SUV of the Year - Skoda Yeti

Drives like a sedan on the road and like an SUV while off it, the Yeti is a great soft-roader

The Yeti is the Czech auto maker’s first foray into the proper soft-roader segment. In India, the car comes equipped with Skoda’s acclaimed 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine and packs the Haldex four-wheel drive system. While it is not designed to be a mountain goat, the 4x4 system combined with the engine and brake assist systems and hill descent control give it decent off-road abilities. And let’s not forget the zillion electronic safety systems such as ABS, EBD, ASR, TCS, ESP, etc. that Skoda is now famous for. The Yeti generated a whole lot of excitement amongst the jury. It beat the Hyundai Santa Fe with its great combination of small size, exuberant drive and competent off-road worth.

The Santa Fe has a very torquey engine, but not the butch looks to match it

Hyundai’s new softroader for India comes with an enviable reputation from its international sales. It beats the competition in terms of features, equipment, power, space and comfort. The only downside may be the subtle styling, which many SUV buyers in India may not prefer. While it surely might be a worthy new entrant for this year, it loses out to the Yeti thanks to the Skoda feeling extremely competent on the tarmac and quite capable when the going gets rough as well.