The Skoda Yeti was discontinued to make way for a new model, the Skoda Karoq, which was introduced to more closely align the brand's Volkswagen Tiguan-sized SUV with its larger sibling, the Kodiaq.
The Transition to Karoq
Skoda decided to retire the Yeti nameplate as part of a strategic shift in its SUV lineup. The move aimed to streamline the naming convention and design language across its SUV range, fostering a more cohesive brand identity.
- New Naming Convention: The introduction of the Karoq followed the launch of the larger Kodiaq, establishing a new SUV naming theme where models start with 'K' and end with 'Q'. This brought consistency across the SUV family.
- Design Alignment: While the Yeti was known for its distinctive, boxy design, the Karoq adopted a more conventional, modern SUV aesthetic that mirrored the styling cues of the Kodiaq, presenting a unified look for Skoda's SUV offerings. This allowed for better brand recognition and market positioning against competitors.
The discontinuation of the Yeti marked the end of an era for a popular and quirky compact SUV, ushering in a new generation of Skoda SUVs designed for broader appeal and clearer brand cohesion.