Salon ล koda Yeti - this is a rare case when Czech practicality is combined with German pedantry. The car, released in 2009 and restyled in 2013, still remains in demand on the secondary market thanks to its thoughtful ergonomics and unpretentiousness. But what really lies behind the laconic interior design? Why do some owners praise build quality, while others complain about squeaks and wear and tear of materials?
In this article we will look at the salon Yeti to screw: from finishing materials in different configurations up to hidden functions that are not written about in the instructions. You will learn which parts fail first and how to properly care for leatherette. "Vienna", and why the heated seats in the basic version work differently than in "Style". And also - we will compare the interior before and after the facelift, so that you can make an informed choice when purchasing.
1. Finishing materials: what to choose - fabric, leatherette or leather?
Salon ล koda Yeti was offered in three main types of finishes, and each of them has its advantages and pitfalls. Basic version "Active" came with fabric upholstery โFabricโ, which at first glance seems practical, but in reality quickly gets dirty and fades under the sun. This is especially noticeable in light versions - โBeigeโ or โGreyโ.
More expensive options "Ambition" and "Style" equipped with leatherette "Vienna" or genuine leather "Leather". It is important to understand here: leatherette Although it is resistant to abrasion, it is afraid of aggressive detergents and can crack at sub-zero temperatures if the car is not warmed up. Genuine leather, in turn, requires regular care with special conditioners, otherwise it loses its elasticity.
- ๐น Fabric: cheap, but easily soiled; Suitable for families with children (easy to wash).
- ๐น Leatherette "Vienna": optimal price/quality balance; does not fade, but creaks in the cold.
- ๐น Genuine leather: premium look, but requires maintenance; may โsweatโ in hot climates.
Interesting fact: in restyled versions (2013+) ล koda improved the quality of the seams on the seats, but at the same time simplified the design of the headrests. If you are choosing between pre-restyle and restyle, pay attention to this - the old headrests were more ergonomic.
- Fabric
- Leatherette Vienna
- Genuine leather
- Another option
2. Ergonomics and handling: why drivers love (or hate) Yeti
One of the key advantages of the salon Yeti - this is high rise, which is liked by both men and women. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and tilt, and the driver's seat (in top versions) has an electric drive with memory settings. But there is a nuance: in basic configurations "Active" The seat adjustment is only mechanical, and many owners complain that the backrest lift lever becomes loose over time.
Instrument panel in Yeti made in a minimalist style, but here lies one of the main problems - backlight. At night, white numbers on a black background look stylish, but some owners note that the backlight is too dim, especially in versions before 2013. This can be corrected by replacing the light bulbs with LED ones (article: W5W 2825).
โ ๏ธ Attention: If, after replacing the lamps with LEDs, the malfunction indicator begins to flash, it is necessary to install channel resistance filters or use lamps with a built-in resistor. Otherwise, the ECU will perceive this as an error.
- ๐ง Ergonomic advantages: high seating position, good visibility, convenient location of climate control buttons.
- ๐ง Cons: dim instrument lighting, an inconvenient seat adjustment lever in the base, plastic squeaks in the cold.
To eliminate plastic squeaks in the cabin, treat the panel joints with silicone grease (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Spray). Don't use WD-40 - it will corrode plastic!
3. Climate control and heating: how not to freeze in winter and not sweat in summer
Climate control system in ล koda Yeti depends on the configuration. In the basic version "Active" a conventional air conditioner with manual adjustment is installed, and "Ambition" and "Style" โ dual-zone climate control Climatronic. The main difference: in the first case, you will have to constantly turn the knobs, and in the second, you simply set the desired temperature.
However, even the top versions have a problem: foot heating. The fact is that the air ducts are directed in such a way that warm air goes mainly to the upper part of the body. Many owners solve this by installing an optional heated mat (e.g. Webasto Thermo Top Evo).
| Equipment | System type | Features | Typical problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Air conditioning (manual) | Simple, reliable, cheap to repair | Weak airflow for the feet, no automatic mode |
| Ambition | Climate control (single zone) | Supports automatic mode | The sun sensor often fails |
| Style | Climate control (dual zone) | Individual settings for driver and passenger | Expensive control unit repair |
Another important point - stove. In frosts below -20ยฐC, many owners complain that the interior takes too long to warm up. This is due to the design of the cooling system: the thermostat opens at 87ยฐC, not at 90ยฐC, as in most cars. You can solve the problem by installing a thermostat from VW Golf IV (item: 028 121 111 N).
โ๏ธ Preparing Your Yeti for Winter
4. Multimedia and electronics: what systems were installed and how to upgrade them
Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, ล koda Yeti equipped with various multimedia systems:
- ๐ต Swing (basic): monochrome display, no navigation, only supports CD and AUX.
- ๐ต Bolero (medium): 5" color screen, Bluetooth, USB, but slow interface.
- ๐ต Amundsen/Columbus (top): navigation, touch screen, but outdated firmware.
The main problem of all these systems is outdated software. For example, in Amundsen cards are updated only through a dealer, and the cost of updating reaches 15,000 rubles. Alternative - installation Android Auto via an adapter (for example, Carlinkit 3.0) or complete replacement of the head unit with Pioneer AVH-Z5250BT.
Another weak point - acoustics. The basic version has speakers SEAT with paper diffusers that quickly โwheezeโ at high frequencies. Solution: replacement with component acoustics (for example, Focal ISU 165) + amplifier installation.
โ ๏ธ Attention: When replacing the radio in Yeti Be sure to check CAN bus compatibility! Some Chinese devices do not display data from the on-board computer correctly, which can lead to errors in the ECU.
How to update Bolero firmware yourself?
To update the firmware Bolero you will need an SD card no larger than 32GB formatted in FAT32. Download the official firmware from the website Skoda (section Infotainment), unpack the archive and copy the files to the root of the map. Insert the card into the radio, go to Settings โ Software Update and follow the instructions. Important: do not remove the card until the process is complete (about 20 minutes)!
5. Typical Yeti interior problems: what breaks first?
Despite the German build quality, the interior ล koda Yeti has several โdiseasesโ that you should know about in advance:
- Front panel creaks. Most often, plastic squeaks around air ducts. The reason is loose fastenings or drying out of the plastic. Solution: disassemble the panel and install additional clips (item:
1K0 853 869 C). - Worn buttons on the steering wheel. Over time, the paint wears off from the radio control buttons. Solution: buying steering wheel covers or replacing buttons (the set costs ~3,000 rubles).
- Problems with power seats. In electric versions, the motors for adjusting the lumbar support often break down. Repairs cost 5,000โ8,000 rubles.
- Air conditioner smell. If the evaporator is not cleaned, mold will develop over time. Solution: Processing Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger (once a year).
Deserves special attention problem with wiring under seats. Due to constant vibrations, the wires fray, which leads to a short circuit. Symptoms: spontaneous activation of heated seats or failure of the electric drive. For prevention, it is recommended to check the condition of the wiring once every 50,000 km and secure it with ties.
The most expensive problem in the Yeti interior to repair is the failure of the climate control unit (Climatronic). Replacing it costs 25,000โ40,000 rubles, so when buying a used car, be sure to check the operation of all airflow modes!
6. Salon pre-facelift vs facelift: what changed in 2013?
In 2013 ล koda Yeti underwent facelift, which also affected the interior. Here are the main changes:
| Characteristics | pre-facelift (2009โ2013) | Restyle (2013โ2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Steering wheel | 3 spokes, not heated | 4 spokes, heating option |
| Instrument panel | Analog clock, monochrome display | Digital clock, improved backlight |
| Finishing materials | Harder plastic, rough fabric | Soft plastic, improved seat stitching |
| Climate control | Single zone at the top | Dual zone Climatronic in Style |
However, not all changes were positive. For example, in restyled versions The cup holder in the central tunnel disappeared - instead of it, a useless niche for small things appeared. But sound insulation has improved: the cabin has become 3-5 dB quieter due to additional door seals.
If you are choosing between pre-restyle and restyle, pay attention to seat ergonomics. In older versions, the backrest was more rigid, which appeals to those who drive long distances. The new seats are softer, but some owners complain about insufficient lateral support.
7. Care hacks: how to keep the Yeti interior in perfect condition?
To the salon ล koda Yeti lasted longer, follow these tips:
- ๐งผ Cleaning leatherette "Vienna": use the remedy Leather Master Strong Cleaner (dilute 1:10) and a soft brush. Never use solutions containing alcohol!
- ๐งน Dust collection: An antistatic wipe is suitable for plastic panels 3M. For hard-to-reach places (air ducts), use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle.
- โ๏ธ Sun protection: window tinting (permissible light transmission - 70%) and sun blinds Climair will reduce interior heating in summer.
- โ๏ธ Winter care: Before frost, treat the rubber seals with silicone grease to prevent them from freezing.
Pay special attention rugs. B Yeti The drainage under the driverโs feet often becomes clogged, which leads to moisture accumulation and body corrosion. Solution: Every six months, remove the mats and clean out the drainage holes with wire.
To eliminate the smell of dampness in the cabin, place bags of silica gel (available in shoe stores) under the seats. Change them every 2-3 months.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
๐ง Is it possible to install a heated steering wheel as standard? Yeti?
Yes, but it will require improvements. Need to buy a heated steering wheel from Style (item: 5E0 419 091 CX), control button (article: 5E0 959 537 A) and connect them via a relay. The average cost of service work is 8,000โ12,000 rubles.
๐ฅ Why in the salon Yeti Does it sometimes smell like gasoline?
This is a typical problem for cars with 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TSI engines. Reason - fuel filter leak or leaking fuel lines under the rear seat. Solution: Inspect the filter (located under the rear passenger seat) and replace it if necessary (part number: 6Q0 201 051 C).
๐ต How to connect CarPlay to the standard radio Bolero?
Regular Bolero does not support CarPlay, but there is a workaround:
- Buy an adapter Carlinkit 3.0 (about 5,000 rub.).
- Connect it to the USB port of the radio.
- Download the app Carlinkit to a smartphone.
- Activate the Bluetooth connection and follow the instructions.
Minus: there will be lags when scrolling through music, but navigation and calls work stably.
๐ Which covers are best to choose for seats? Yeti?
Optimal options:
- ๐ก๏ธ For fabric: covers Covercraft (breathable material, protection against fading).
- ๐ก๏ธ For leatherette: covers Wet Okole (neoprene, prevent slipping).
- ๐ก๏ธ Universal: covers Katzkin (leather + Alcantara, upon request).
Avoid cheap PVC covers - they become electrified and damage the upholstery.
๐ก How to increase the brightness of instrument lighting?
There are two ways:
- Software: with the help VCDS (Vasya Diagnostic) increase the parameter value
Instrument Lighting โ Brightnessup to 100%. - Hardware: replace standard lamps with LEDs Osram LEDriving W5W (item:
2825RW02).
Important: after replacing the lamps, an error may appear on the device - in this case, install resistors with a resistance of 68 Ohms.