Skoda Yeti facelift caught testing in China as a Suzuki Vitara

04/05/2013 - 16:31 | ,  ,   | Nithyanandh K

The Skoda Yeti is ready for its mid-life facelift operation and here are spyshots of a test mule spotted in China by Auto Sohu readers.

Skoda Yeti facelift China spyshot frontSkoda Yeti facelift China spyshot rear

Before you wonder what Skoda's done to the design of the car, let's make it clear. The test mule is disguised to look like the Suzuki Grand Vitrara. Seems like it is too shy to flaunt its new lines, not even with camouflage on it!

The car on test is the Chinese version which is expected to be slightly different than the global model.

As you can see from the spyshot, the rear fascia of the car is completely out of place from rest of the car. However with backing from earlier spyshots, we deduce that the spare wheel will be mounted at the rear even on the production car.

2014 Skoda Yeti facelift testing in China
The Yeti facelift will take design cues from the VisionD concept.

Unlike the misleading rear, the front of the car, even with the mirrored Suzuki emblem on the radiator grille, is immediately recognizable. The headlamps get a bit more edgy and the characteristic central ridge on the bonnet is more accentuated now. Overall appearance is certainly a bit more rugged than now.

Skoda Yeti front fascia
Front fascia of the current Skoda Yeti added for reference.

In addition, the Chinese version is slightly bigger than the European version owing to a longer wheelbase.

2014 Skoda Yeti facelift test mule rear
The registration plate enclosure has moved to the bumper while the spare wheel has moved to the rear door.

The current Chinese spec Skoda Yeti is powered by 1.4 litre and 1.8 litre TSI petrol engines. The former is available with a 6-speed manual or a DSG automatic transmission while the latter is available only with a DSG. The facelift is expected to continue using the same options.

Skoda Yeti rear
Rear of the current Skoda Yeti inserted for reference.

The 2014 Skoda Yeti facelift will go on sale later this year in China. We can expect Skoda to reveal this production car at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

[Source: Auto.sohu.com]

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