from its lower 4x2 sibling through a different alloy wheel design as well as different mirror caps. In a first for a vehicle in this segment, Skoda will allow customers to choose between three different roof colours- black, silver and white. Seven colour choices will be available at the launch. Skoda is also offering various accessories like roof racks and luggage baskets.
Interiors
Inside the Yeti gets a new steering wheel but not much else has changed
Not as much has changed on the inside. The design is very familiar with the exception of the new steering wheel that is very similar to what you'd find in a new Octavia. The Yeti now has keyless ignition as well as an electronically adjustable driver's seat. Tyre pressure monitors and cruise control are also on offer.
Mechanicals
Mechanicals are unchanged and both variants come with manual gearboxes
This is the area that has seen the least amount of change. Skoda will not be offering the Yeti with the DSG gearbox that we so hoped for and both the variants will come with manual gearboxes. As before, the front wheel drive 2x4 model will run a 110PS version of the 2.0-litre TDI engine and come with a five-speed gearbox. The 4x4 model sees power bumped upto 140PS and gets a six-speed shifter.
Safety
As before, the Yeti comes packed with a rich features list. Eight airbags are standard and there are several driver assists including ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, ESP, hill hold, hill descent control and a couple more. Skoda has not held back in the luxury and comfort department either and you get dual zone climate control, leather wrapped seats and steering wheel, electronically folding mirrors, an eight speaker sound system and more. Just like the old car then.
We expect the Yeti to cost slightly more than it does currently. Stay tuned for our first drive report today.
Related Stories
