Should I buy a Ford Kuga or Skoda Yeti?

I am torn between buying a nearly-new Kuga or a nearly-new Skoda Yeti. I have a Ford Focus to trade in that will get about £10,000 at the Skoda garage, and about a grand more with Ford. A nearly new Yeti 4x4 140bhp Yeti Elegance with sat nav will be about £21,000 (or £11,000 cost to change) and the Ford Kuga equivalent about £20,000 (or £9000 cost to change). I prefer the Yeti but £2000 saving on the Kuga is tempting. Which do you think?

Asked on 28 May 2010 by Raffles225

Answered by David Ross
Both these cars are great choices. The Yeti is perhaps better for practicality because although it's slightly smaller, it has more versatile rear seats that individually fold or can be removed altogether. The two outer seats can also be moved closer to the centre of the car to increase shoulder room by taking the middle seat out. With all the seats out, boot space is a huge 1,760 litres - more than a Volvo V70. The Kuga has fixed rear seats - similar to a Focus, so although they fold down they do little else. There's little between them on the road and they're both enjoyable and good to drive.

Obviously the £2000 saving is a big sway, so it's perhaps useful to look at the two specific engines you're considering and look at the differences in fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Then you'll be able to estimate annual running costs for both. We think the Yeti is the better choice (although it's very close) mainly because it's such a great all-round car and very distinctively styled too.
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