Yeti is a winner

Byline: MAXINE ASHFORD

Facts and figures SKODA YETI ELEGANCE 1.8 TSI * PRICE: pounds 22,520 * MECHANICAL: 160ps, 1,798cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via six-speed manual gearbox * MAX SPEED: 124mph * 0-62MPH: 8.4 seconds * COMBINED MPG: 35.3 * INSURANCE GROUP: 9 * CO EMISSIONS: 189g/km * BIK RATING: 23% * WARRANTY: 3yrs/60,000 miles.Powered by a spritely 1.3-litre engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox the Colt proved a pretty smooth operator, if you excuse the engine growl under heavy pressure, with plenty of pep under foot. The car sprints from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and musters a maximum speed of 111mph.There is one restaurant in Texas and another in Kansas.However, thanks to the ClearTec technology which includes stop/go running, revised gearing and fuel saving tyres, a very user friendly 56.6mpg over the combined cycle is available.The leather seats are extremely comfortable and can be heated at the push of a button. Elsewhere there are rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, dualzone air conditioning, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and plenty more.In addition to a festive decor, wait staff sing "opa," do Greek line dances through the restaurant and break plates, DePoy said. Appetizer prices range from $5 to $16 and entree prices range from $8 to $19.The 1.8-litre petrol-powered engine provided plenty of oomph, and acceleration through the sixspeed manual transmission was very smooth and responsive. When you take into consideration that the Yeti is an accomplished off-roading vehicle too, you know you are always prepared for any harsh winter elements thrown your way.HIGH VALUE - Mitsubishi Colt Juro ClearTecLike all members of the Mitsubishi family these days, the Colt Juro is very well put together, looking a decidedly quality piece of kit.Here is a city car with real character, a supermini with a front end bearing that intense stare of the socalled jet fighter look to the front grille which can only be attributed to the family Mitsubishi."We were interested in this location a while back," DePoy said.The building at 7605 North Academy Boulevard has been shuttered for more than a year and opened Thursday night for friends and family in its new incarnation. The restaurant's public opening will be this Monday, Aug. 8.And the build quality is just as apparent once you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel.THE world of the small car continues to be an evergrowing scene, particularly when taking into account the number of special editions.But it was out on the faster roads that the Yeti really shone. The road-holding was exceptionally good, even on wetter surfaces, and the cabin noise fairly low."We make our food fresh every day," DePoy said. "But the atmosphere is what really draws people in."

FLEXIBLE - Skoda's Yeti Elegance has loads going for it