Ownership Review of Skoda Yeti Ambiente

 

Look and Style The look of the Skoda Yeti is very unique and takes some getting used to. I bought a black Skoda Yeti ambiente and got delivery on Dec 12th. It looks very smart in black colour from the front and sides. The rear is slightly boxy , but very practical and actually gives a lot of space in the boot due to its straight rear. Also, with black colour the bumpers and the B-pillar blend in well with the theme (in other colours they stand out). The styling is very different from other SUVs/Sedans and the car is like Laura, but raised much higher and with 4x4 ability. Boot space is also decent and sufficient for most families - there is around 415 L below the parcel shelf and around 680 L, with the parcel shelf removed. Also, there is an option to reduce / increase the boot space by sliding the rear seats backwards/ forwards.

 

Comfort It is a compact SUV which will meet 99% of users requirements, even for off roading. It is especially good for the bad roads that we have in Gurgaon. The seating is very comfortable (leather seats all around) and good for long journeys. The view from the drivers seat is also good and also gives a good view of the end of the bonnet, and does not obstruct the view. The ride quality is also excellent and well tuned for bad Indian roads.

 

Pickup The engine is a 140 BHP, 320 NM torque variant, which has peak torque from 1750-2500 rpm, which makes it very easy to drive and also remarkably quick. Company claimed 0-100 is 9.9 seconds, but I feel that it can do it realistically in around 10.5, which is very fast for an SUV and even Sedans.

 

Mileage The 6 forward gears (+ 1 reverse) give it a good range on a tankful (60L). The current mileage which I am getting, after having driven 150 kms is around 17.8 km/l , which is in a mix of 60% highway and 40% city driving. Mileage is very good , considering that it is a very powerful engine.

 

Best Features Engine is very quiet (unlike many other Diesel Sedans/ SUVs) and very peppy. There is minimal turbolag and response is very good. Seating position for driver is ideal and gives a very good view. There is no body roll and ride quality is as good (if not better than) the best of sedans. Size of the car is perfect for cities, and one does not need to worry about parking space and maneuvering in traffic - it is extremely nimble.

 

Needs to improve Slight tendency to stall at low rpms - hopefully should improve after run-in period of 1000 kms.

 

Overall Experience Excellent car/SUV which meets the requirements for today's small family. If you don't need a 7 seater SUV, this is the perfect car/SUV. It is also perfect for today's congested cities and has a very small footprint and also saves the environment. This is one SUV that proves that even SUVs can be very efficient, modern and environment friendly.

 

Excellent engine, Compact size, 4x4 ability, comfortable seating position2nd row middle seat constricted by AC vents