SOME vehicles seem a little left field and Skoda's first compact SUV was just that when it appeared back in 2009.

The firm had been building a reputation for quality cars over the year, but the Yeti took many by surprise.

In a growing and increasingly competitive sector of the car market, it needed to be good and it was, particularly with its excellent off-road capability which allowed it to tackle all the but the roughest of rough terrains.

The latest version has been tweaked rather than hugely revamped, but there are now two models; the Yeti and the Yeti Outdoor and four trims; S, SE, Elegance and tested here the luxurious range-topping Laurin & Klement.

The Yeti with two-wheel drive still retains its squarish, boxy shape but has revised grille and bonnet and body-coloured bumpers, together with sills and side strips to soften the rugged look.

With its good on-road manners, high driving position and good all round visibility and versatility, it is ideal for a young family and starting at £16,600 is competitively priced.

It also offers good levels of standard kit, while the range topper tested adds all the electronic bells and whistles, top notch sound and communicatoins systems, plus luxury items like leather upholstery.

Both have integrated roof bars, but the Outdoor has a more rugged look with black plastic cladding and a front bumper with black spoiler either side of the air intake to take account of more rugged roads and conditions

There is also a slightly revised interior with new three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, new optional inserts and new fabric and seat options. Also available for the first time is a rear wide-angle parking camera and keyless entry and starting.

It retains the high-quality fit and finish that has now become standard on Skodas while the instrumentation layout is functional and logical.

On the range topper wood effect trim also breaks up the slabby effect of the dark coloured dashboard.

In practical terms, the Varioflex seating system is simple to use and highly versatile. It allows three rear seats to be individually folded or removed completely, but beware, they are heavy. If the centre seat is removed to two other seats can slide both lengthways and crossways.

The boot area itself is excellent with 510 litres of space, increasing to 1,760 with the rear seats removed. To keep things in place there are hooks on either side and sliding rails on the floor to secure different sized items.Throughout the cabin there are other various drink holders, pockets and cubby holes for extra storage.

All occupants benefit from good legroom, while the square shape means rear passengers get pretty much the same headroom as those in the front.

There are six engines, available, with the 1.8-litre petrol engine powering this model offering hot performance.

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it hits 60mph from a standing start in just 8.6 seconds. However it is one of the thirstier options with a claimed, if slightly optimistic economy figure of  36.1mpg.

But it is a smooth unit equally at home pottering around town or at high speed on the motorway. The only drawback is the boxy shape means wind noise does intrude.

Handling for this type of car is excellent with plenty of grip on bends, while the ride soaks up uneven roads and potholes with ease, so passengers are transported in comfort.

You would expect a four-wheel drive to be good in snow and mud, but the fifth-generation Haldex drive system, coupled with electronic differential gives genuine off-road ability.

Its  capability, even a couple of  years ago on a driving day, took me by surprise on an off-road course.  Press the off-road button and the traction, hill descent and braking system take over, allowing easy ascent of steep, muddy hills, and twists and turns through large potholes with relative ease.

But this is predominantly a road car - so you have the choice, two-wheel or four.

Whichever it is, they will have a well equipped, practical, versatile car at a competitive price.