Skoda Yeti review

The Skoda Yeti crossover is a member of the fastest-growing niche of vehicles

The Skoda Yeti is a crossover, and therefore a member of the fastest-growing niche of vehicles: one that aims to combine the versatility of a tall hatchback with sufficient off-road ability to meet the needs of 95 per cent of buyers.

Like other recent cars of its ilk, the Yeti is available with petrol or diesel power and front or four-wheel drive. In whatever form you choose it consumes fuel and emits gases at rates little worse than those of a regular hatchback.

Its price, unfortunately, especially in the higher trim levels, is pushing towards the latter - especially as you move up the engine range into the higher-powered 2.0-litre diesels and climb towards the top of the specification list, or begin ticking option boxes.The Yeti is a slightly unusual size, however. At only 4.2 metres long, its blocky proportions and silhouette are somewhere between a Fiat Panda 4x4 and a conventional C-segment soft-roader such as the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Entry-level 1.2 TSI petrol-powered models costs less than an equivalent Octavia hatchback though, so there's the chance that in the right specification the Yeti could make a lot of sense.

Is Skoda in danger of asking too much for its crossover SUV? Read our comprehensive review to find out.