Launched in 2009, the Skoda Yeti has become one of the most successful vehicles in its class.

Here is the Yeti Monte Carlo – a special edition model that plays homage to Skoda’s rallying heritage – 1936 being the date when the firm first competed in the Monte Carlo rally.

Stand out features include a black roof and black detailing around the bodywork, including black 17-inch alloys, tinted front fog lights and different sports seats. Otherwise equipment levels are the same as SE trim. This means you get dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, cruise control, xenon lights, multi-function steering wheel and roof rails.

The Yeti Monte Carlo is powered by a 170 PS 2.0-litre TDI diesel motor and six-speed manual gearbox (a six-speed DSG auto is optional) and four-wheel-drive.

On the road the Yeti Monte Carlo proves to be a decent drive. The powerful 2.0-litre oil-burner provides strong performance and the four-wheel-drive system ensures that the power is laid down cleanly and that the Yeti remains stable and sure-footed around corners – even in low grip conditions. For a high-sided car, body lean is well contained too. The gearbox is crisp and responsive, but the steering could do with a tad more feel, being rather light at times, although it does weight up as speed increases.

In terms of ride quality, the Yeti Monte Carlo can feel a bit firm at times – especially around town – although things settle down as speed increases on faster roads.

Refinement levels are about average for this class of car. The thrum of the diesel engine is always audible – more so once revs exceed 3000rpm, but it never gets too intrusive. Road noise is well suppressed, although some wind noise is evident from the door mirrors at motorway speeds.

With 170PS and four-wheel-drive, it’s far from the most economical Yeti model on sale, but even so, 49.6mpg is still respectable, as is 149g/km of CO2 emissions.

Inside the Yeti is a pleasant place to be. The car’s boxy dimensions afford it a spacious and airy-feeling cabin which can seat five tall adults in comfort, along with great all-round visibility. Seating is firm but supportive, with the driver and front passenger’s chair getting height adjustment. While the driving position is generally good, a niggle is that the steering wheel’s reach is limited and the thicker sportier steering wheel has the habit of obscuring the top of the instrument dials.

As a load lugger, the Yeti scores well, too. At the rear of the cabin, ŠKODA’s Varioflex seating system offers MPV-rivalling flexibility, with three rear seats that can be individually folded down or removed completely. In addition, the outer two seats can slide lengthways or crossways with the centre seat removed.

The facelifted Yeti’s boot remains one of the biggest and most flexible in the sector, offering 510 litres of space with the rear seats in position and an impressive 1,760-litres available with the seats removed. The tailgate is low too making loading and unloading much easier. There are plenty of storage areas and cubbies dotted around cabin, too.

This Monte-Carlo edition builds on the well-made, if rather plain standard Yeti interior furnishings, with a spattering of carbonfibre-effect trim inserts.

Verdict:
Skoda’s Yeti has always been a sound choice for people looking for a small crossover/SUV. This Monte Carlo special edition adds further appeal to buyers seeking higher performance and equipment levels and the extra traction/greater security of four-wheel-drive. The more distinctive looks crank up the desirability factor, too.

 

Tech spec:
Skoda Yeti Monte Carlo 
Engine 2.0 TDI 170PS 4x4
Price £24,390
Power 170PS
0-62mph 8.4 seconds
Top speed 125mph
Combined economy 49.6mpg
CO2 149g/km
Insurance Group: 26E