With the recent winters that the UK has experienced, are we going to see a huge demand for 4 x 4s? From the many conversations I’ve had with women responsible for getting their kids here, there and everywhere, their thoughts are definitely turning that way. Yet there is a reluctance for the traditional monsters we see in Chelsea and a desire for a useable family car that isn’t too heavy on the gas, but can get you out of trouble and gives a feeling of safety.

The Skoda Yeti could be the answer. It’s such a pleasing car on so many different levels. While zooming around town (as the 1.8 petrol TSi does) it’s hard to believe that this easy to drive and manoeuvrable car can actually cope with very rough and unpredictable terrain. While it vaguely has the looks of a four-wheel drive in a cheeky, urban type of way, it certainly doesn’t scream at your 4 x 4 coming through, move over or else!

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