Redesigned Skoda Yeti to Debut in Frankfurt

VIENNA – Volkswagen’s Skoda will present a facelifted version of its Yeti cross/utility vehicle at next month’s Frankfurt auto show.

Yeti’s new front fascia is more accentuated and features a distinctive grille and newly rectangular headlamps. Bi-xenon headlamps with integrated light-emitting-diode daytime running lights will be offered as optional equipment.

For the first time, Skoda will make available two distinctive exterior treatments, a city look and a more rugged outdoor design, with the main differentiation the front and rear bumpers.

The revamped Yeti also is the brand’s first model with an optional Optical Parking Assistant rear-view camera.

The 166.3-in. (422.3-cm) long, 5-door vehicle will be available with both front- and all-wheel drive.

A selection of three gasoline and four diesel engines will be available with the new Yeti – all turbocharged and direct-injected. The performance spectrum ranges from the 1.2L TSI with 105 hp to the 2.0L TDI boasting 170 hp. Sales will begin toward the end of the year.

Skoda launched production of the Yeti, its first CUV, in 2009, with a total of 263,200 units sold through June. Last year, the auto maker built 90,882, including assembly kits, up 17.6% from 2011.

Originally, the Czech auto maker expected to sell only 50,000 Yetis annually.

The CUV is manufactured at Skoda’s plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic, and assembled in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and India. Volume production of a stretched version launches later this year in China.