Review: Skoda 5L Yeti (2011-17)

Review: Skoda 5L.I Yeti (2011-14)

Overview

Released in October 2011, the Skoda 5L Series I (5L.I) Yeti was a five-seat, compact SUV. Manufactured in Kvasiny, Czech Republic, the Skoda Yeti range initially consisted of 77TSI and 103TDI variants, available in front- and all-wheel drive, respectively. In March 2012, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 112TSI variant.

Engines

Of the engines,

• The Yeti 77TSI had a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with direct fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, a water-cooled intercooler and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Maximum boost pressure for the turbocharger was 1.6 bar (23.2 psi);
• The Yeti 112TSI had a 1.8-litre petrol engine with a Borg Warner K03 water-cooled turbocharger, direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.6:1; and,
• The Yeti 103TDI had a 2.0-litre diesel engine with a Garrett turbocharger integrated into the cast iron exhaust manifold, Pumpe Duse direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 16.5:1.

Dimensions

The Skoda Yeti was based on Volkswagen’s PQ35 platform which also underpinned the Skoda 1Z Octavia and Volkswagen 5N Tiguan . The Yeti was 4223 mm long, 1793 mm wide, 1691 mm tall and had a 2578 mm long wheelbase. Cargo capacity was 310 litres with the rear seats in position, increasing to 1665 litres if the seats were removed.

Suspension

The Skoda Yeti had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower triangular links, multi-link rear suspension and electromechanical power-assisted steering.

AWD system

The Skoda Yeti’s all-wheel drive system consisted of a fourth-generation, electronically-controlled Haldex multi-disc clutch. In normal conditions, the system provided a 96:4 front:rear torque split. However, if a difference in speed was detected between the front and rear axles, up to 90 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear axle. The rear axle was also fitted with a limited slip differential such that torque could be distributed evenly from side to side. In addition to hill ascent and hill descent controls, the system also included an off-road setting for more secure driving on loose surfaces.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 5L.I Yeti included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a Skoda Yeti 103TDI received a five star safety rating which included a 92 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 78 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and a slight risk of serious lower leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the Yeti received maximum points. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in an adult occupant protection rating of 34.67 out of 37.

Features

Standard features for the Skoda Yeti 77TSI included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering column, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, cargo net, tinted windows, trip computer and immobiliser.

The Skoda Yeti 112TSI and 103TDI were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, directional headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, front passenger seat height and lumbar adjustment and skid plates (front and rear).

Brochure

• Brochure: Skoda 5L.I Yeti (November 2011)

Related links

• Press Kit: Skoda 5L.I Yeti (October 2011)
• Technical Specifications: Skoda 5L.I Yeti (October 2011)

Skoda 5L.II Yeti (2014-17)

Overview

Released in Australia in May 2014, the Skoda 5L Series II (5L.II) Yeti introduced a revised range which consisted of 77TSI Active, 90TSI Ambition and 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor models (see table below).

The Skoda 5L.II Yeti could be identified by its revised front mask with more prominent horizontal accents, grille and rectangular headlights. At the rear, there was a new tailgate and cubist triangular elements alongside the Skoda logo. While the 77TSI Active and 90TSI Ambition had body-coloured bumpers, underside guards, side moulding and door sills, these items were black plastic for the 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor; the latter also had silver door mirrors.

Inside, the Skoda 5L.II Yeti had new three-spoke steering wheels, fabrics and dashboard trims, while a double-sided floor covering in the cargo area was also introduced.

The Yeti 90TSI Ambition and 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor were also fitted with a ‘rough road package’ which included underbody protection for the engine, transmission, fuel and brake lines, and rear suspension arms.

July 2015 update

In July 2015, new Yeti 81TSI and 92TSI variants were introduced which:

• Complied with Euro 6 emissions standards;
• Had ‘Start-Stop’ functions which enabled them to shut down when the Yeti was stationary in traffic; and,
• Had ‘brake energy recuperation’ systems which increased alternator output when the Yeti was coasting or braking for more efficient battery charging.

May 2016 changes

In May 2016, the Skoda Yeti range was revised –

• The Yeti 81TSI Active was replaced by the 81TSI;
• The Yeti 92TSI Ambition and 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor were discontinued; and,
• The Yeti 110TSI 4×4 Outdoor was introduced.

Safety equipment

Compared to its 5L.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Skoda 5L.II Yeti was unchanged.

Features: Yeti 77TSI Active and 81TSI Active

Standard features for the Skoda Yeti 77TSI Active and 81TSI Active included 17-inch ‘Scudo’ alloy wheels with 225/50 R17 tyres (with a 16-inch steel spare wheel), an Amundsen audio system with four speakers, a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/SD card slot), Bluetooth audio streaming and a five-inch touch screen, air conditioning, cruise control, a rear view camera, rear parking sensors, daytime running lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever handle, remote central locking, proximity key for keyless entry and push-button start (Skoda’s KESSY), power windows, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, 12 volt power sockets, removable rear parcel shelf, two folding hooks in the luggage compartment, a trip computer, floor mats, black roof rails, tow-bar preparation and an immobiliser.

Skoda’s Softtouch’ power-operated rear hatch was also fitted as standard across the 5L.II Yeti range.

Features: Yeti 81TSI (post-2016)

The post-May 2016 Skoda Yeti 81TSI was similarly equipped to the 81TSI Active (see the June 2016 brochure, below). Upon its release, however, the Skoda Yeti 81TSI was equipped with a complimentary ‘Navi Pack’ which included satellite navigation, front fog lights, front parking sensors, rear privacy glass and metallic or pearl effect paint.

Features: Yeti 90TSI Ambition and 92TSI Ambition

Compared to the Skoda Yeti 77TSI Active and 81TSI Active variants, the Yeti 90TSI Ambition was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Annapurna’ alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, front parking sensors, daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, courtesy lights, warning lights in front doors and silver roof rails. The 90TSI (and 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor) also added storage features such as a tie-down system with adjustable hooks in the luggage compartment, an LED torch for the luggage compartment and storage pockets behind the rear wheel arches.

Features: Yeti 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor and 110TSI 4×4 Outdoor

The Yeti 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor was distinguished by its 17-inch ‘Erebus’ alloy wheels, black lower bumpers and door sills, and silver door mirrors. In July 2015, the silver finish for the ‘Erebus’ alloy wheels was replaced by a black finish.

Released in May 2016, the Skoda Yeti 110TSI Outdoor 4×4 was similarly equipped to the Yeti 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor; a complete list of equipment is available in the June 2016 brochure, below.

Optional Tech and Off-Road packs

The Yeti 90TSI Ambition and 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor were available with an optional Tech Pack which included a premium sound system with twelve speakers and a digital equalizer, a Columbus satellite navigation system with a 6.5-inch display, bi-xenon headlights with washers, LED tail-lights and Automatic Parking Assist.

The Yeti 103TDI 4×4 Outdoor was also available with an Off-Road Pack which included an 17-inch ‘Matterhorn’ alloy wheels, Skoda’s ‘Off road assist’ driving assistant, a double-sided mat in the luggage compartment and rear privacy glass.

Brochure

• Brochure: Skoda 5L.II Yeti (May 2014)
• Brochure: Skoda 5L.II Yeti (June 2016)

Related links

• Press Kit: Skoda 5L.II Yeti (May 2014)
• Technical Specifications: Skoda 5L.II Yeti (May 2014)
• Skoda Australia: Skoda Yeti
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda 5L Yeti