Skoda Yeti comes in from the cold...to a warm reception

IT might seem hard to take a car with a name like Yeti seriously but Skodas compact SUV is enough fun to ensure that you don't have to take it seriously to appreciate what its all about.

While driving the Yeti I drew parallels with characters of the recent film Where the Wild Things Are. It tells the story of a boy called Max who journeys to the World of the Wild Things. Once there he runs through forests, bounces through deserts and wreaks havoc alongside the monstrous, but seemingly friendly creatures.

The Wild Things are pretty challenging on the eye but seem almost immune from injury. It didn't take long for me to spot similar characteristics Skoda's robust little 4x4.

Four-square stance communicates Tonka truck invulnerability

The first thing that struck me about Skoda's Yeti was its unusual appearance. Larger and taller than Skodas Roomster mini MPV, it stands four-square with a pair of integrated fog lights intersecting the front light clusters.

Roof rails and a fairly substantial ground clearance give an air of Tonka truck invulnerability but soft edges and round front headlights give a friendly countenance.

Prices start at £13,990 for a front-wheel-drive Yeti E, which has a 105bhp, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The range tops out with the £22,635, four-wheel-drive Yeti Elegance with a 170bhp, 2-litre TDI unit.

Tested here is the £19,305 Yeti SE 4x4 with a Volkswagen Audi Group 160bhp, 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine.

Less frugal petrol engine offers more fun

Offering silky smooth power delivery across a broad rev-range and impressive refinement, its a proven unit capable of whisking the Yeti from zero to 62mph in a sprightly 8.4 seconds.

Although its relative lack of fuel economy compared to the diesel units will probably make it a less popular option it offers a more engaging drive and should still return 35mpg and CO2 emissions of 189g/km.

Choice SE features include 17-inch alloys, tinted windows and black roof pillars that give the impression of a suspended roof. Black plastic rear bumpers offer less premium appeal.

The Yeti's interior quality is a typically impressive VAG offering.

It has a simple design featuring an appealing blend of surface textures and a precision feel to buttons and dials, which makes it infinitely usable if not quite adventurous enough for a car called Yeti.

Dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, a six-CD changer and touch-screen stereo system are all perks of the mid-range spec car.

At 4.2 metres long and 1.8 metres wide, the Yeti has a similar footprint to a Vauxhall Astra but rear leg room and load space is considerably greater.

The 416 litre boot can be expanded to a vast 1,760 litres thanks to rear seats that can be folded flat against the back of the front seats or completely removed.

Fun drive is the Yeti's surprise trump card

It's the driveability and solid feel of the Yeti that truly impressed, though.

Handling with a flat-cornering composure, yet absorbing the worst bumps without a grumble, it feels like a car working well within its capabilities.

The Yeti exhibits genuine - and somewhat unexpected - agility. With the smooth, pacey delivery of the TSI engine, it is a hoot to hustle along.

The 4x4 version also has the hardware needed to go where the wild things are.

The differential shuffles power between all four wheels to maintain traction on all surfaces and, on the range-topping Yeti Elegance, an off-road button brings greater traction and hill descent control.

Unexpected off-road test

I have little doubt that the Yeti would be a robust companion for mild off-roading.

While trying to discover a new rural short-cut home from the gym the other night, I happened to career down a tarmac road which, without warning, became a rutted farm track before I had chance to adjust my speed.

I feel I have become used to giant potholes of late but when some monster holes loomed out of the darkness, teeth were gritted and bum cheeks clenched.

I needn't have worried. Where many a car would have baulked, the Yeti's suspension dispatched the ruts without a whimper and I was able to slow down in a controlled fashion.

My unwanted off-road adventure reassured me that the Yeti's robust looks were backed up by build quality to match.

Yeti bares its teeth to rivals

It might have the toughest of rivals to overcome in Nissans Qashqai, but the ability, flexibility and chuckable, playful dynamic appeal of the Yeti make it a car with a superior breadth of ability in my book.

And as those big, hairy, Yeti-like creatures in Where the Wild Things have taught me, if you can set aside any reservations about a rather unusual appearance . . . some unexpected fun is just reward.