What's the news?

Skoda has brought two new cars to the Frankfurt Motor Show - the Rapid Spaceback (that's über trendy Skoda-speak for 'estate') and an updated Yeti. The popular semi-crossover is in fact being shown in two slightly different versions - the standard Yeti, and Yeti Outdoor.

Exterior

The Rapid Spaceback adds even more carrying capacity to the already spacious boot space in the smallest Skoda saloon. Among the long list of items that buyers will be able to choose from are a panoramic glass roof, as well as extended tailgate glazing - lots of glass in other words.

The Yeti gains a fresh new look in the form of new headlights and a redesigned front bumper, which gives the car a very different look. Gone are the divisive round spotlights next to the grille, which gives the Yeti a more conventional look. For the more adventurous, the Yeti Outdoor offers a more rugged off-road look thanks to a different front bumper and more of its mouldings finished in black plastic - a la Audi allroad quattro.

Interior

The Rapid Spaceback is essentially just the standard car in estate form so in the interior there isn't any real difference from a design standpoint, but Skoda has introduced some new trim and fabric options. In addition to the increase in rear passenger knee- and headroom - something Skoda claims is now the best in class - there's a generous boot that can normally carry 415 litres and can be expanded out to 1,380 litres.

On the Yeti side of things it's pretty much the same story - new trim and fabric options, which in the case of the Yeti Outdoor may include some hard-wearing materials.

Mechanicals

Skoda will use the same four petrol and two diesel engines that already power the Rapid saloon. The Yeti will be available with six different engines as well as the choice of two- or four-wheel drive - the latter of which comes in the form of the new fifth-generation Haldex coupling.

Anything else?

Although the updated Yeti isn't awash with new features, one thing that buyers will now be able to add on is a reversing camera, which will help parking or ensuring there isn't a huge tree stump behind you should you venture off-road.

Dave Humphreys - 9 Sep 2013