Skoda Yeti SUV is a go!

The British Autocar magazine claims that the Skoda Yeti small SUV will finally make it to assembly line. Set to reach Skoda's dealerships by mid-2009, the mini SUV will have virtually zero rivals.

Why no rivals, you may ask? Well, the answer is rather simple: even the compact Volkswagen Tiguan and Renault Koleos look like giants in comparison to the junior Czech SUV. Its only serious competitor will be the good old Suzuki Jimny 4x4, known for its Spartan contempt to driver's comfort. Oh, and there is also the new Nissan Kix and Daihatsu Terios, but those are also designed for off-road duties and doesn't look like a good choice for a city dweller.

The vehicle, the magazine says citing Martin Hrdlicka, Skoda's head of chassis development, will be based on their own platform, sharing not a single part with VW's models. Perhaps, the small SUV will be built using some components transplanted directly from the new Skoda Fabia and the all-road Octavia Scout station wagons.

Although the car will be delivered with either front- or all-wheel-drive system, the company expects the overwhelming majority of the Yeti's to be ordered with AWD. As to the engines, the Czech car company plans to offer the compact vehicle with a choice of at least four powerplants. Namely, a 1.9-liter and a 2.0-liter diesel, a 1.6-liter FSI four-banger and a top of the line 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

The Czech car manufacturer is still unsure on the vehicle's name, though. "It might be Yeti or it might not be," Autocar quotes Hrdlicka.



See also: 2008 Skoda Superb to compete against VW Passat?