The Skoda Yeti shares its name with an ape-like mythical beast that supposedly roams the icy wilderness of the Himalayas.

Like its namesake the Skoda is a rugged, well-built machine that, in four wheel drive configuration, is also well-equipped to tackle the rough stuff.

However, there’s much more to the Yeti (motor car) than that. In fact, I would argue that naming it after the Yeti (mythical ape-like beast) is, perhaps, selling the Yeti (motor car) a little short.

After all, while the Yeti (mythical beast) might well be able to carry a family of four, can it carry a family of four and its luggage? Can it travel hundreds of miles before it needs to fill up? And while it might have the edge in the snow, how does it handle on the black stuff? Perhaps most importantly, would owning one represent a sound financial investment?

I’ve just spent a week with a Yeti – the motor car – and while I’ve been unable to perform back-to-back comparisons my time with Skoda’s little crossover has left me with little doubt about which one I’d rather own.

In the real world the Yeti’s rivals aren’t, perhaps, immediately obvious. It’s unusual styling doesn’t easily lend itself to direct comparisons with other cars but it’s actually pitched up against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar, Peugeot 2008 and the not too dissimilar Kia Soul.

It’s available only as a boxy five-door with typically plain, but handsome, looks. My test car was fitted with the familiar VW group 2.0-litre diesel unit outputting 108bhp through the front wheels. If you’re planning on towing or hauling heavy loads the 148bhp version of the same engine – with 340Nm of torque on tap – might be the better choice but from a day-to-day perspective I found the less powerful unit to be more than adequate.

It’s sprightly enough to keep you entertained if the mood takes you and there’s no reason why the mood shouldn’t take you often given how delightful the Yeti is to drive. Its ride is a little firmer than many of its rivals but it never becomes uncomfortable.

The flip side is the excellent body control which means the Yeti corners nice and flat. There’s plenty of grip too, which, combined with the sharp, accurate steering keeps the nose nice and tight through the bends.

Don’t imagine that the Yeti’s lively personality means that you’ll suffer on longer journeys. It’s perfectly at home on motorways, eating up the miles with very little fuss.

The interior follows the same no-nonsense theme as the outside. It’s practical, rather than plush, but that doesn’t prevent it being a pleasant place to be. There are high-grade, soft-touch plastics in evidence everywhere and the ergonomics are generally excellent.

The upright, boxy shape pays dividends when it comes to interior space. There’s sufficient room to carry four tall adults in reasonable comfort and, while there is room for a fifth, it’s really only appropriate for short hauls.

Removing the middle seat allows the outer pair to slide inwards and backwards, freeing up more shoulder and leg room for passengers in the back.

The boot is a generous size too, and will swallow 416 litres of your luggage with the rear seats in place, or 1,760 litres with them stowed away

If that’s not enough stowage space then you can liberate an extra 180 litres if you take advantage of the Yeti’s party trick and remove all the rear seats although they are quite heavy so it’s not the easiest of tasks.

The Yeti is a formidable beast (according to legend, at least) but Skoda’s little crossover is more than worthy of bearing its name. It’s robust, practical, fun to drive and great value for money. Plus it’s a lot easier to get hold of and probably won’t eat the family dog.

Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI SCR 110PS

Price: £19,850

As tested: £22,150

Engine: 2.0 TDI SCR 110PS

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Max speed: 109 mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 12.2 secs

Combined: 53.3 mpg

Emissions (CO2): 137g/km

For more information about Skoda cars visit www.skoda.co.uk