Skoda Yeti beats Kia in annual awards

December 2011

Skoda has beaten three other car manufacturers to be named best SUV under $40,000 in an Australian automotive award.

Snatching victory from the 2010 winner the Kia Sportage by just one vote, the Skoda Yeti was recognised in the Drive Car of the Year awards for its "practical, roomy cabin and thrifty diesel engine".

While judges debated over the Skoda Yeti's $7,000 all-wheel-drive system, all agreed that its unique appearance resulted in a more generous interior - further enhanced by hidden storage space below the boot floor and removable rear seats that "open up a cavernous space".

The Skoda Yeti also beat out fellow VW Group production the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Skoda's SUV offering currently boasts a powerful 77TSI turbocharged petrol engine and is available in both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG transmissions.

Safety features of the Skoda Yeti include 7 airbags - including driver's knee - and Electronic Stability Control with ABS and Hill Hold Control.

A Skoda dealership can provide information of the marque's full range, including the Skoda Yeti, Skoda Fabia and Skoda Octavia.