Monte Carlo – it’s all about class

ROAD TEST

Mere mention of the name Monte Carlo conjures up images of the powerful and privileged – living the high life in fast cars and luxury yachts.

A playground for the rich and famous where a ham and cheese toastie will set you back more than twenty quid – before service charge.

So for a car company to namecheck the Monaco district in one of its more family-friendly models could be deemed a risky exercise.

But the brand in question, Skoda, has pulled it off rather well, at the same time underlining just how far it has come since being wholly owned by German giant Volkswagen.

Make no mistake, there’s nothing abominable about the Skoda Yeti – it’s a car packed with smart solutions, safety features and family friendly touches, starting from the entry grade version at £16,915.

But the top grade Monte Carlo trim adds an extra touch of class courtesy of subtleties like exclusive badges, red cross-stitching, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and black alloys.

We could list the various techno treats, comfort aids and safety features but it would take too long. Suffice to say the list is extensive.

Better than all this though is the feelgood factor that has progressively become a hallmark of the Skoda line-up, to the point that if the badges were stripped off you could be forgiven for thinking you were behind the wheel of a VW or Audi.

The clues are everywhere, and not just because of the terrific 170PS diesel engine. There’s the quality of the cabin fitments, weighted feel of the steering, smoothness of the twin clutch DSG gearshift and performance of the car’s dynamics.

You also get ample cabin space, accessible instruments, durable upholstery that feels like it will stand the test of family life and Skoda’s clever Varioflex seating arrangement.

This means seats can be moved forwards or back, be reclined individually, rolled up or pulled out, and because the rear ones are mounted 20mms higher than those up front the back seat passengers get a better view too.

On the negative side, the rear centre position is tight, a fifth passenger’s legs needing to straddle either side of the transmission tunnel.

Boot space though is terrific and because of the car’s high ride height and large tailgate, you don’t bang your head when loading.

Small item stowage is also widespread – from the pop-up box on top of the dash to the cupholders, seat flaps, door bins, deep central box and overhead sunglasses holder.

The Yeti’s four-wheel drive set-up is automatically controlled by a fifth generation Haldex clutch which transfers traction to the wheels that need it most as road conditions change.

And the Monte Carlo also features an off-road button, for ensuring the car maintains a constant speed downhill on a steep slope, keeps traction going uphill and holds the car still on a hill start.

As a driver’s car the Yeti is strong, smooth and assured – even fully laden – fairly frugal and pleasant to drive.

It’s hard to beat as a well made, functional, and very clever, family car.