You and I would remember the Yeti. Launched in India in 2010, the compact SUV had a capable 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine and an optional 4×4 version. Further, the powertrain was available in two different states of tune. It was the carmaker’s early attempt at finding success with a 4WD SUV, and was later succeeded by the Kodiaq in 2017. Now, Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer has revealed that he is thinking about resurrecting the model, in a modern, more upmarket format, for India and other developing markets.
There is no confirmation on this yet. Nor do we have clarity on the details. But we do know that this model will not make it to the European markets. The manufacturer believes that the Yeti’s comeback could make them encash the nameplate’s legacy and popularity. In India, there is a strong fan/ enthusiast base for the Yeti, and the carmaker seems to know this well too.
Zellmer hinted about the SUV’s return in a recent interview with the German publication Auto Motor Und Sport. The evaluation is also backed by Skoda’s realization of how important introducing new products is in sustaining sales momentum in a sensitive market like India. Relatability or an existing emotional connection would further boost chances of conversion- another reason for the resurrection.
All-New Skoda Yeti: What To Expect?
Though we lack clarity on the actual changes, the new Yeti is expected to come with a complete visual makeover. It will, however, have all the signature ‘Yeti’ bits intact. The new model is thus likely to look boxy and rugged, even while making a soft shift to a more contemporary format. It could retain the strong road presence and generous cabin room of its predecessor.
Talking of design alone, the Yeti gives hope, as Skoda has been devising a design monotony with most of its recent launches- calling it the family look. The Yeti is expected to break this and stand unique with its signature design.
The old Yeti was powered by a 2.0L diesel engine. But Skoda India doesn’t do diesel anymore, and this could mean that the new SUV could be a petrol-only model. Another reason for ditching the diesel engine choice would be the upcoming stricter emission norms.
Skoda’s entire Indian portfolio is powered by two engine options- the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI petrols. It is too early to comment on which of these would find a place under the hood of the upcoming Yeti. The vehicle could also give up on the 4×4 capability. Yes, these are mere assumptions!
Zellmer says the upcoming Yeti would be larger than its predecessor. It remains to be seen if the carmaker would base it on the MQB A0 IN platform. It remains a possibility. Doing so could make it easy for Skoda to come up with proper pricing for the SUV.
However, we will be able to give a more authoritative word on this only after getting to know what Skoda’s intentions with the resurrection are. If it is to sit more towards the Kushaq, the MQB A0 IN could work. But if the positioning is more towards the Kodiaq, a larger and more flexible platform could be used.
In Skoda’s portfolio, it will sit above the Kushaq and will come with an upgraded feature list, strong build and crashworthiness and a fresh cabin layout. It could come with a large infotainment scree, digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ADAS and a sunroof.
The previous Yeti was discontinued in 2017. A 7-year hiatus could be cited as a concern by many. But the upside there is that the timeframe has made the consumer expectations and tech landscape evolve- mostly in favour of the upcoming SUV. The relaunch could thus bring Skoda fortunes.
Featured image courtesy GRID7Customs
