If you haven't already, test drive another Skoda/VW/Audi with the same engine/manual transmission combo. I did this, I'm a manual guy from birth, but I quickly found couldn't live with that diesel/manual if I had to do any traffic commuting. So ours is a DSG, and it's fine. Just sayin'
It wasn't till the updated model neared that VAG discounted the hell out of the old stock they were holding (my new one was 25 months old) that they took off and the updates price was realigned down to a more realistic one.
Still to dear really, but in that segment, if you want VAG technology, and don't want a Tig, well the choice is limited. The new Jeep Renegade is interesting, and just as odd looking, but seems to have bad reviews on the road so far, where we all know the Yeti will be a Golf basically.
Has anyone out proper off road tyres on one yet?
The manual TDI's weren't popular. Most people don't like to change gears these days. But if you like driving a manual like we do, you wouldn't want to give up your manual TDI Yeti!
Diesels are great in really heavy traffic. No revs, slow clutch, crawl along. Use less fuel than petrol model in stop start. Computer says 0.8-0.9L/h idle.