It took Skoda more than four years and two concept studies, but Volkswagen’s Czech subsidiary finally managed to unveil the production version of the Yeti at this week’s Geneva Salon. When it goes on sale across Europe this summer, the Yeti compact SUV will be Skoda’s fifth model competing against rivals such as the Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4 and even VW’s very own Tiguan.
Skoda’s designers kept close to the original concept in terms of styling though they did replace the hidden rear door handles with conventional ones. Compared to its rivals, the 4.2 metre long, five-door vehicle looks less robust and more ‘crossoverish’.

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The secretive Yeti is about to come out of hiding – as Skoda’s super-cool new SUV will go on sale here in just over a year’s time.

Auto Express has learned that the car will be available only in five-door form when it reaches showrooms in early 2009. Buyers will be offered a choice of front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive versions as Skoda targets the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The engine range is set to include the latest turbo­charged and supercharged petrol motors from parent firm VW.

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