The first Skoda Yeti rolled off the assembly line at Skoda’s Kvasiny, Czech Republic plant on Tuesday 12 May 2009. With the start of series production, Skoda has officially introduced its fifth model line and entered the crossover segment.  The very first Yeti spotted leaving the production hall was an Aqua Blue, four-wheel drive model, fitted with a 1.8 TSI engine.

Skoda has designed Yeti as it does all its models — for the way people use cars.  Unique solutions include a VarioFlex rear seat system, which makes it easy to increase Yeti’s carrying capacity to as much as 1,760 litres.

Earlier, Skoda performed a number of final tests in the area around Oslo, Norway, which offered a variety of road surfaces similar to those seen in all European countries and most of the key regions outside Europe. The test team (which included members of the international media) used the diversity of roads and weather conditions to check some of the key systems, such as the driving stability system, ventilation and air conditioning system performance. The tests provided valuable information about the interaction between the respective control units, the chassis parameters and acoustic comfort, as well as the characteristics of the off-road systems.

The vehicles tested in Oslo were a 1.8 TSI petrol and a 2.0 TDI diesel, both 4×4 models. The drivers tested the vehicles’ behaviour on forest roads, as well as on an extreme downhill course using the downhill assist, a function enabling the driver to go down extremely steep hills and maintain control.

Thanks to its higher ground clearance (180mm) and Haldex clutch system, the Yeti is expected to be capable on-road and off-road. Add in low fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions and Yeti gives today’s drivers some green credentials also.

The Yeti is scheduled to make an appearance in New Zealand early in 2010 powered by the 2.0 TDI diesel engine.

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