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2018 Skoda Yeti Spied, Looks Like a Volkswagen Tiguan with a Different Face

When Skoda entered the sport utility vehicle market in 2009 with the Yeti, the compact-sized model turned out to be a good bet. For the second-generation Yeti, however, Skoda will bet it all on a mildly restyled second-gen Volkswagen Tiguan.
2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype 11 photos
Photo: CarPix
2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype2018 Skoda Yeti pre-production prototype
Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a case of the Volkswagen Group trying to save money, but what customers wish for. I’m referring to a proper compact crossover SUV with the right looks, not a tarted up leisure activity vehicle. Due to make its debut in the latter half of next year, the 2018 Skoda Yeti will be every bit as attractive as its half-brothers.

Compared to its siblings, the biggest difference comes in the form of a front fascia that features a trapezoid grille with upright struts. Yes, it’s remarkably similar to the physiognomy introduced by the VisionS Concept and the soon-to-debut 2017 Skoda Kodiaq. But compared to the seven-seater mid-size SUV, the looming Yeti will provide seating for five, nothing more.

The prototype caught by our carparazzi is a RHD vehicle, which means that the UK will get the 2018 Skoda Yeti despite the fact that Skoda faces court action in the Albion because of the Dieselgate scandal. Rumor has it the Yeti is earmarked for Australia as well, but I’m not surprised. The Fabia, for example, sold 308 units through May 2016 in the Oz. An attractive and off-road capable product should do better.

Other than the usual TSI turbo gasoline and TDI turbo diesel engines, expect the 2018 Skoda Yeti to spawn a plug-in hybrid powertrain that will combine a 1.4 TSI with an electric motor. In terms of pricing, it’s safe to assume that the Yeti will undercut the Tiguan (€25,975 in Germany) on which it’s based on. Regarding the SEAT Ateca (€19,990 in Germany), I'm not keeping my hopes up for the Yeti to be priced below it.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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