Fundamental to the Yeti’s ability to raise a grin is its width; its wide track makes it entertaining to tip into a corner. The steering isn’t the last word in feel, but its weighting is good, as is its response. Chuck the Yeti into a bend - at ever increasing speeds - and it goes where you want it to, the nose being faithful at turn in, the Yeti also remaining more composed than the majority of its rivals concerning body roll. Grip is high on all, so the Yeti is game whether you’ve just the front or all four wheels powering it, though the 4x4 system allows more adjustment on slippery surfaces.
Larger alloy wheels on more expensive models do increase intrusions from poor road surfaces into the cabin, but the Yeti rides commendably in any guise. There are no suspension choices to make, as Skoda resisted the temptation to offer sports or adaptive damping options - and it’s all the better for it.
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It feels very well sorted across the entire range, the only real difference between top-spec models and entry-level ones being the speed at which you approach the bends in the first place - in all you’ll be able to carry more speed through the corners than you’d imagine. Amusing, yes, unlikely, even more so, all of which is why we’re fans of the Yeti here.
'A great thing about the Yeti is it possesses genuine off-road capabilities. Thanks to Haldex clutch technology, a four-wheel-drive Yeti can climb gravel surfaces with a surprising amount of traction, and descents are controlled automatically - simply select the car's hill descent control mode and the Yeti modulates brake inputs to safely transport you down gradients. If for you the thrill of driving involves mud and grass, the Yeti is a great value companion.' Sam Sheehan, staff writer
