The Yeti was awarded the maximum five star rating in the tougher Euro NCAP crash tests, introduced in 2009. This new overall rating covers Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and a new area of assessment: Safety Assist.

All models get driver and passenger front, side and curtain airbags while E models and above also have a driver’s knee airbag. ESP stability control, which prevents the car losing control in a skid, is standard on all 4×4 version and there are Isofix child seat mounting points in the rear seats.

Although most Yeti drivers are unlikely to venture off road, the fact that the 4×4 model can easily cope with steep slopes and tricky terrain gives plenty of confidence if you’re tackling wet fields or muddy tracks.

It also has a decent boot of 405 litres but this can be boosted to 510 litres – around the same as a Volkswagen Passat estate. That’s thanks to the clever rear seats that can be individually folded or removed if needed, while the two outer seats can be moved closer to the centre of the car to increase shoulder room by taking the middle seat out.

The seats are easy to fold and easily light enough for one person to lift them in and out of the car. With them all out, boot space is boosted to a huge 1,760 litres – more than a Volvo V70.