In spite of some engineering marvels, the Skoda Yeti could have had more soul to compensate for its imported status
Thanks to excessively high import duties, Thais really don't have a wide variety of car styles to choose from, particularly on the more affordable sub-one million baht price front.
The most they get are traditional four-door saloons and the trendier five-door hatchbacks. Model diversifiers like MPVs, SUVs and crossovers _ which are gaining increasing popularity in mature markets _ aren't being considered yet, as local car assemblers are still busy trying to maximise their business case for the current crop of cars.
That means if any brand wishes to offer a quick-fix solution to buyers bored with convention, they must resort to selling completely built-up imports which naturally means a handicap in terms of price.
Take the latest baby crossover from Skoda. The Yeti, a mix between SUV and MPV with B-segment technology, is priced at some 1.5 million baht in Thailand. Should it be made in the country (or any other facility in Asean), the price could ideally fall to around 800,000 baht _ a step higher than a Toyota Vios saloon or Honda Jazz hatchback.
The engine is economic and flexible.
In its current state, the Yeti can't be considered a good buy because it retails for as much as a Honda CR-V _ an SUV with C-segment credentials.
However, there are many things to learn from the Yeti. And by that, we mean that it could be on the radar screens of buyers who understand the logic but want to be different from the crowd at the same time.
Here's why. The Yeti's packaging, for one, is quite a marvel. The exterior has compact dimensions revolving around those of a Jazz, yet the interior remains roomy and versatile. The Yeti's high roof means that headroom isn't an issue for most people.
The high price is due to its imported status.
The rear seats are comfy to sit, plus the centre armrest (backrest for the fifth occupant) neatly incorporates cupholders and soft elbow paddings. Adding to the overall comfort is rear air-con ventilation.
The boot is spacious for a car of this size and can be increased by folding the backrests nearly flat. What makes the Yeti's versatility more special than, say, in a Jazz, is the ability the three-part folding system (it's usually 60:40 split in most hatchbacks).
The driving environment feels bland, despite ease of use.
It's also about functionality up front, in which the driver is treated with an easy-to-use fascia. But the environment is bland and not colourful enough for a modern-day crossover trying to divert attention from the masses. Some intended rivals like the Kia Soul, Mini Countryman and Nissan Juke all have multi-coloured interior trim to help inject some fun.
That's probably because Skoda was too busy trying to price the Yeti. And if you look at the specification, it's basic rather than attractive. There's no leather upholstery or electric adjustments for the driver's seats. The same goes for the safety kit, which is more or less on par with a Ford Fiesta's. But there's one funky item: a large sunroof.
And for those who have indulged in past VW Group of cars, you'll note that the Yeti has many interior parts used in old Audis and VWs. But it's OK because the Skoda was always meant to be a cut-price Czech alternative to the mainstream Germans.
It’s reasonably comfy in the rear.
However, that doesn't mean Skoda was restricted to VW's contemporary technology shelf. The Yeti gets a 105hp 1.2-litre inline-four petrol-turbo engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic driving the front wheels (there's four-wheel drive in more powerful Yetis sold in Europe).
Don't get turned off by the small displacement. With the help of a blower, the Yeti gets similar on-paper performance as a Vios or Yaris. And in the real world, the Yeti is even better than the Toyota's normally aspirated 1.5-litre.
There's plenty of low-rev flexibility; you just need a slight tap on the throttle to move swiftly around town. You don't need to rev the Yeti hard because it doesn't like to do so. Glance at the specs and you'll note that maximum power comes at just 5,000rpm. At times, you can feel the narrow powerband of the Yeti's engine but hardly to the extent of feeling like a diesel.
Boot space is generous... rear seats can fold in various ways.
This means that top-end performance isn't splendid in the Yeti, although this could be forgiving given the emphasis on real-world tractability and fuel economy _ partial thanks also going to that tranny which can't be found in any other B-segment car in the Thai market (the Fiesta's twin-clutcher is six-speed).
Simply put, this TSI engine _ also used in the Audi A1 and VW Polo _ is a good lesson in engine-downsizing principle and it shows how mainstream brands in Thailand have yet to catch up with new technological trends.
Since Skoda is a member of the VW Group, the chassis is capable in its own right and over most B-segment players. The ride, for one, is supple at most times yet stable at high speeds. The same goes for the car's handling, which can best be described as easy to drive in day-to-day use and assuring enough when driving conditions become more demanding.
To put the Yeti into perspective, it's more nimble to drive than the Countryman and not too soft as in the Juke. The only letdown the Yeti has _ both in its own game and against the competition _ is a secondary ride that's frequently harsh and jittery.
So where does that leave the Yeti in the end? Despite its clever packaging, efficient engine and safe driving manners, it sort of lacks some soul that can be found in the Yeti's intended competition. And that's quite important for an imported car that needs to stand out more clearly amongst the crowd.
AT A GLANCE
Styling ............................... 6/10
The Yeti's basic shape is distinctive, although there are not enough colours _ inside and outside _ to make it exciting as a crossover.
Performance ....................... 7/10
The 1.2-litre engine may sound small but is compensated with a turbo. It's not quick but is never short of real-world grunt and decent economy.
Handling/ride ...................... 7/10
Handling is remarkably capable for such a size, although the secondary ride on Thai roads is coarse and vocal at times.
Practicality ......................... 8/10
This is probably the highlight of the Skoda: enough room for occupants and their luggage with extra versatility to boast.
Safety kit ............................ 7/10
Since Skoda wants to price the imported Yeti as attractively as possible, some safety items had to be omitted.
VERDICT ............................. 6/10
You can't really describe the Yeti as a good buy due to its imported status. Price aside, the Yeti is an interesting small crossover with good levels of versatility, real-world performance and driving manners. Shame about the lack of visual fun.
OR TRY THESE
KIA SOUL
Price 1.348 million baht
Power124hp 1.6-litre petrol
Gearboxfour-speed automatic
Wheelbase2,550mm
We thinkStylish and most attractively priced here. A facelift has just been announced abroad.
MINI COUNTRYMAN COOPER
Price 2.79 million baht
Power122hp 1.6-litre petrol
Gearboxsix-speed automatic
Wheelbase2,595mm
We thinkThe best crossover to drive here but falls slightly short on comfort. As ever, high price is a deterrent.
NISSAN JUKE
Price 1.99 million baht (grey market)
Power114hp 1.5-litre petrol
GearboxCVT automatic
Wheelbase2,530mm
We thinkThe comfiest car to drive and be in, but its price is on the high side considering its basic performance.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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