ஸ்கோடா எட்டி Elegance 4x4

Indian car bazaar is flooded with back to back launches from different automobile companies. The facelifted version of Skoda Yeti is the latest to arrive in the market. This new utility vehicle is made available in two trim levels, which are 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Among these, Skoda Yeti Elegance 4x4 is the top end variant, which is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that is coupled with a six speed manual transmission gearbox. There are several changes made to the vehicle, especially to its exteriors, which gives it a refined look. The automaker has also received some tweaks in the form better seating arrangement and improved plastic quality. There is a minor tweak given to its dashboard including its center fascia, which is now equipped with an advanced touchscreen infotainment system. In addition to these, its three spoke steering wheel gets a brand new design and is mounted with audio and Bluetooth control switches. On the other hand, this refurbished version also has a few additional features like cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system and KESSY button (keyless entry start/stop system). This vehicle will now lock horns with the likes of Ssangyong Rexton, Mahindra XUV500 and Tata Safari Storme in the market.

Exteriors:

This vehicle has undergone a major overhaul, especially in terms of its exteriors, which gives it a modernistic look. Its front facade gets a brand new bumper that is fitted with a black cladding along with an silver garnished nudge guard. It also houses a revised air intake section along with a pair of LED fog lamps. This refurbished version also gets a signature radiator grille with chrome surround and it is accompanied by company's new logo. Not to forget, its headlight cluster too has been revised, which is incorporated with bi-xenon lamps along with LED DRLs and turn indicators . The side profile has pronounced fenders that are now equipped with a set of stylish 16-inch forest alloy wheels. These rims are further covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 215/60 R16. Its door handles along with the B pillars are painted in body color, while the external wing mirrors along with A, C and D pillars are in glossy black. Its rear gets a newly sculptured taillight cluster with C contoured pattern and is now powered by LED brake lights and turn indicators. Its tailgate gets a signature triangular design and it is decorated with company's badge along with variant's lettering. The main highlight of its rear is its refurbished bumper that has a brush guard along with a pair of reflectors.

Interiors:

This Skoda Yeti Elegance 4x4 trim has a plush internal cabin that is done up with Gobi Sand color scheme that is further emphasized by Boreal wood inlays given on its dashboard. Its door panels, center fascia and the dashboard gets a refined dual tone color scheme and is further accentuated by chrome inserts. The steering wheel gets fresh new design with three spokes and it is mounted with Bluetooth and audio control switches. In addition to these, it is also wrapped with leather upholstery that adds to elegance of interiors. While tweaking the interior design, the car maker has also improved the seats with better thigh and back support. Both the front and rear seats have adjustable head restraints wherein the front seats also have lumbar support . In addition to these, its individual front seats have electrically adjustable function including 3-position memory setting for driver's seat. Apart from these, there are number of utility aspects provided inside like front sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror, sunglass holder, accessory power sockets, door pockets and drink holders.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is equipped with an advanced 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that has liquid cooling system and an intercooler. This In-line 4-cylinder engine is based on DOHC valve configuration, which is incorporated with high pressure direct injection system. This mill also has a turbocharger with self-aligning blades that helps it to unleash a maximum power of 138bhp at 4200rpm in combination with a commanding torque output of 320Nm between just 1750 to 2500rpm. It is coupled with an advanced 6-speed fully synchronized manual transmission gearbox that works in combination with haldex clutch to deliver torque output to all four wheels in 4x4 layout.

Braking and Handling:

This vehicle is blessed with an advanced hydraulic dual diagonal circuit vacuum assisted braking system. Both its front and rear wheels are paired with conventional disc brakes that are loaded with single piston floating calipers. It is further assisted by anti lock braking system , hydraulic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. As far as its suspension is concerned, the front axle is fitted with McPherson strut suspension that has lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer. While its rear axle is fitted with multi-element system that has three transverse links and torsion stabilizer. In addition to these, the car maker has integrated off-road assistant features like hill descent control, drive-off assistant and hill hold control, which helps to improve stability of this vehicle.

Comfort Features:

This Skoda Yeti Elegance 4x4 is the top end variant that is packed with several innovative comfort features. It has climatronic automatic air conditioning system with dual zone control that also features odor and pollen filter. The list of other comfort features include leather upholstery for seats, steering wheel, hand brake and gear-shift selector. Furthermore, it has electrically adjustable windows with one touch operation, remote control for opening and closing of doors , electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for driver's seat and rear center armrest. This trim also has features like automatic front wiper system with rain sensor, cruise control and a central infotainment system featuring notification and warning lights.

Safety Features:

This variant has several sophisticated safety features including electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, anti slip regulation, electronic differential lock and engine brake control. In addition to these, this trim has eight airbags, interior rear view mirror with automatic dimming effect, wing mirror defogger with timer and corner function with front fog lights. Apart from all these, it has security features like engine immobilizer with floating code and security code for central infotainment system.

Pros:

1. Innovative safety aspects adds to its advantage.

2. Inclusion of cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring system is a big plus.

Cons:

1. Infotainment system can be integrated with navigation.

2. Maintenance and cost of spare parts is expensive.