THE Yeti is a Skoda success story and deservedly so.

It isn’t just the whole host of awards it has picked up. It’s the huge number of people who’ve bought the Yeti for its bold and rugged looks and comfortable, roomy interior – and demand is on the up, as it’s a particularly popular family car. And a great drive.

Available with six engines and a range of transmissions, I drove the 1.8 Outdoor petrol version, which also had the option of all-wheel-drive and a rough road package that adds more underfloor protection.

The facelifted Yeti features modified bumpers and head and tail lamps, while sharper styling and LED running lights give it a more purposeful appearance. It is most likely to appeal to buyers who like a high driving position and visibility of an SUV amongst other things.

There are four trim levels - S, SE, Elegance and Laurin & Klement.

Alloy wheels, air conditioning and a Bluetooth hands-free phone connection all come with the S-spec model, but upgrade to an SE and you’ll also get cruise control, parking sensors, a stereo upgrade and a dual-zone climate control system that lets you and your front passenger select different temperatures.

The Elegance brings leather trim, heated seats and more technology, while the range-topping Laurin & Klement model gets even more luxury features, such as satnav and digital DAB radio.

It’s incredibly practical inside and the Yeti’s boot remains one of the biggest in the sector, with 510 litres of space and 1,760-litres available with the seats removed.

There is an off-road button that aids driving on difficult, slippery surfaces.

A good range of standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, while two extra airbags that protect passengers in the back in the event of a side impact come as an option. A driver drowsiness detection system is also available - well worth it in my opinion.

Fuel economy wasn’t great, but if you opt for the 1.6-litre diesel, this is the most frugal Yeti, returning an official average of 61.4mpg.

Four new colours have been added to the range; moon white, jungle green, metal grey and magnetic brown, bringing the total number of colour options to 14.

The Yeti comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

Factfile
Car:
Skoda Yeti Outdoor
On the road: £25,490
Top speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Fuel: 36.2mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 184g/km