Skoda Yeti Confirmed For Late 2010, FWD And AWD Variants Planned

SKODA AUSTRALIA has confirmed that the versatile Yeti crossover is on its way, and it's gunning for a significant slice of the small softroader market.

Speaking with TMR at the launch of the 2010 Skoda Superb Wagon, Skoda representatives confirmed the Yeti will be in Australian showrooms later this year, in both front- and all-wheel-drive layouts.

Engine choices for the local market have yet to be confirmed, but with the Yeti offering a 77kW 1.2 litre and a 118kW 1.8 litre petrol engine alongside three 2.0 litre turbo-diesels in Europe, the focus will undoubtedly be on frugality rather than rock-hopping grunt.

The 1.2 TSI petrol is available only as a front-driver, as is the lower-spec 81kW 2.0 TDI. The rest of the Yeti range will be all-wheel-drive and, coupled with the crossover wagon's tall ride height, should allow some limited off-road thrills.

The Yeti's launch date is still too distant to speculate on pricing or trim levels, but Skoda Australia aims to offer a comprehensive level of standard equipment across the Yeti range.

A precise retail sticker price has not yet been decided, but Skoda Australia CEO Matthew Wiesner has confirmed that the FWD Yeti line-up will start below $30,000.

The rest of the range will be priced similarly to the Volkswagen Tiguan, with which it shares much of its 4Motion all-wheel-drive underpinnings.

With its urban utility and genuine off-road ability, Skoda is optimistic that the Yeti will quickly become one of  its best-selling models in Australia.

Article updated from 2009 entry.