The Skoda Yeti sees the VW-owned Czech manufacturer introduce its fifth model onto the UK market.

Pitched as a rival to the Nissan Qashqai, forthcoming Hyundai Ix-35, Peugeot 3008 and Nissan Qazana with its combination of SUV, MPV and hatchback attributes, the Skoda Yeti doubles the current available choice in the crossover market.

Its credentials are impressive. The range starts from below £14,000, offers a choice of 4x4 capability or two-wheel drive and can hold up to 1,760 litres of luggage.

But the Skoda Yeti isn’t just an exciting proposition on paper.

It also looked the part as we faced a windswept Loch Ness on the first UK drive in the north west of Scotland.

With half of a rugged, but only modestly challenging, off-road ramble behind us we faced an imposing stretch of wave-crested water, and a route which would take us into the loch and over slippery pebbles parallel to the shore.

Off-road capability

After applying the off-road button, the Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control System and Electronic Differential Lock all responded more appropriately to challenging terrains and gradients.

And while the Yeti doesn't have a set of lower gear ratios it does have the ability to trundle along at a more suitable sub-first gear speed with the car in neutral and Downhill Assist employed.

It took a little mind over life-preserving-instinct to stick to the watery course indicated but it showed that, while the Yeti may not be a hardcore off-roader, it has more than enough up its sleeve to match most people's non-tarmac ambitions. This is especially so given the expected popularity of two-wheel drive models, with even those who specify off-road capability unlikely to put the car to such strenuous tests.

Impresses on-road

Arguably, the car impresses even more on the road.

Skoda offers a choice of two petrol engines: a 1.2 TSI 105BHP and 1.8 TSI 160bhp and three versions of a 2.0 TDI CR diesel engine offering 110bhp, 140bhp and 170bhp.

The 140bhp diesel engine we tested will attract some buyers for its better fuel return but I preferred the 1.8 TSI for its perkier low-speed response.

And although the diesel is quiet enough, the petrol model, as one would expect, has the edge here too - and saves £500 on the purchase price.

Engine range
 
The 1.2 TSI with its sub-£14,000 price is an intriguing proposition and will be the only model in the range to offer an automatic 7-speed DSG gearbox (5 and 6-speed manuals for the rest).

Auto Trader Deputy Editor Stuart Milne road tested the 1.2 petrol engine at the Skoda Yeti international launch in Slovenia and declared it the pick of the bunch.

Beyond its on and off-road capabilities the Skoda Yeti is also an enormously impressive car in terms of its interior space.

Flexible storage

With all five seats in place there is a maximum of 510 litres of boot space available but each of the seats in the back row can be tipped forward or completely removed to create a cavernous flat load space. Another option is to remove the middle seat and centre the remaining two to create a roomier four-seater. Remove them all and there is a maximum 1,760-litre load space.

Access to the boot is via a rear hatch and storage solutions including little hooks for shopping bags, already introduced to the range-topping Skoda Superb, are imaginative and useful.

The cabin area is elegantly simple in layout and has a feeling of quality and space. Touch-screen satnav helps keep the number of buttons down and while some may find the cushion length a little short, the seats are comfortable.

There are four trim levels: E, S, SE and Elegance. As you would expect from Skoda even the entry-level trim comes with a decent level of equipment including height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

Boxy appearance

The car's chunky, boxy appearance is easy on the eye and fits well into the Skoda family range. The profile recalls the Roomster and I like the rear's vertical Discovery-esque appearance.

Skoda ensured this was one of the more memorable launches by bringing their own real-life Yeti (or perhaps it was an actor called Spencer) to accompany the press briefing.

But there is nothing gimmicky about the Skoda Yeti, a bold entry into the crossover market which will certainly give those attracted to the Qashqai another option to consider.
 
The Skoda Yeti goes on sale in the UK on September 17 2009.