Quirky Skoda Yeti Pickup Exists In One-Off Prototype Type

Skoda issued a press launch celebrating the lesser-known variations of the now-discontinued Yeti (2009-2017). Amongst them is the Yeti Pickup, a never-before-seen prototype that by no means reached manufacturing however has a fairly fascinating spec.

Skoda constructed the Yeti Pickup in 2012-2013, combining components from two manufacturing automobiles. The entrance finish comes from the common Yeti crossover, whereas the rear finish together with the axle and suspension was sourced from the third-gen VW Caddy Max. The rear a part of the roof and the cabin had been eliminated, with Skoda designers going the additional mile and creating bespoke physique panels and a tailgate. The result’s a two-door single-cab pickup with unconventional proportions.

Learn: Skoda Yeti Crossover With 485 HP Audi RS3 Engine Swap Is The Definition Of A Sleeper

The intensive modifications within the chassis led to a wheelbase of three,006 mm (118.3 inches), which is considerably greater than the two,578 mm (101.5 inches) wheelbase of the usual automobile. This, mixed with the prolonged rear overhang, allowed a surprisingly massive rear mattress measuring 1,936 mm (76.2 inches) lengthy, 1,170 mm (46.1 inches) large, and 625 mm (24.6 inches) deep.

The pickup was fitted with a 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel engine producing 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) sending energy to all 4 wheels by means of a 4×4 system. This configuration is essentially the most becoming for a European LCV, making a case for a compact unibody-frame pickup lengthy earlier than the section was popularized once more with the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick within the US market. Nonetheless, the venture by no means obtained the inexperienced mild and the idea remained hidden from sight till in the present day.

Moreover the pickup, Skoda constructed two extra one-offs based mostly on the Yeti – one with a stretched wheelbase that was meant for China, plus the rally-prepped Yeti Xtreme idea designed for the 2014 GTI assembly in Worthesee Lake.

A Success Story

The Skoda Yeti was launched as an idea on the 2005 Geneva Motor Present, adopted by a second idea with a folding canvas roof on the again. The manufacturing model appeared in 2009 with toned-down styling and a compact crossover bodystyle, earlier than receiving a facelift in 2015. The Yeti was based mostly on VW Group’s PQ35 platform like many different fashions from the identical period together with the Audi A3, VW Golf V, Seat Altea, and Skoda Octavia. It got here fitted with a variety of TSI and TDI engines and was accessible in each FWD and AWD variations.

The Yeti was typically praised by reviewers and is likely one of the fashions that helped change the picture of the Czech automaker. Total, it was deemed a business success, promoting over 630,000 models in its eight-year lifecycle and setting the stage for Skoda’s present SUV lineup that contains the Kamiq, the Karoq, and the Kodiaq.