SECTOR: SUV PRICE: €15,502–€25,200 (approx.) FUEL: 4.6–6.3l/100km CO2: 119–164g/km

Yeti has been a notable success for Skoda since it was launched in 2009. Over 250,000 were built in 2013 alone, and Skoda delivered 82,400 around the world – a lot of Yetis. By today’s standards five years is a long time to go without a facelift and now it has arrived. Skoda has expanded the range and split it into two, giving a more outdoor oriented model – the Yeti Outdoor, as well as the standard Yeti, now aimed more at on-road users.

Both models feature revisions inside and out. Externally it gains the kind of front and rear treatment shared with the new Octavia and Rapid, while inside, there’s a new leather trimmed three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and there are new trim options. A rear parking camera is offered for the first time on the Yeti and the parking assist system can now deal with parallel and bay parking. Yeti also gains keyless entry and start for the first time.

Skoda is offering six engines in the range starting with the entry level 105hp 1.2TSI turbocharged petrol engine offering combined consumption of 6.1l/100km and CO2 emissions of 142g/km. Transmission options are either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG. This powertrain option is available in both Yeti and Yeti Outdoor, whereas the other petrol option is a 160hp 1.8TSI engine offering 4.6l/100km and 119g/km CO2 available only as the Yeti Outdoor with 4×4 drive, which is not available with the 1.2 TSI engine.

The diesel engines, both based on the Volkswagen Group 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre TDI models will probably attract the biggest fleet following with lower CO2 emissions. The 105hp 1.6 TDI offers the lowest emissions with 119g/km and 4.6l/100km combined. This engine is available in both Yeti and Yeti Outdoor models with two-wheel drive, and a five-speed manual gearbox. A two-wheel drive 110hp 2.0-litre TDI model is available with the same body and powertrain options delivering 134g/km CO2 and 5.1l/100km combined. The remaining diesels make up the top of the range, available only as Yeti Outdoor models with 4×4.

Power options are 110hp and 140hp all available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 140hp engine is also available with a six-speed DSG automated transmission.

4×4 models gain the latest fifth generation Haldex system combined with electronic differential lock. The Haldex system transmits all power to the front wheels under most circumstances, but when slip is detected it can transfer up to 100% of the torque to the rear wheels as needed.

As we found out, the 4×4 models have real off-road capability, driven in the wettest weather the UK has experienced in years. The car coped well with on-road tyres and would have been more impressive with mud and snow tyres. On the road it is as pleasant as the Yeti has always been with a surprising amount of space inside the vehicle.

Verdict:

The refreshed Yeti is as good to drive as before and with lower fuel consumption potential. It remains a strong compact SUV contender for fleets.