YOU would expect a Yeti to be able to handle tough conditions so Skoda now offers a separate Outdoor range of its popular SUV, complete with four-wheel-drive.

First launched in 2009 the Yeti is a quirky beast which grows on you the more you drive one.

It's an ideal alternative to a family hatchback, offering plenty of interior space, exceptional interior height, a good size boot area and the practicality and safety of 4x4 traction.

Buyers have the choice of four trim levels - the same as on the two-wheel-drive version - but the Outdoor comes with a more rugged appearance befitting a vehicle capable of tackling off-road conditions.

Both types have a new look grille and bonnet while the Outdoor is distinguished by its underbody protection and plastic wheel arches.

The interior is functional rather than flash but everything falls easily to hand and is well thought out, like the interior door lock which sits between driver and front seat passenger so either can lock or unlock the car when necessary.

A high ridding vehicle with plenty of clearance between the wheels and bodywork means the Outdoor is good for all but the worst of terrain.

Under normal conditions the car is driven using front-wheel-drive only - thereby saving fuel - but when the going gets tough you can bring the rear axle into play simply by pressing the off-road button on the dashboard.

It means it's an ideal vehicle if you tow a caravan or a boat or indulge in any outdoor sports which involves leaving the highway.

And while you have the extra grip the Yeti drives like a conventional family hatchback so you don't need any 4x4 training.

The SE version comes well equipped, with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, curtain side and knee airbags, a touch screen satellite navigation system, multi-function steering wheel and eight speakers as standard.

On top of that Skoda offers a wide variety of optional extras, the best of which on this car included a heated windscreen (£300), heated front seats (£230) and hill hold control (£95) to prevent rolling back on severe inclines.

The Yeti comes with Skoda's Varioflex seating, which means you can slide the rear seats individually forwards or backwards to give you more boot space or your passengers more leg room. The rear seats also recline, can be folded flat and the middle one can be removed completely allowing the outer ones to be slid together.

With its 140bhp engine the Yeti SE offers punchy acceleration combined with good economy. For most of my week with the car I was easily averaging between 45mpg and 50mpg.

And despite being a high vehicle affording plenty of headroom the Yeti offers sharp road holding and a pleasantly firm ride with no wallowing.

At just under £23,000 the Yeti Outdoor SE offers a lot of car for the money - being both good looking and eminently practical.