Skoda was once the budget brand for VAG. Value for money and space.
This Yeti is though and forest-ready. Yet it starts at 25000 euros.
How 'budget' is that, compared to a Dacia Duster?
That's also tough, comes in green and costs 17000 euros.
How budget is budget?
Budget is quite budget in this Dacia Duster. Even the top of the line.
This Prestige costs 22000 euros and offers A/C, satnav and cruise control.
Everything to make driving a car extra nice.
But then, the finish. Like this seat, which is far too short.
And you can't adjust the steering to make it just right.
The satnav screen is so low, you can't look out the windscreen as well.
Which isn't that convenient. Also, there's no mirror cover up here.
No dealbreakers, but you feel how this car was made on a budget.
Technically, this car is great. There's a 1.2 TCe engine with 125 ps and 205 Nm.
It's a supple engine and works just fine in modern-day traffic.
Same for the ride, which has a nice balance and does its job well.
So what does the Skoda Yeti offer for the 7000 euro premium?
Well, not engine power. This has 105 ps and 175 Nm.
It's okay thanks to the TSI powerband, but not ideal on the highway.
The 7-speed DSG is fast and makes the car drive okay, but nothing more.
The ride is great, rather sturdy, which makes it a bit dynamic.
You can take corners at speed, though you don't buy one for that.
The finish is better. It's more quite and everything feels more solid.
This will really last for 200000 km's, a feeling the Dacia doesn't offer.
It's more practical, too. You can configure the rear seats in any way. Nice.
Then: you don't get satnav, but you do get seperate A/C and a light sensor.
Equipment varies between the two, but the Skoda premium remains.
Two affordable SUV's, yet there's a major difference.
The Yeti as it is here costs 30000 euros, though it does feel complete.
This Dacia is 7000 euros cheaper, but you feel that in several ways.
You wouldn't be mad if you chose it, though.