THE TOP-SELLING ‘crossover’ Nissan Qashqai better watch out because a Yeti is stalking it!

That is the unequivocal target put forward by Skoda to track down sales for its new ‘crossover’, the Yeti. But after a week of living with the wild beast from the Bohemian Highlands, I’d certainly see more targets in the firing line for this little ugly duckling.

It’s no-nonsense approach to 4 x 4 motoring would certainly be a hit with someone who doesn’t want all the techie bits that come with a Land Rover Freelander, or those who can’t afford an XC60 from Volvo (see also this page) and the likes of VW’s Tiguan.

Put simply, the Yeti is a no-nonsense 4 x 4 which will prove ideal for anyone who has to travel on Scotland’s pothole-ridden roads, yet wants one that is ideal on the better surfaces of our motorways.

The model tested was the two-litre turbo-diesel version which is rated at 140bhp and with the ‘Elegance’ specification – which is just about top of the hill in terms of goodies and price. It costs £21,820, though one re-mapped and chipped to 170bhp hits the farm track at £22,635.

But if the flowery extras are not for you, then a bog-standard S spec’ model can cost as little as £14,570, though for that you get a rather limp 105bhp out of a 1.2TSI petrol engine and with only two-wheel-drive. A 110bhp 2.0 TDi 4 x 4 looks more of a likely buy at £17,580 as does the bottom spec’ available with 140bhp rating, the SE, at £15 under £20,000.

First impression of the Yeti? Well, like anything named after a hairy mythical monster (Susan Boyle?), it’s never going to win a Miss Ardrossan title, let alone Miss Czeckoslovakia. But looks aren’t everything, as I continually have to profess!

Don’t forget that Skoda is owned by VW and much of the hardware which makes it go – at rather a sharp pace too (0-62mph in under 10 seconds) – comes from that stable. That means the mechanics are all top drawer, with a proven reputation and that is a worthwhile consideration for potential purchasers.

But, here’s the drop (for your jaw that is). The Yeti is perfectly capable of returning almost 50 mpg which, even amongst the smallest of crossovers, is quite some feat.

And here’s another thing. Should you not want to squeeze three people into the back seat all the time, then Skoda’s Varioflex seating arrangement allows the middle seat of the three totally separate units, to be removed easily altogether. The two seats on either side also have backward and forward sliding, and a backrest adjustment for added comfort, which makes this quite a versatile little people mover.

Obviously, it’s not up there with Land Rover products in terms of off-road capability. But, the fourth generation Haldex clutch system – as fitted on other Skoda products like the Octavia Scout – works pretty well on its own.

Under normal driving conditions, it drives 96% through the front wheels, but when things get slippy, the sensors detect it and diverts power to the axle with the most traction.

On the Elegance spec’ed models, Skoda has added an off-road button as standard. Off the tarmac, hit the button and it brings together all the functions of ABS (assisted braking system), TCS (traction control systems) and EDL (electronic differential lock) in special off-road mode.

A neat little trick of the Yeti is its ‘park assist’ function.

Basically, press the button, drive along a line of parked cars at no more than 18mph and a series of sensors on the car will find a space big enough to park in. When a space is found, the vehicle’s display tells you so.

Simply engage reverse, remove hands from the steering wheel – all you have to control is speed and braking – and, bingo, the car parks it for you ... good little Yeti!