Škoda announces Yeti pricing in Europe, Yeti 1.2 starts at Rs 10.93 lakh

Would you pay Rs 11 lakh or more for the Yeti...?

Skoda has announced prices for its new hatchback-SUV crossover – the Yeti – in Europe. Starting at £13,750 (Rs 10.93 lakh), the Yeti is available in four trim levels. However, six airbags and air-conditioning is standard on all models.

The Skoda Yeti, which will be launched in Europe in September this year, will be available in front- and four-wheel-drive versions, with a choice of 1.2-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines. The car, which according to Skoda combines ‘the strengths of a traditional 4x4 with the practicality and low running costs of a hatchback,’ will be displayed at the Auto Expo in Delhi in January 2010 and may be launched in the country shortly thereafter.

It’s interesting to see that while the base model Yeti 1.2 is priced at the equivalent of Rs 10.93 lakh in Europe, the top-end Yeti 2.0 diesel is priced at Rs 17.59 lakh. We doubt this pricing would work in India. In fact, pricing this vehicle for India could be a dicey proposition. Rs 10-11 lakh for the 1.2-litre petrol is likely to be deemed too expensive and Skoda may not be able to price the 2.0-litre diesel at anything below the Rs 11-12 lakh mark, which, again, may or may not work. [Anyone remember what happened to the Ford Fusion...?!] We expect the company will cut back on the equipment levels offered on the Yeti here, to keep prices in check.

Either way, whether or not the Yeti works in India will offer some insight to other car manufacturers on what the Indian car market wants and how much it's prepared to pay for it!