Any real life yeti owners out there?

[Brycem]

Or are they as rare as the mythical beast itself?

Would love to hear from new owners on how they are getting along with their snow monsters. I love it but have a certain reticence as doubt if it could replace an octavia wagon as the main family vehicle for a family of four with two young kids.

Any thoughts?

[woofy]

I doubt it will, we have a nearly 4yr old and an 11mth old, and the Superb was the only other option for us apart from the Octy...the Yeti is just too small for now. Get rid of some of the toddler crap and it would be better, but the days of a Yeti or Tiguan for us are long over.

[shoutj74]

Agreed, don't think it would make a good family car if you have prams and all that sort of stuff to go in. I can only just about get a large esky in the boot. If you have older kids I think it would be fine. When going shopping for larger goods though we still take the Mazda 3 hatch as it has more boot space. Picking up relatives at the airport - Mazda 3. Very happy with it though for a couple without kids, our situation. Its size makes it great for city driving, only when doing a 3 point turn or parked up next to a larger 4x4 do you actually get reminded just how compact it is. Stick with the Octavia Wagon for now.

[NotYet]

We got our Yeti at the end of November. I have not seen another one on the road. (Will wave and toot when I do!)

Overall I am very happy with it. It is smooth, quiet and perky. It handles really well on rough bitumen and on gravel (haven't taken it on any tracks yet) - sure-footed through bends, excellent suspension. A little more body roll and a little more wind noise than in a conventional hatchback, but you would hardly notice it. There is very good torque from lowish revs. I haven't found the DSG transmission to be jerky in stop-start traffic (as some have said) and it holds gears well. The tiptronic mode is great. It is fun to drive, especially on country C roads.

The only option I ticked was Xenon lights. They are fabulous - the cornering function works brilliantly (if you will pardon the pun). For anyone who does any night driving on country or outer-suburban roads, they are invaluable.

The Bolero unit is good. Handy having SD card slot. Bluetooth works well.

Fuel consumption so far is 7L/100km. That means good range on a tank.

I like the dimensions (only 4.2m long, but roomy inside) and the small turning circle. Great for the city.

Negatives:
- Head restraints push your head forward. (Our neighbours have a Subaru Forester, and they have the same problem.) My solution is a seat insert from Back Care and Seating. My partner hasn't got it sorted yet - she has tried using the rear seat headrest and turning the headrest around.
- Boot space is limited. There are storage spaces under the floor, but I haven't found them very useful. You can make a lot of space by folding back seats down (or removing them), but you would then need a luggage net or something to secure your gear.
- Temporary use spare. (Not a bicycle tyre, but still limited to 80km/h.) To fit a full size spare in the well would involve raising the boot floor a couple of inches. The ideal solution would be a flat floor with a full-size spare standing up - but that won't fit under the parcel shelf.
- Low-profile tyres. The tyres are 225/50 17 Pirelli Zero Rosso. They certainly handle well, but would be a major limitation on sand or rough tracks, especially as the manual says not to lower the pressure below 32psi. (On the launch in Central Australia, the idiots from Skoda actually increased the pressure to 40psi, which would have made them much more vulnerable to puncture, and greatly reduced traction.) What's more the RRP is $500 each (gasp!!). The 16 inch wheels from the 1.2TSI model would be more practical.
- Should have a reversing camera (like the Kia Sportage). You can add an aftermarket one, but using a clip on rear view mirror would interfere with the light sensor (which controls the auto lights). I didn't opt for parking sensors; on other cars I haven't found them as useful as a camera (which I have on my other car). Nevertheless, it is not a big problem, because it is an easy car to park.

For me the Yeti replaces a conventional hatchback. It fills a different niche to your Octavia wagon. While there is sufficient legroom in the rear seats for two kids (unless they are basketballers), the luggage space is very limited. Coming from an Octavia wagon, you might find it rather small.

[YETIMAN]

Almost got mine. Due end of feb. Aqua blue 103 Tdi 4x4 manual with off road button, bi-xenons and parking sensors. Was very impressed with the test drives and as it will replace a camry I am looking forward to the fun factor.

[UK Yeti]

For me the Yeti replaces a conventional hatchback. It fills a different niche to your Octavia wagon. While there is sufficient legroom in the rear seats for two kids (unless they are basketballers), the luggage space is very limited. Coming from an Octavia wagon, you might find it rather small.

Comparing the Yeti to the gargantuan Octavia is a bit unfair as very few cars within the Yeti/Octavia footprint has the boot an Octi does... (Ignoring the Superb now!) The Yeti's is smaller yes, but you need to pack differently and that is the trick. If you pack vertically with things on top of each other rather than everything touching carpet you will be amazed what you can fit in the Yeti's boot. I am time and time again.

One thing I shake my head at often though is that they fit the spare wheel "upside down" with the outer edge of the wheel facing up meaning you can't store more stuff inside the wheel! Doh. On my last car (an Audi) the spare was outer face down in the boot and you could fit all manner of things inside it. Škoda would only have had to lower the wheel well on the Yeti by about 20mm to enable the spare to have gone the other way around... Hopefully on Yeti 2 they see the error of their ways.

[bluey]

[...]
One thing I shake my head at often though is that they fit the spare wheel "upside down" with the outer edge of the wheel facing up meaning you can't store more stuff inside the wheel! Doh. On my last car (an Audi) the spare was outer face down in the boot and you could fit all manner of things inside it. Škoda would only have had to lower the wheel well on the Yeti by about 20mm to enable the spare to have gone the other way around... Hopefully on Yeti 2 they see the error of their ways.

Personally, I think it makes more sense to have the spare right side up, because then the pressure can be checked more easily and then the spare can actually be functional when needed. The times I have actually seen need for a spare: 1. many moons ago when grandfather's crossply retread shredded itself going to the Gold Coast; 2. 2 years ago when the other half hit a gutter corner and shredded a sidewall. VW parts guy kindly put the alloy wheel + wheelcover of the Polo in the boot upside down and mangled the metal centre cap of the alloy on the wheel retaining nut/bracket. I'd much prefer a skinny spacesaver and a flat/larger boot.

I put the jumper leads in a plastic bag under the middle of a "right side up" spare, so the space gets used.

Because the Polo has the tool kit box in the middle of the spare, nothing else goes there anyway, except the removable towball that can't be bought locally.

Will have more to say after the Yeti arrives. Have seen ONE on the road (shopping centre carpark) to date.

[mark t]

We got our Yeti at the end of November. I have not seen another one on the road. (Will wave and toot when I do!)
Negatives:
- Head restraints push your head forward. (Our neighbours have a Subaru Forester, and they have the same problem.) My solution is a seat insert from Back Care and Seating. My partner hasn't got it sorted yet - she has tried using the rear seat headrest and turning the headrest around.


Hi. This seems to be the only thing standing between me and my yeti! Doesn't bother me, I'm 6' and find it comfortable but my partner is 6" shorter and it doesn't feel right for her. NotYet, have you found a satisfactory way around this? Anyone else?

Otherwise the Yeti is ticking all the right boxes for me, or at least more than the others on offer. I'm coming from a 05 Forester, it's been a good car, tough and capable, but I don't like the newer model, bigger, blander and probably no better, plus no auto diesel.

FWIW, so far I've just seen one Yeti on the loose, parked in Swan St Richmond, about a block and a half along from the dealers.

[UK Yeti]

Hi. This seems to be the only thing standing between me and my yeti! Doesn't bother me, I'm 6' and find it comfortable but my partner is 6" shorter and it doesn't feel right for her. NotYet, have you found a satisfactory way around this? Anyone else?



This is only the second time I've ever come across someone complaining about the Yeti's anti-submerging front headrests. The first was from someone on the UK forum in this thread (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/211889-rear-headrest-uncomfortable/). He is tiny and thus swapped the front headrests for the rear ones!!! He posted this review on another website about this:

Battle of the Unequals : Skoda Yeti vs. Honda Civic (10,000 km driven) - Team-BHP (http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-drives-initial-ownership-reports/105506-battle-unequals-skoda-yeti-vs-honda-civic-10-000-km-driven.html)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/03/587261d1312274589tbattleunequalsskodayet-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/03/587266d1312274589tbattleunequalsskodayet-1.jpg

Looks weird to me! But maybe you could do this for your partner's seat? Unless you both drive the car in which case you'd have to do the same as this person did.

[Davetherave]

This is only the second time I've ever come across someone complaining about the Yeti's anti-submerging front headrests. The first was from someone on the UK forum in this thread (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/211889-rear-headrest-uncomfortable/). He is tiny and thus swapped the front headrests for the rear ones!!! He posted this review on another website about this:

Battle of the Unequals : Skoda Yeti vs. Honda Civic (10,000 km driven) - Team-BHP (http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-drives-initial-ownership-reports/105506-battle-unequals-skoda-yeti-vs-honda-civic-10-000-km-driven.html)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/03/587261d1312274589tbattleunequalsskodayet-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/03/587266d1312274589tbattleunequalsskodayet-1.jpg

Looks weird to me! But maybe you could do this for your partner's seat? Unless you both drive the car in which case you'd have to do the same as this person did.

Hi all,

I picked up my yeti earlier this week. Very happy so far and I retrofitted a Columbus satnav as well which after a few coding issues now integrates perfectly with the MFD and the MFSW.

My yeti is white with a black roof/panoramic sunroof so if you see me driving around the North Shore of Sydney please give me a toot!

[bluey]

Got our Yeti 2 days ago.

First impressions....solid as a rock, a load of fat pillars holding up the roof (no wonder TopGear could land a chopper on one). Need to be a bit extra careful looking for traffic/bikes/pedestrians, and getting used to distances in the full convex external mirrors. Steering wheel, gearstick, handbrake not as comfortable as Polo. Loads of gadgets and nick nacks - entertainment centre sat nav, voice control radio/nav, auto lights/wipers/dipping mirror, boot shopping bag hooks + net, customisable multifunction display, car-programmable convenience functions (don't need a vag-com for that). But no soft return grab handles, no lights for vanity mirror. More manoeuverable than our Polo - easier to get into our 90deg turn in garage!

Davetherave, does your Columbus TV work?? Not sure if tuner is add-on or not compatible in Aus or needs VAG-COM to set up (by dealer).

Not having had the luxury of a bluetooth phone/ipod connection before, I am totally sold on that.

Our is all white (still keen on keeping out the qld sun) and I think it needs the black B-pillar covers from Superskoda.

Planning to use some underbody sealer on the fuzzy rear wheel arch liner.

Reading the Skoda manual, it says not to use *any* fuel additives. But I'm sticking to my Moreys Diesel Smoke Killer unless using BP Ultimate. Need to get a ruling from VWA/VAG on standard diesel fuels meeting EN590 as specified, which they don't (51CN), with an additive, vs BP Ultimate and diesel engine warranty.

Yeti - Loving it! Worse part is seeing all the interior colours available in europe which we will never see. Why Australian car importers stick with dark or black interiors doesn't make a lot of sense in a hot place.

[Davetherave]

Hi Bluey, glad to hear you are enjoying your Yeti, I'm loving mine as well. Even with the little 1.2 tsi it's still a lot of fun with the DSG.

Regarding the Columbus, for the TV tuner you need a complete add on kit.....available on eBay. It will mean a wiring job at least and maybe a little of reprogramming for the vagcom. I've got video in motion activated for the DVD which is a bit naughty but fun.

[bluey]

Davetherave, how did you do the video in motion thing? (Read a few methods here Columbus Video in Motion - BRISKODA.net - The Skoda Forum and Community (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/136787-columbus-video-in-motion/))

Can't say I'm enjoying the navigation. Maps 5.1 seem rather dated, and less complete than TomTom maps (which I haven't paid to upgrade for years). Limited POIs. Incorrect roundabout symbols on MFD. Much prefer low end TomTom, which one can buy for less than the cost of a Skoda map upgrade.

Partner really didn't like the headrests pushing the head/neck forward. Tried the rear headrests on front, but made no difference. Seems best with headrest up high, so where her head is isn't so pushed forward (she's about 5'6"). Personally, I find the seats great (5'11+").

Will explore TV tuners....

[mark t]

[QUOTE=bluey;794983]
Partner really didn't like the headrests pushing the head/neck forward. Tried the rear headrests on front, but made no difference. Seems best with headrest up high, so where her head is isn't so pushed forward (she's about 5'6"). Personally, I find the seats great (5'11+").

thanks Johann and Bluey, comparing the seating position with my partners current car, a suzuki swift, there isn't that much difference in the seating/headrest position (the yeti headrest sits about an inch further forward), which might help her adjust to the yeti, we'll do a test drive and get a better idea how it feels.

[NotYet]

Hi. This seems to be the only thing standing between me and my yeti! Doesn't bother me, I'm 6' and find it comfortable but my partner is 6" shorter and it doesn't feel right for her. NotYet, have you found a satisfactory way around this? Anyone else?

Mark T: My partner is about the same height as yours (5' 5"). She tried various seat angles, head restraint positions, etc, without success. Her solution in the end (after some experimenting) has been to swap the front and back headrests, and use memory foam cushions on the seat, back and neck. She tried various cushions to get the right combination. It means that she has to get them in place every time she gets in the car. This only works because she doesn't drive, so she only occupies the passenger seat.

I am about 5' 9" and I also found the head restraint uncomfortable, even with the seat tilted back. My solution has been a seat insert from Back Care and Seating (http://www.backcare.com.au/products/back-inserts). I got the high back therapod with coccyx support. I have the same arrangement in my other car, so the feel is the same. It does mean that I sit on the seat rather than in it, if you know what I mean, but it works for me. One benefit of this system is that you can adjust the curve of the back.

If you go to a good orthopaedic products retailer (see this list (http://therapod.com.au/preferred.htm) of Therapod suppliers to start with) there will be a choice of various solutions. Maybe a Skoda dealer will let you take a Yeti to a shop where your partner can see whether there is something that suits her?

If you are both going to drive the car, you will want something that is readily moved from passenger to driver seat.

Johann: I agree that there are very few complaints about the Yeti's head restraints. I have read just about every review of the Yeti and I haven't seen any mention of it. This is not specific to the Yeti. You won't find it mentioned about other cars either. But if you google something like 'uncomfortable car head restraint', there seems to be many complaints about the anti-whiplash restraints in many modern cars. The usual response is "tilt the seat back", but that doesn't work for everyone. Our elderly neighbours with a late-model Forester have been suffering terribly from the head restraints, until I got them some seat inserts.

The Yeti seats themselves are very good. They have good leg support, comfortable bolsters, and (unusually for cars in this price range) the 103TDI has height and lumbar adjustment on both front seats. The range of adjustments is excellent.

All the best with the car hunt Mark.

[K1W1]

Reading the Skoda manual, it says not to use *any* fuel additives. But I'm sticking to my Moreys Diesel Smoke Killer unless using BP Ultimate. Need to get a ruling from VWA/VAG on standard diesel fuels meeting EN590 as specified, which they don't (51CN), with an additive, vs BP Ultimate and diesel engine warranty.

I'm 50,000 km intto Octavia diesel ownership and have used probably 99% BP standard diesel with not a sign of smoke or ill effects on the vehicle.
As far as warranty is concerned if it's available at a pump then it's covered by warranty as far as I am concerned.

[bluey]

I'm 50,000 km intto Octavia diesel ownership and have used probably 99% BP standard diesel with not a sign of smoke or ill effects on the vehicle.
As far as warranty is concerned if it's available at a pump then it's covered by warranty as far as I am concerned.

Wouldn't expect warranty issues, just performance or fuel consumption problems, which may show up in fuel consumption logs.

I presume the Octavia has a DPF. On will not see any smoke on a DPF-equipped vehicle. Smoke coming out of the engine under heavy throttle + lowish cetane (standard) diesel will tend to clog the DPF over time. I recall there are numerous reports of people driving DPF-equipped vehicles with performance issues or a need to run a DPF cycle. Others are into DPF removal.

[K1W1]

Wouldn't expect warranty issues, just performance or fuel consumption problems, which may show up in fuel consumption logs.

Last fill (this morning) - 6.526L/100km for the previous tank.
Consumption since new has varied between a low of 5.211L/100 and a high of 7.195L/100km. The average will be in the low 6L/100km range. 80% metro driving, bicycle rack on the roof.

[UK Yeti]

Got our Yeti 2 days ago.

Our is all white (still keen on keeping out the qld sun) and I think it needs the black B-pillar covers from Superskoda.



Glad to hear you're another happy Yeti owner..... Enjoy the beastie!

BUT to make the Yeti's most distinctive feature black!!!!!?!?! NO!!!!! See my signature below. You can draw a Yeti with a few strokes of the pen BECAUSE of the B-pillar. Take that away and you will just have a boring two-box station wagon. The mirrors need to be gloss black yes, but not the B-pillar.

Re the headrests: weird. But then you get so many bodyshapes that it will be ok for 95% and the 5% will always have to modify things somewhat.

[NotYet]

Last fill (this morning) - 6.526L/100km for the previous tank.
Consumption since new has varied between a low of 5.211L/100 and a high of 7.195L/100km. The average will be in the low 6L/100km range. 80% metro driving, bicycle rack on the roof.

Those seem outstanding numbers on the Octavia, especially in the city and with a bike rack.

For the Yeti after 8000km my overall average is 6.94L/100km, which is not too far from the ADR combined figure of 6.7L/100km for the 103TDI. My best has been 6.39; worst 7.57. I have driven quite conservatively.

Most of my driving has been highway and country; I expect the numbers will rise with much heavier city use over the next few months.

Interesting to see diesel cheaper than petrol this week. That doesn't happen often.

[mark t]

thanks NotYet. Hopefully a solution, something like what you describe, will be forthcoming. I make it 5 complaints now, across the 2 yeti forums, but as you say, it isn't just a yeti thing. I'm very keen, but everyone needs to be comfortable. We'll see - I'm definitely pursuing it!

---------- Post added at 11:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:23 AM ----------

BTW Rex Gorell in Geelong tell me they got their first petrol 4wd today

[bluey]

[...]For the Yeti after 8000km my overall average is 6.94L/100km, which is not too far from the ADR combined figure of 6.7L/100km for the 103TDI. My best has been 6.39; worst 7.57. I have driven quite conservatively.[...]

To clarify, the 6.7L/100km is the DSG figure. Manual Yeti is 6.2L/100km. Only done about 400km so far, so will report Yeti figures later.

Interesting that some VAG vehicles go faster with DSG and some get better fuel consumption figures with DSG. Jetta 118TSi is thriftier in DSG with same 0-100km/h time. Tiguan 132TSi is slightly faster and slightly thirstier in DSG. Tiguan 103TDi is just as fast but thirstier in DSG. Yeti with DSG is both slower and thirstier in DSG.

[K1W1]

Interesting that some VAG vehicles go faster with DSG and some get better fuel consumption figures with DSG. Jetta 118TSi is thriftier in DSG with same 0-100km/h time. Tiguan 132TSi is slightly faster and slightly thirstier in DSG. Tiguan 103TDi is just as fast but thirstier in DSG. Yeti with DSG is both slower and thirstier in DSG.

It probably has a lot to do with who did the tests and where they were done. I take those sort of figures with a grain of salt. The reality is that most owners of any vehicle don't get anywhere near the rated fuel economy for all sorts of reasons.

I'm interested in this Yeti head rest issue although five complaints on two forums is not even statistically relevant in terms of total ownership. I had always assumed that Yeti seats were probably identical to Octavia seats and and I don't recall these issues with them. Maybe it's simply the slightly more vertical seating position in the Yeti causing the issue.

[bluey]

It probably has a lot to do with who did the tests and where they were done. I take those sort of figures with a grain of salt. The reality is that most owners of any vehicle don't get anywhere near the rated fuel economy for all sorts of reasons.

Manufacturers standard tests presumably are performed using a standard method and should be consistent as a basis of comparison. Especially ADR compliant fuel consumption figures.


Maybe it's simply the slightly more vertical seating position in the Yeti causing the issue.

I think you're right there. Head position in relation to headrest easily fixes by leaning the seat back more. So the only recommendation there should be for people who feel their head being pushed forward is to lean the seat back a bit more.

BTW, the brochure calls them "Height-adjustable front headrests with WOKS (whiplash optimised head restraints)". Can't find what WOKS stands for. "The height-adjustable WOKS front headrests are designed to protect the spine in case of a rear impact."

---------- Post added at 07:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 AM ----------


I doubt it will, we have a nearly 4yr old and an 11mth old, and the Superb was the only other option for us apart from the Octy...the Yeti is just too small for now. Get rid of some of the toddler crap and it would be better, but the days of a Yeti or Tiguan for us are long over.

What do you guys put in your car? My sister has two kids 7 and 2 + pram and manages quite fine in her Mk4 Golf. Certainly those large wheel baby jogger prams will take up a lot of space, but we avoided those.

I can't see any good reason for us (+1 teenager) to ever need anything bigger than a Yeti. Being only 25mm longer than a Golf and having a turning circle 600mm shorter makes it a great city car. To me it's a perfect all-rounder.

[bluey]

After 10 days of running in, being purposefully a bit heavy on the throttle and using a lower gear than the car computer usually recommends, first tank returned 8.2L/100km. (In comparison, 9N3 Polo TDI returned 2 year average 6.7L/100km, mostly shopping trolley and school run city driving.)

Have given the Yeti a good looking over and found 4 manufacturing/assembly faults:
1. a stray torx body screw found loose in driver's side front corner underbody cover (thread sticking fully out of drain hole). Found that at the dealers before taking it home - shows what "predelivery" is designed to find (not).
2. bulging interior A-pillar cover lower third - not sure why it is but will pull it off and have a look when have read the manual
3. accelerator cable (drive-by-wire) holddown hanging free from its attachment
4. foam passenger footwell cover not tucked in properly one end

Generally, the fit and finish is excellent. The engineering is outstanding. I am really amazed. But most unimpressed the front number plate is mounted with self-drilling, self-tapping fine thread metal screws. Passenger side rear guard panel has no internal sound deadening treatment - not sure if it is an error or a feature - will fix later.

Most annoying parts are the uncomfortable squarish manual gear knob and the uncomfortable top edges of the steering wheel spokes where I like to put my thumbs at quarter to 3.

I see SuperSkoda has a rally type steering wheel available but without control buttons for radio, etc. Looking around for potential gear knob replacements.

[K1W1]

Passenger side rear guard panel has no internal sound deadening treatment - not sure if it is an error or a feature - will fix later.

Those are the little things that you miss out on with buying a Skoda. Dollars have to be saved somewhere and sound deadening is one area where they can be saved and not be immediately obvious to purchasers.

[bluey]

Those are the little things that you miss out on with buying a Skoda. Dollars have to be saved somewhere and sound deadening is one area where they can be saved and not be immediately obvious to purchasers.

Seriously, most of everything else little *is* there. Way more little things than the base model Audi A3 Sportbacks rented by Europcar. A lot more than I expected. Things on Yeti I've not seen before on other vehicles:
* aerodynamic aids under the floorpan
* rear suspension protection (thick plastic parts)
* included shopping bag hooks and luggage netting in boot
* elastic cords in door pockets
* passenger footwell "roofing"

Only missing:
* soft close grab handles - in specification but not on the cars
* lighted vanity mirrors

There is a thick load of padding and presumably other sound deadening treatments under the front carpet. Engine bay noise isolation is really very good.

Found another long-term test of UK Yeti "Greenline" TDI - lowered for apparent aerodynamic improvement, engine stop/start system, el cheapo "KERS" (super duper battery regeneration on trailing throttle)

http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=157113556

[mark t]

I think we've got the passenger seat issue sorted, thanks.

So now that I'm that bit closer, I've got a few other questions I hope someone can help me with (my local dealer isn't much help).

1- I'd like to fit a luggage barrier and the closest I've come to something that fits is this, a genuine part-
https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10001&productId=1100000000245489&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=70000000202 (sorry can't work out how to post images)
can anyone tell me if the nuts for this to bolt into are pre-fitted to the car (like in my forester) or if they have to be ordered.
2- has anyone been able to order a 4WD specified with 16" (not 17") wheels.
3- is there a better and/or cheaper option for a detachable tow bar than the dealer fitted one.

cheers

[K1W1]

1- I'd like to fit a luggage barrier and the closest I've come to something that fits is this, a genuine part-
https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10001&productId=1100000000245489&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=70000000202 (sorry can't work out how to post images)

https://ws.skoda-auto.com/accessories/images/catalog/DMM630001.jpg



can anyone tell me if the nuts for this to bolt into are pre-fitted to the car (like in my forester) or if they have to be ordered.


Highly unlikely. With VAG products you get exactly what you part for and not one extra nut or one cm of spare wiring.

As far as the tow bar is concerned check the NZ Skoda web site. They tend to have more locally sourced things like towbars than we do because the distributor there is a private compnay and not owned by VAG.

[bluey]

2- has anyone been able to order a 4WD specified with 16" (not 17") wheels.
3- is there a better and/or cheaper option for a detachable tow bar than the dealer fitted one.


I like the 17inch wheels. My recollection of test driving the previous model tiguan with 16inch wheels was that it felt s bit mushy. You'd think the dealer could probably organise a swap since someone would be happy to have 17in wheels on a TSI Yeti.... I've read reviews complaining about jittery ride over high frequency bumps and I'd agree, but could just as easily be fixed with different dampers. Been reading about Konis designed with frequency adaptive damping.

In the UK you can order just about anything on a Yeti, so depends on what you want to pay. In the current market here, I think you can do a good deal on an "in stock" Yeti and figure the customisation later with the money you save. Buying your own wheels means you get to specify the tyres you want with your own preference for price/grip/noise/comfort.

I doubt there is a better towbar than genuine/OEM, which is apparently Westfalia. Detachable bar has a special storage box in the boot.

See post #154 for photos
http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/144075-yeti-forum-members-picture-thread/page__st__140

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/190376-detacheable-tow-hitch-on-yeti/

DIY Towbar Install - BRISKODA.net - The Skoda Forum and Community (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/206879-diy-towbar-install/)

Bits you'd get in a genuine towbar kit:
http://www.skodateile.cz/index.php?pg=product&prod=364&menu=Škoda%7CYeti%7CTažné%20zařizen%C3%AD

Westfalia towbar (not sure if you can buy non-genuine Westfalia here) fitting instructions available via:
http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/index.php?id=6&L=1

Australian 4WD TDI Yetis appear to come with towbar prep from factory. Ours has it (1D7 trailer hitch preparation).

How much do they want for a genuine towbar install??? Need a VCDS to do the electrics.

[mark t]

thanks for your suggestions bluey and kiwi -

bluey, you are right about deals on 'in stock' cars - but none of the ones I've come across are meeting my needs (white with fabric seats etc) but that's OK- as long as I can order what I want. For which I'm being told a 16 week wait. The main reason for wanting 16" wheels is to allow a better selection of tyres, i'm after an all terrain tyre, I've run Goodyears AT+11 on my last two vehicles (a forester and a pajero) and they are pretty good for my needs which includes a fair bit of charging down dirt tracks and across paddocks.

"Australian 4WD TDI Yetis appear to come with towbar prep from factory. Ours has it (1D7 trailer hitch preparation)." Bluey

Thats encouraging, I've been told 'around $1600 for the tow bar, fitted'.

Re the head restraint comfort issue, I see the current passat has them forward/backward adjustable, that would be a good solution for my partner in the yeti - I wonder if they'd fit, might check it out at the dealers.

[bluey]

(white with fabric seats etc)
...
I've been told 'around $1600 for the tow bar, fitted'.
...
Re the head restraint comfort issue, I see the current passat has them forward/backward adjustable, that would be a good solution for my partner in the yeti - I wonder if they'd fit, might check it out at the dealers.

I was told we got the last TDI manual white fabric seats in captivity 2 wks ago. Brisbane Prestige had a few white ones various models last I looked. Their TDI had leather and DSG. Bryan Byrt Skoda has a lot of groovy ones, not sure exact models - two tone paint jobs, inc white with black roof.

Worth getting a parts price for DIY install, since the euro sourced kit is EUR300 + whatever shipping (heavy) + need to rewire for local plug. Or get Westfalia mechanicals + Skoda electrics.

Head restraint is non-issue by adjusting seat back recline. The idea is to minimise whiplash and that probably requires the head to be close to the restraint.

[mark t]

[/QUOTE]Head restraint is non-issue by adjusting seat back recline. The idea is to minimise whiplash and that probably requires the head to be close to the restraint.[/QUOTE]

ta, I'll keep exploring.

agreed about reclining the seats, the problem being that my girlfriend doesn't, she wants to sit upright without feeling like her head is being pushed forward, which seems fair enough really, but I think we'll be able to sort it.

[NotYet]

Re the head restraint comfort issue, I see the current passat has them forward/backward adjustable, that would be a good solution for my partner in the yeti - I wonder if they'd fit, might check it out at the dealers.

Let us know how you get on with this Mark. Would happily pay good money if such a head restraint fit the Yeti. It might stop the whining sounds coming from the passenger seat ...!

[BJ75]

I doubt there is a better towbar than genuine/OEM, which is apparently Westfalia. Detachable bar has a special storage box in the boot.
The NZ sourced 'BestBars' towbar unit that Skoda Australia install on the Yeti doesn't quite have the special storage box, but rather a vinyl bag to sit your towball tongue in, which then sits in the storage compartment next to the spare.

I was faced with the dilemma of towbars before purchasing my Yeti. First problem was that the dealer couldn't accurately describe how the towbar was different from the aforementioned Westfalia units fitted to Yetis in Europe. They simply said, "It's similar ... but doesn't look like that".

If I'd been better aware of the similarities between Tiguans & Yetis I would've just found a Tiguan with one installed and looked at that. But alas, I just went ahead and ordered it from Skoda - mainly becuase it would be included in the purchase price, and would be part of the financing rather than me having to come up with the $1K+ myself after picking it up.

In hindsight, I should've just waited it out, until Hayman-Reese had a unit to suit the Yeti available. The BestBars unit has cause me nothing but problems. I really have no idea why they use this unit. Well ... not true, I know why they 'think' they should use it - because you don't have a big square hitch visible from the rear. But it's a small price to pay for those of us that use bike carriers which slide into horizontal receivers.

Anyway ... long story less-long, it's the only annoying part of what is otherwise an awesome, awesome car.

Oh ... I'm a real life Yeti owner.

[bluey]

The NZ sourced 'BestBars' towbar unit that Skoda Australia install on the Yeti doesn't quite have the special storage box, but rather a vinyl bag to sit your towball tongue in, which then sits in the storage compartment next to the spare.

Eeeek. So they don't actually use an OEM/Westfalia towbar. (as per post #154 Yeti - Forum Members Picture Thread - BRISKODA.net - Page 6 - The Skoda Forum and Community (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/144075-yeti-forum-members-picture-thread/page__st__150__p__1931593#entry1931593)) How rude. VWA also uses locally sourced towbars for Polos when I inquired, though VW parts said they could order *any* VW part on earth for me if I had a part number for an OEM/Westfalia Polo towbar. Don't have an immediate need to tow.

Apparently the VWA Tiguan bar is also sourced from Bestbars (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f97/genuine-vw-tow-bar-tiguan-63152-3.html). Photo in tiguan brochure looks like a "standard" sort of towbar.

Can't believe it is worth getting a local company to design and build an inferior product when the OEM product exists and meets european standards and surely could be imported and fitted for a lot less than the ?$2k asked for the Tiguan bar.

---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:51 AM ----------

Just saw this VW GTI accessories pricelist, parts excluding fitting.

http://27772.smugmug.com/Cars/2009/GTI-Academy/IMG2660/763715978_zq2NN-L.jpg

The Skoda mudflaps and carpet floor mats were less than half of those prices.

---------- Post added at 05:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 PM ----------

Check carsales.com.au - WA dealer has a new white TDI DSG cloth seats listed <$38k.

[BJ75]

Eeeek. So they don't actually use an OEM/Westfalia towbar. (as per post #154 Yeti - Forum Members Picture Thread - BRISKODA.net - Page 6 - The Skoda Forum and Community (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/144075-yeti-forum-members-picture-thread/page__st__150__p__1931593#entry1931593)) How rude. VWA also uses locally sourced towbars for Polos when I inquired, though VW parts said they could order *any* VW part on earth for me if I had a part number for an OEM/Westfalia Polo towbar. Don't have an immediate need to tow.

Apparently the VWA Tiguan bar is also sourced from Bestbars (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f97/genuine-vw-tow-bar-tiguan-63152-3.html). Photo in tiguan brochure looks like a "standard" sort of towbar.

Can't believe it is worth getting a local company to design and build an inferior product when the OEM product exists and meets european standards and surely could be imported and fitted for a lot less than the ?$2k asked for the Tiguan bar.[COLOR="Silver"]

No, they're not using the Westfalia. I really have no idea why not. Apparently iron bull tow bars can get the factory Westfalia unit in for approx $1400 installed. But at the time I purchased my Yeti I didn't have the spare cash to go this option, and the factory unit meant it was part of the purchase price and therefore financed. Plus it was installed by the dealer and so if anything goes wrong with the wiring I can easily take it in to get fixed there.

I'll put up some pics later but its identical to the Tig setup in that other thread (which I forgot I'd posted in when I was looking into all this).

One of the first odd things about the BestBars unit is the cover panel they provide for the hole in the bumper they create for you to access the receiver. With the Westfalia unit, the electrics plug and securing point completely folds away once the swan neck's removed, and the bumper cover panel can click into place and thus make the whole tow bar completely invisible. However the BestBars unit's square receiver is way too bulky and the plug or securing points don't fold away therefore there's clearly no way the cover panel they provide could ever be put in place there. Maybe they provide it in case I pull the whole tow bar off myself later?

Another downer about the bar, though of little concern to me, is that the towing limit is 1200kg compared to the Westfalia's 1800kg I believe.

However ... there is one plus. A major one, for which I am thankful. From what I can tell there is absolutely no adapter in existence to provide a horizontal 2in square hitch receiver from the custom conical 3 ball lock thingy Westfalia attachment method. Thus a large majority of square hitch mount bike carriers could never work. And the fact that i could get a vertical to horizontal sq hitch adapter was good news. Plus, if I didnt have such a carrier, there are plenty of alternatives which require screwing a base mount component into a standard tow ball tongue. The Westfalia unit, in its slender elegance, is a one piece forged unit by the looks of it - no tongue. It'll be good for nothing but towing something, or using one of those "clamp onto the actual ball" type euro bike carriers, which I'd trust with a couple of DHbikes about as far as I could throw one, left handed, hungover, and after doing a thousand bicep curls.

The ideal solution would be Westfalia tow bar and electrical loom, with a Hayman Reese plug_in attachment. So get to work, engineers!



Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

[bluey]

So you don't trust the Germans to build a bike carrier that works??

They do make a few interesting things that clamp to the ball... Westfalia Portilo | Homepage (http://www.westfalia-portilo.de)

Can't figure who makes the ironbull yeti bar. It doesn't look like the OEM Westfalia, nor a Witter. Very well priced though at $365 for towbar parts. Witter enable bike carrier + towing at the same time.

[Transporter]

So you don't trust the Germans to build a bike carrier that works??

They do make a few interesting things that clamp to the ball... Westfalia Portilo | Homepage (http://www.westfalia-portilo.de)

Can't figure who makes the ironbull yeti bar. It doesn't look like the OEM Westfalia, nor a Witter. Very well priced though at $365 for towbar parts. Witter enable bike carrier + towing at the same time.

It certainly looks goods to me. It would be interesting to know how much would be the postage?

[BJ75]

So you don't trust the Germans to build a bike carrier that works??
I reckon it would work with a couple of nice, 10 - 12kg slim road bikes with 450mm wide bars and easy to secure hardtail frames. Or maybe a few simple Euro cruiser hybrids.

2 x 18kg full suspension DH bikes with 750mm wide bars, long wheelbase, and odd-shaped frames with oversized/square tubing? Not so much.

I know Germans engineer the crap out of most things, but those types of carriers are great for narrow bikes, or the two same hardtail or simple short travel full suspension XC MTB's over and over.

If, like me, you are often taking different bikes, or picking up different riding buddies, they're absolutely useless.

And I don't think I could ever trust that towball clamp. Not over rough terrain anyway. Hence why I opted for this: iSi Advanced 4x4 Bicycle Carrier and Bike Rack Systems (http://www.isi-carriers.com/isi-4x4-ed/bike-carrier.html)


Can't figure who makes the ironbull yeti bar.
I thought it was the Westfalia unit, but I just re-read the email I received from Iron Bull and while it said it was imported from Europe, it indeed did not say the name Westfalia. So I've no idea either. Oh and I got the price wrong too - the $1400 is what I paid for mine, Iron Bull only $900:

"Yes I have Skoda Yetti towbars in stock. I have fitted about 5 so far including the 4x4. I have the dedicated electric kit which functions just like the original Skoda (Europe) wiring kit. My towbars are imported from Europe and are swan neck style, not square section. Max. Capacity is 2000kg compared to the genuine Australian Yetti towbar which is only 1200kg.

All up cost fitted is around $900."

[bluey]

The westfalia portilo system is rated to carry 54 kg of building material. So I don't think 36 kg of bikes would worry it. The attachment lever looks more than a foot long.

[mark t]

a bit more on the ironbull towbar

Hi Mark,

I have fitted seven towbars to Yeti’s so far. They are a bit difficult to install but after a few it gets easier. The genuine (Australian) towbar is made in NZ and only has a rating of 1200 or 1400kg? The European towbars are all built to mount the same as per EC standards. Both the Euro and Smart towbars are detachable but the smart type is quicker to remove (see drawing). My towbars are made in Poland but are on par with the Westfalia towbars.

Let me know when you get the car. The dealer will quote about $1800 fitted!!!

Cheers,

Jeff

Ironbull.

[mark t]

Originally Posted by mark t
Re the head restraint comfort issue, I see the current passat has them forward/backward adjustable, that would be a good solution for my partner in the yeti - I wonder if they'd fit, might check it out at the dealers.


Let us know how you get on with this Mark. Would happily pay good money if such a head restraint fit the Yeti. It might stop the whining sounds coming from the passenger seat ...!

the forward/backward adjusting head restraints in the current passat have the same sized mounts as the yeti (and tiguan) and so should be interchangeable, I'll keep pursuing.

[mark t]

well I bought my yeti today, a white dsg diesel from richmond skoda- with the off road button, pick it up next week!

[VWSceptic]

Drove my new Yeti home today: diesel 103 4x4 manual (with off-road button, roof bars, mats ,rear and front sensors) $32,394 (plus rego). Impressed with its driving handling/engine and good gear changes..... Now have to work out all those electronic system.... ...

[Transporter]

Congratulations, it looks like a nice kit. Pictures? :)

[VWSceptic]

Drove my new Yeti home today: diesel 103 4x4 manual (with off-road button, roof bars, mats ,rear and front sensors) $32,394 (plus rego). Impressed with its driving handling/engine and good gear changes..... Now have to work out all those electronic system.... ...

also has 5 year warranty

[VWSceptic]

Congratulations, it looks like a nice kit. Pictures? :)

thanks... I will take some .. just got home tonight!! Will have to part with my Audi A3 .. wonderful little car .. will miss it..:(

[mark t]

I didn't get a box of wine or disposable gloves but I was happy with the deal, and after 3 weeks and 4000 kms I'm very happy with the yeti.

If you see a dirty white diesel, somewhere in Victoria or South Australia, with 16" wheels and an ironbull towbar, there would be a fair chance it's me:cool:.

Notyet: my partner seems to have got used to the seats, she feels quite safe and comfy.

[bluey]

[...]Now have to work out all those electronic system.... ...

Great buying. How much was rego/TPI/delivery or what was driveaway price??

The stuff that you can do through the Maxidot menu system is easy, though poorly documented in owner's manual. (Can't figure out exactly what the auto central unlock function does until I get round to getting the ERWIN manuals.) The harder stuff is what we need VCDS for (planning to get one). Does yours have the cornering fog light function? Amazingly useful to have indicator or steering input light up corners. If not it's a modifiable setting with VCDS.

So far have seen a few Yeti's on the road in Brissie. White TDI. Black probably TDI with superskoda red foot rear badge and big front spotlights. White with Dolmio pasta signage.

[NotYet]

Originally Posted by mark t
the forward/backward adjusting head restraints in the current passat have the same sized mounts as the yeti (and tiguan) and so should be interchangeable, I'll keep pursuing.

I went to a VW dealership last week to look at the fore-and-aft adjustable head restraints on a Passat. (They are also fitted on Touareg apparently.) They are great - adjust through a range of at least 10cm, maybe more. At the rear-most position the front of the head rest is about flush with the seat back.

BUT ... for some strange reason, the Passat (and Touareg) head restraints are not removable.

So still no solution, other than cushions and seat inserts.

Interestingly, the VW sales guy I spoke to made it pretty clear that a lot of customers didn't like the fixed forward-tilting head restraints on Tiguan and other models (same as Yeti), and he wished that all VW models had the adjustable ones.

People here might not have a problem with fixed forward-tilted head restraints, but a google search will show that there is a lot of latent resentment about them. This is an issue not only in VAG vehicles but across many car-makers. Reducing whiplash is a worthy objective, and maybe most people can live with them (possibly by tilting the seat further back than they would prefer), but one size head restraint doesn't fit all. My guess is that sooner or later, fore-and-aft adjustable head restraints (like those on Passat and Touareg) will become standard.

[VWSceptic]

Great buying. How much was rego/TPI/delivery or what was driveaway price??

The stuff that you can do through the Maxidot menu system is easy, though poorly documented in owner's manual. (Can't figure out exactly what the auto central unlock function does until I get round to getting the ERWIN manuals.) The harder stuff is what we need VCDS for (planning to get one). Does yours have the cornering fog light function? Amazingly useful to have indicator or steering input light up corners. If not it's a modifiable setting with VCDS.

So far have seen a few Yeti's on the road in Brissie. White TDI. Black probably TDI with superskoda red foot rear badge and big front spotlights. White with Dolmio pasta signage.

Sorry missed this post bluey.

I do not know whether I have cornering fog lights. :facepalm: I will check. I assume I don't. Are they additional options?

I registered myself, cost $1500 in NSW, TPI about $300. The driveway price (without rego) was $33,394 (i mis-typed in #45 above).

[woofy]

I went to a VW dealership last week to look at the fore-and-aft adjustable head restraints on a Passat. (They are also fitted on Touareg apparently.) They are great - adjust through a range of at least 10cm, maybe more. At the rear-most position the front of the head rest is about flush with the seat back.

BUT ... for some strange reason, the Passat (and Touareg) head restraints are not removable.

So still no solution, other than cushions and seat inserts.

Interestingly, the VW sales guy I spoke to made it pretty clear that a lot of customers didn't like the fixed forward-tilting head restraints on Tiguan and other models (same as Yeti), and he wished that all VW models had the adjustable ones.

People here might not have a problem with fixed forward-tilted head restraints, but a google search will show that there is a lot of latent resentment about them. This is an issue not only in VAG vehicles but across many car-makers. Reducing whiplash is a worthy objective, and maybe most people can live with them (possibly by tilting the seat further back than they would prefer), but one size head restraint doesn't fit all. My guess is that sooner or later, fore-and-aft adjustable head restraints (like those on Passat and Touareg) will become standard.

I have them on our Santa Fe but you can adjust them forward and back, but they still stick into you even at the lowest setting.