Skoda to display Yeti facelift at Auto Expo

Czech carmaker, Skoda will display the facelifted Yeti at the Auto Expo. It is not likely to be different from the one displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013.

The car’s front end has been tweaked to resemble other Skoda models like the current Octavia and Superb. It features a new bumper, new grille, new bonnet, new headlamps and new fog lamps. At the rear, the Yeti gets a new tailgate and restyled bumper. The car is being offered in two body finishes, City and Outdoor.

On the inside there is a new steering wheel, new dashboard trim and new seat fabric.

Mechanically, we expect the Yeti to continue with the 2.0-litre, TDI engine with that we are familiar with. Like earlier, the car is expected to be offered as a 4x4 with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4x2 with a 5-speed manual gearbox. However, there are rumours that the company might introduce a smaller diesel motor to make the car more cost-effective. If these rumours are to be believed, it will be the 1.6-litre TDI unit that powers the car in other markets. If this engine indeed makes it to the Yeti, and Skoda throws a 5-speed manual gearbox in the mix, it could help the company price the SUV competitively, enabling it to take on competitors from Renault and Nissan. It might also revive the Yeti’s fortunes in India.