Skoda is reveling in a double dose of festive cheer after the Yeti was honored by two respected specialist off-road magazines in their end-of-year awards.

They bring the versatile SUV’s trophy haul to six for the year, and with UK sales up a third on 2010 it caps a remarkable 12 months for the Yeti. Again it has proved its credentials as a genuine mud-plugger that’s more than capable of tackling all that winter can throw at it.

The Skoda Yeti secured class honours in 4x4 Magazine’s ‘4x4 Of The Year’ test. Now in its 22nd year, expert judges got behind the wheel of all the contenders in four categories of off-roader. They ranked the Yeti as number one in the Mid-Range class.

Editor Nigel Fryatt said the Yeti fully deserved its trophy and hadsurprised many with its all-round abilities.

“When you consider ‘fit for purpose’ and ‘value for money’, the Yeti is an impressive machine. The version with the full off-road electronic terrain options is more than capable of coping with conditions way in excess of what is likely to be attempted by potential owners – surely the creed of the true off-roader.”

In 2010 the Skoda Yeti won the Crossover category and went on to take the overall ‘4x4 Of The Year’ title. Now it’s beaten all-comers in the same category again, and scooped the magazine’s Special Award for Best Value.

Editor Alan Kidd said the Yeti took the judging panel by surprise last year. “This year we were ready for it – but it still took our breath away. It’s brilliantly conceived and superbly built, good to drive on the road and it’ll do remarkable things in the rough. What’s not to love? There are very few 4x4s, at any price, that I’d be happier to see on my driveway.”