New Skoda Yeti vs crossover rivals

The rate of progress in the crossover class is relentless – no sooner has one new model arrived than another manufacturer is taking the wraps off its latest contender.

The all-new Nissan Qashqai took the top honours in our last crossover test, but one car was conspicuous by its absence then: the Skoda Yeti. Now it’s judgement day, as the updated model has just arrived in the UK.

• Skoda Yeti review

• Nissan Qashqai review

• Vauxhall Mokka review

We’ve lined up 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol versions of both, and while these low-capacity engines may seem too small on paper, they’re actually surprisingly capable in practice.

And we’ve included another turbocharged petrol crossover in the shape of the Vauxhall Mokka. We’ve already tested the somewhat unrefined diesel version, but this is the first time we’ve looked at the 1.4-litre petrol car. Will this engine help the Mokka deliver on its initial promise? And will the revamped Yeti be good enough to end the Qashqai’s reign at the top of the crossover pile?

Head-to-head

Off road

Even with two-wheel drive, our high-riding trio can tackle the sort of rutted lane that would leave a normal family hatch floundering. In Outdoor form, the Yeti offers 180mm of ground clearance, while the rugged bodykit improves its approach and departure angles.

The Mokka goes a step further – even front-wheel-drive cars get hill-descent control, which helps control your speed while driving down steep, slippery slopes.

Safety kit

All Yetis come with seven airbags and stability control, as well as a £40 optional driver fatigue sensor. The Mokka can be fitted with front collision alert, lane departure warning and sign recognition for £750. However, the Nissan is offered with the same kit, plus auto high beams, for just £450.

Engines

Each car uses a small-capacity turbocharged engine. The Yeti’s 1.2-litre TSI is found throughout the VW Group line-up. Nissan’s 1.2-litre DiG-T comes from Renault, while the Vauxhall’s 1.4 is also used in the Astra and Insignia.

Verdict

1st place: Skoda Yeti

Subtle tweaks keep the Skoda on top. It’s not quite as clean as its rivals, but it’s more practical, better to drive and represents excellent value. And while the Tonka toy looks aren’t as sophisticated as its grown-up rivals’, the Yeti’s cabin matches the best for quality.

2nd place: Nissan Qashqai

The upmarket Qashqai tastes defeat for the first time. In 1.2-litre petrol guise, it’s smooth and refined, plus it has an upmarket cabin and plenty of kit. But it’s uninspiring to drive and undermined by a high price and less roomy rear seats.

3rd place: Vauxhall Mokka

With a roomier cabin and bigger boot, the Mokka could have finished higher up the order. But if you don’t need the space and want a distinctive, well equipped and refined compact crossover, the petrol Vauxhall deserves serious consideration.

Figures