COMBINING a Yeti with Monte Carlo could once have resulted in a B-movie monster flick - but rest assured Skoda's SUV version is no horror show.

Instead the result is a racy version of the Czech group's practical motor with neat touches to the exterior and an exclusive cabin worthy of a location synonymous with luxury and wealth.

The bodywork boasts plenty of distinctive badging plus a contrasting black roof and door mirrors. Other neat touches include a black front spoiler and rear diffuser, bi-xenon headlights with cornering function and LED daytime running lamps, while eye-catching front fog lights and stainless steel tailpipe trims make a big impression.

In short, there is no danger of forgetting where you've left it in the car park as this Yeti has no intention of blending in with the crowd - a fact accentuated by the huge clearance between the wheel arches and the neat 17-inch alloys highlighting its four-wheel drive capability.

The thoroughly modern exterior is backed up by a smart cabin featuring a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a simple to use satellite navigation system.

There is also a six-CD changer and digital radio in an audio system that is also compatible with the major portable music systems.

The sports seats, featuring Monte Carlo upholstery, are comfortable, supportive and fully adjustable making it easy to find a decent driving position behind a steering wheel that also adjusts for rake and reach.

The upright stance and wide dimensions of the Yeti provide five adults with plenty of head, shoulder and leg room and their luggage is taken care of by the 416-litre boot. Remove passengers from the equation and that capacity can soon be increased to a cavern-like 1,760 litres thanks to split-folding rear seats.

This is one Yeti then that is family friendly as it also offers lots of cubby holes and storage spaces including deep door pockets for the kids' water bottles, as well as cup holders, a central bin and a concealed tray on top of the dashboard to keep your valuables out of sight.

A long list of safety equipment allows the Yeti to boast front, side and curtain airbags, plus one to protect the driver's knees, stability control, active anti-whiplash head restraints and Isofix child-seat mounting points.

Power is provided by an efficient 2.0-litre diesel engine - linked to a slick six-speed DSG automatic transmission - that can shift the Yeti's not inconsiderable bulk from a standing start to 62mph in 8.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 122mph. The gearbox also offers a sport setting which improves the throttle response and hones the car's handling characteristics

Skoda's SUV is comfortable coping with a wide gamut of road conditions as, despite being quite a boxy motor, it is keen in corners with little in the way of body roll while also being a capable cruiser when on the motorway and a rugged off-roader when needed.

The handy addition of rear parking sensors are a boon when it comes squeezing into that tight city centre parking space.

A king of the road driving position and big windows gives great visibility for what is happening in the urban, or real, jungle around you. It also makes the cabin light and airy.