Premium automobile manufacturer SkodaAuto India on 15th November launched its first sports utility vehicle (SUV) Yeti in the country, priced at Rs. 1.5 million - Rs. 1.7 million (US$ 34,154 - 36,860 (ex-showroom New Delhi).

"The Yeti will create a new SUV segment between the existing premium and low cost offers. And with an unrivalled price point, it gives us the confidence that Yeti would attract a new host of customers," said Mr. Thomas Kuehl, director, sales and marketing SkodaAuto India.

The SUV which comes in two variants, Ambiente and Elegance, is powered by a 2 litre TDI CR (common rail diesel) engine, with a maximum power of 140 bhp at 4200 rpm. Yeti has a six-speed manual transmission and high-pressure direct injection technology system with a mileage of 17.67 km per litre. It has leather interiors with colour tones of black and beige.

Mr. Kuehl said Yeti will give good competition to the C plus segment of sedans and other SUVs as the Skoda brand is a compact car which embodies comfort of a sedan and off-roading capability of a SUV. The company has reported a booking of about a 1,000 units for its new offering which will be brought in the country as CKD (completely knocked-down) units assembled at its Aurangabad plant.