Choosing a Compact SUV ...Skoda?.

[Fordman1]

When do you get the Yeti Ryeman !

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

So why are you abandoning Falcons?

She who must be obeyed, won't drive it ...too big for her apparently.
Her car (Jazz) seats too small for me on longer trips.
We can't keep paying to keep 2 cars now we are retired.

If you know of anyone who likes camel trim leather sunroof and LPI dual fuel driven like an old codger......

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

When do you get the Yeti Ryeman !

Not ordered yet, have to sell one to start with, other wise it'll be a car yard here
The 2x4 s have all gone but the 4x4 diesel 6 DSG (X) is 31490 DA, a lot of car for the dosh.

[SumoDog68]

Bought for mil a Yeti TDI in December last year - great value at 30k . Drove it for 2000k before delivering it to mil - great open road cruiser , tight turning circle and excellent visibility ,good build quality , spacious and practical . Even though I am not a big DSG fan , six speed is good to drive . Great little car , highly recommended .
Test drove a 1.2 and it was underpowered , diesel or larger petrol are much better to drive.

[csv8]

Peugot 2008 is getting good reviews...

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by csv8

Peugot 2008 is getting good reviews...

Comparison:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/peugeot...2008-vs-rivals

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by csv8

Peugot 2008 is getting good reviews...

Yeah if you want manual.
Otherwise you get a transmission from last century

[ryeman]

I was told the 2014 Yeti will ditch its distinctive face for a more conventional Octavia look.....not happy!

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by ryeman

I was told the 2014 Yeti will ditch its distinctive face for a more conventional Octavia look.....not happy!

Original styling concept of the Yeti:

http://www.carsbase.com/photo/Skoda-..._pic_45944.jpg

Frankly I don't mind the conservative styling of the Skodas, in fact I prefer it to some of the ephemeral extreme Tonka-Toy stuff on the market now (Koreans especially good at). I don't even like the way the Territory styling was changed to "catch up" with the current ugly glug on the market. It'll be the biggest potential turnoff for me if we upgrade the Territory one more time before the end. (Edit: I'd add that the Focus and Kuga are styling turnoffs too!)

Skodas look decent enough. It's the practical things like driveability, performance, reliability, quality, outfit, interior space that are the attractions for me. Function over style, like you said.

And now price and what you get for it. Recently we had a hire Holden Cruze which is priced not far below the entry price for an Octavia. Frankly, after having driven an Octavia, the Cruze is just the most horrible little car - unpleasant to drive, crap minimalist finish and outfit and all those other usual things at the cheap and nasty end like cramped space, torque steer, gear lag. Frankly, for a couple of thou difference why would you even consider buying one over an Octavia?

How did you find the Yeti to drive?

[ryeman]

^^^typical SUV low speed ride.
Genuine German quality feel and interior.
Mechanicals sourced fm Germany.
$30,490 DA for a white TDI is certainly tempting.
Asian competitors are superficially glitzy but that's it for me.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by ryeman

^^^typical SUV low speed ride.
Genuine German quality feel and interior.
Mechanicals sourced fm Germany.
$30,490 DA for a white TDI is certainly tempting.
Asian competitors are superficially glitzy but that's it for me.

You'll find the mechanicals including engine and gearbox are almost certainly made at the Skoda factory which also supplies to other VAG marques (Audi, VW, Seat). Mlada Boleslav is a huge integrated manufacturing facility, been there for over 100 years and does everything from foundry upwards. It's the third biggest VAG facility after Wolfsburg and Ingolstadt, but unlike those (which bring in engines etc from other factories), Skoda does almost everything itself or uses local suppliers.

I don't know why this "German technology" thing is pushed so much in the marketing - badge snobbery I think. VW designs the basic platform and drivetrain, which is of course is why it's so good to drive, but the rest of the effort (and a lot of "adjustments"!) is pretty-much Czech.

[ryeman]

Just been offered white trend diesel Kuga for $25K changeover drive away.
Hmmmmm.....

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

When do you get the Yeti Ryeman !

This time next week hopefully.
White TDI. Last white 2013 model in Oz.

[csv8]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Yeah if you want manual.
Otherwise you get a transmission from last century

Yes..but its a proven transmission..not a DSG box with problems....

[ryeman]

Yeti comes with 6 yr warranty and fixed price annual servicing.
Coles ins $425.

[new2ford]

Do you know what the fixed prices are at present for the various types of service?

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by new2ford

Do you know what the fixed prices are at present for the various types of service?

It averages $420 odd annually.
It fits us like a glove.

[new2ford]

Gosh. Between that and the insurance it looks like the reasons for owning a Ford are going out the window. It's that whole-of-life cost factor that favoured the Australian cars but it looks like VAG has made a nod towards reducing even that disadvantage for them.

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by new2ford

Gosh. Between that and the insurance it looks like the reasons for owning a Ford are going out the window. It's that whole-of-life cost factor that favoured the Australian cars but it looks like VAG has made a nod towards reducing even that disadvantage for them.

The one bummer is the TDI's belt driven camshaft at 105K $800 odd.
Hate belts!

[new2ford]

Parts will probably still be more expensive than Mr Ford's, so don't go breaking mirrors, headlamps etc!

I was very impressed with the 1.9TDI in the Octavia. Still plenty of boot left for overtaking at 150 km/h! 6l/100 cruising at 120-140 ain't bad either.

[ryeman]

[QUOTE=new2ford;5009028]Parts will probably still be more expensive than Mr Ford's, so don't go breaking mirrors, headlamps etc!

Yep, might have to do a bit of online research.
VW n Ford are both imported so parts might be similar in price.
What she dif between 1.9 n 2.0 TDI engines?.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by ryeman

What she dif between 1.9 n 2.0 TDI engines?.

1.9L would be the previous model engine I guess.

[csv8]

new2ford..Euro parts are expensive..price Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo parts !! BMW 1 series the headlight is $800 plus fitting !!!!

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by csv8

new2ford..Euro parts are expensive..price Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo parts !! BMW 1 series the headlight is $800 plus fitting !!!!

What, you've never encounter price gouging from Ford Australia Parts counters
How's $543 for a 16" steel wheel sound
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11412917

At least with these global brands and the ease of international trade these days you'll have more choice than just the Aussie dealer network to source parts from.

[Bearman]

Watching with interest. Our next car will likely be a small or medium SUV. The Antiguan has piqued my interest but I'm certainly interested in the Yeti, bizarre looks aside.

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by Bearman

Watching with interest. Our next car will likely be a small or medium SUV. The Antiguan has piqued my interest but I'm certainly interested in the Yeti, bizarre looks aside.

Checked in on the watercooledvw yeti forum.....one post was about 103TDI 4x4 stock Yeti embarrassing a 100LC on a climb straddling obstacles and a tight turn near the top with a yump, the Yeti had no problem but the 100 didn't have dif locks and was forced to take a flying leap to get there.......I'm not particularly interested in serious 4WDing but nice to know it's not a soft toy.
Seriously, if you like a bit of understated euro class and it's not too small for you, CHECK IT OUT
(I think 2013 models are sold out just about)