Skoda Yeti Elegance 1.2 TSI 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The performance credentials are identical to those of the Skoda Yeti E 1.2 TSI and this means the four cylinder engine delivers 104 bhp of power, with torque figures of 129 lb-ft at 1550-4100 rpm, to this front-wheel-drive car. This gives the vehicle a decent top speed of 109 mph with acceleration fairly average as the car takes 11.8 seconds to travel from 0-62 mph.

In terms of efficiency, the car performs fairly well for a petrol engine and achieves 44.1 mpg on a combined cycle. Naturally this is beaten by the diesel models but the petrol performance is still good for its class. Carbon emissions are a little high at 149 g/km but road tax costs remain fairly mid range under insurance bracket F.

Noise disruption is fairly high within the cabin. The majority of this noise comes from the wind and road, which is worse at higher speeds. In terms of engine noise, this petrol model is fairly quiet and a smooth gearstick means that control of the car is fluid.

Whilst the handling and steering is responsive within this car, the suspension could do with improvement; the drive can be a little uncomfortable with the car struggling to smooth out any imperfectionsor bumps within the road.

Externally, the Skoda Yeti is a fairly stylish car making it an attractive 4x4 option. The Elegance model is the most advanced trim level and this means there are plenty of features available for buyers.

Fittings which are offered as standard include power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity and an advanced stereo system with CD compatibility.

A built-in sat nav is available for an additional cost of £1,510 and this means the overall price of the car could be made even higher.

The Skoda Yeti is a practical 4x4, with large amounts of cabin space for both passengers and luggage. With the seats in place the boot offers a decent capacity of 416 litres, which can then be expanded to 1,760 litres when the seats are folded down. The rear seats can also be slid backwards to accommodate passengers with longer legs and there is plenty of headroom thanks to the cars height.

The driving position isn’t as high as in other 4x4s but there is plenty of adjustment within the seat and steering column and this means that a comfortable position can be attained. The dashboard is also logically laid out and this means that operating controls whilst driving should be easy.

Skoda are known for their reliability and this means that maintenance costs should be fairly low for this vehicle. Safety levels are also high and the car achieved a top five star rating for overall safety in the NCAP crash tests. The advanced safety kit which includes driver, passenger and front side airbags as standard features alongside an alarm and immobiliser. Anti-whiplash head restraints are also standard fittings.

Priced at £18,925 this car costs over £4000 more than the entry level E model. For those looking for high levels of comfort, this price could be considered justified and the strong resale values offered with this model make it a great investment for those looking for long term ownership.

As performance credentials are the same as the basic E model running costs will also be the same. Fuel economy is fairly good for a petrol model at 44.1 mpg and carbon emissions of 149 g/km put the car under mid-range tax band F. Insurance premiums are the only additional cost to change between the models with the advanced trim pushing this model up one price bracket into insurance group 10.