Nothing abominable about this Yeti

The Skoda Yeti has become a car of two faces, yet there is nothing hypocritical about this approach for the revised range.

Skoda now splits the line-up into standard Yeti and Yeti Outdoor models, though both sport new headlights and bumpers on the outside.

While the Yeti has a smoother look with colour-coded bumpers, the Outdoor has knock- resistant bumpers and larger protective under trays.

Skoda has also blessed the Outdoor with shorter front and rear overhangs to help on steep slopes when off-road.

The Outdoor is capable of more offroad work than you might think, aided by the latest generation of fourwheel drive system from the Volkswagen Group.

This lets the Yeti Outdoor keep going where other soft-roaders would become bogged down and the Yeti Outdoor underscores its tough credentials with an off-road button to aid traction in the slippery stuff.

Outdoor buyers can also opt for the £ 200 Rough pack that adds more protection underneath for the engine, petrol tank and brake lines.

On the road, there’s little difference between the two sides of the range.

The Outdoor is only available with the most powerful 1.8- litre turbo petrol engine and 2.0-litre turbodiesels that offer 109-, 138- or 167bhp.

It means performance is brisk, despite the extra weight, but economy and emissions are not as good as the equivalent standard Yeti.

The more street-biased Yeti comes with a choice of 109bhp 2.0- litre turbodiesels or Skoda’s excellent 1.2 turbo petrol engine with 104bhp.

Don’t dismiss the small capacity petrol engine as it packs a punch.

The 2.0- litre diesels give bags of oomph on or off- road and the Yeti copes with any type of terrain with ease to soak up the bumps and corner with precision and little body lean.

For those seeking the best economy it’s the 104bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel in the Greenline II that’s the best bet.

The Greenline model offers 61.4mpg and 119g/ km CO2 emissions for low running costs and its diesel engine is hushed and refined.

All of the other engines also perform quietly to make the Yeti’s cabin as relaxing as it’s always been.

There are some small changes to the Yeti’s interior, such as new steering wheel designs and trim finishes, but it remains a well made, spacious and practical cabin.

With four trim levels on offer and prices starting from £ 16,715, or £19,695 for the Outdoor, the Yeti also continues to offer great value.

It may now have two faces, but the Skoda Yeti is one of the most honest, appealing cars you could wish for.