Old habits die hard. In spite of 20 years linked with Volkswagen and now building world class vehicles you'll still hear the occasional snigger when the name Skoda is mentioned.
But those comments won't come from anyone who has driven a modern Skoda product. And if I had to single out the new Skoda best able to convince the last remaining doubters of what the brand now represents it would be the Yeti.
Distinctively styled, cleverly packaged and fun to drive with a punchy turbocharged diesel engine, the Yeti 2.0 TDI 4x4 which I drove recently ranks among my 2011 favourites.
The most affordable of the Euro brand compact SUVs, the 2.0-litre TDI 4x4 version of the Yeti is priced at $48,000 with the six-speed DSG transmission, or $45,500 with a six-speed manual gearbox.
That's fully competitive with the diesel versions of the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV-4 and Mitsubishi ASX - which are only available with manual transmission - and also less expensive than the diesel-engined Hyundai ix35.
The powerplant is the familiar VW Group 2.0-litre TDi unit which is used in a wide variety of VW and Skoda models and meets EU5 emission regulations. The 1968cc direct injection turbocharged diesel develops 103kW at 4200rpm while peak torque of 320Nm is available from 1750-2500rpm.
The other half of the powertrain marriage is the six-speed double clutch DSG transmission. Along with smooth, split-second shifts the DSG provides tall gearing that works well with the muscular torque curve.
Highway cruising at 100km/h is achieved at only 1800rpm in sixth gear, 2200rpm in fifth gear and 2900rpm in fourth gear providing easy access to the 320Nm of torque for overtaking and long hills.
Combined cycle fuel consumption for the DSG version is officially rated at 6.5 litres per 100km with the manual rated at 6.0L/100km. I got down to 6.2L/100km on a highway run and averaged 7.1L/100km over my full road test.
The stylish 17-inch alloy wheels in a five-spoke design are shod with highway oriented Dunlop SP Sport01 tyres in a generous 225/50 R17 sizing. The Yeti has a supple ride on uneven surfaces, has nicely controlled body movement, reassuring steering feel and confident braking.
A good proportion of my road test was spent on rural back roads and the Yeti copes happily with broken surfaces, camber changes and corrugations in its stride with minimal abruptness in the responses.
The styling gives the Yeti an individual look. The wide stance, distinctive front end and generic "soft roader" cues such as flared wheel arches and metallic roof rails gives the suggestion of a tough little wagon that punches above its weight.
The Skoda signature large chrome grille is framed by the big circular fog lamps which hint at some rally heritage while the lower grille is framed by metallic highlights.
The bodystyle is a compact five-door wagon at just over 4.2 metres in length. The Yeti stands tall at 1691mm and is 1793mm wide. Think of it as a high-riding small-medium size hatchback with a raised roof providing lots of headroom and an enhanced view ahead from the driver's seat.
Rear seat kneeroom is reasonably tight and the footwell space is excellent for the two outer passengers. But things are cramped for a fifth occupant with the transmission tunnel and the front centre console robbing legroom and footwell space.
The VarioFlex rear seat design offers useful versatility with a three-way 35/30/35 split. The outer sections can slide fore-aft to vary the load space and kneeroom while there is a full tumble and fold arrangement that extends the load capacity to 1665 litres. Or the seats can be removed completely.
Open the conventional top-hinged tailgate and the moderate 322 litres of load space is equipped with a luggage cover, load partition net, tie down hooks and a 12-volt accessory outlet.
In a vehicle that tempts you to drive it into more isolated areas there's a little disappointment to discover the Yeti has a skinny space saver spare wheel under the load floor.
The specification meets near $50K expectations with dual-zone Climatronic air conditioning, eight-speaker audio system with six-disc CD stacker, SD card reader and auxiliary connection, rain sensor wipers, auto headlights, cruise control and a multi-function trip computer as standard.
There is remote central locking, an auto dimming mirror, alarm and immobiliser security system plus heated and folding door mirrors.
Stylish plain and pattern dark grey cloth trim, alloy pedals and a leather steering wheel deliver some quality touches to the cabin with a strip of metallic dash trim, cloth door trim inserts and chrome door handles.
There are bottle holders in the front door pockets and a chilled glovebox and although the centre console storage is small there is also a dashtop storage box. There's also a sunglass pocket in the ceiling.
A comfortable front seat design provides some good lateral support from the side bolsters and plenty of cushion length.
A tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel is provided and the driver's seat has manual cushion height plus slide/recline and lumbar support adjustments.
Among the choices on the option list are two alternative 17-inch alloy wheel designs, satellite navigation, Bi-xenon headlights, leather trim, a panorama sunroof and tyre pressure monitoring.
A EuroNCAP crash test in 2009 awarded the Yeti a 5-star safety rating and the standard features comprise seven airbags, active front seat head rests, Electronic Stability Programme and Traction Control plus a reversing sensor. There are three rear seat headrests, two ISOFIX child seat anchor points and a front passenger seat ISOFIX mounting with airbag deactivation.
The Skoda Yeti should make you smile but it's no laughing matter. It has a cheerful personality and cool styling plus plenty of responsive diesel urge and a leading edge transmission that serves up an impressive combination of performance and efficiency.
THE NUMBERS
Engine 1968cc 16-valve direct injection turbocharged diesel
Maximum output 103kW at 4200rpm
Maximum torque 320Nm at 1750-2500rpm
Length 4223mm
Width 1793mm
Height 1691mm
Wheelbase 2578mm
Kerb weight 1555kg
Fuel tank capacity 60 litres
Wheels 17 x 6.5-inch alloy
Tyres Dunlop SP Sport 01 225/50 R17 radialSKODA Yeti 2.0 TDi 4x4 $48,000
SAFETY:
Dual front airbags
Front seat side and curtain airbags
Driver's knee airbag
Front seatbelt pretensioners and load force limiters
Electronic Stability Programme and Traction Control
Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist
Three-point centre rear seat belt
2 x ISOFIX child seat mountings
2 x child seat tether points
Alarm and immobiliser security system
Space saver spare wheel
CRASH TEST RATING:
Euro NCAP rating (2009 test): Overall rating
FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined (claimed): 6.5 litres per 100km
Auto Parade test results
Combined: 7.1 litres per 100km
Highway: 6.2 litres per 100km
MORE INFORMATION:
Malcolm Wano and Kiahara Takareki Trust in Moerewa want to inspire young people.