We all know that it is the little things in life that make a big difference.

From an unexpectedly helpful bit of customer service in a shop, to a rare piece of courtesy on the road, it is those small touches that help to make your day.

So when you hop into a car and find it has doorbins that are not only large but are fitted with an elastic retaining strap; a small tray that is perfect for carrying small change; four adjustable hooks in the boot; a special sunglasses holder and a range of 12-volt sockets ideal for charging mobile phones, you know someone has carefully thought this vehicle through.

In themselves, these neat tweaks cost next to nothing but they mean a lot, because it’s clear from the moment you board the Yeti that it has been built with families in mind.

Priced from about £14,000, its mix of two- and four-wheel drive, diesel and petrol engines, flexible seating arrangements, high driving position and bold styling deliver a powerful all-round package.

The crossover sector is one of the fastest growing segments in the car market and cars like the Yeti and its close rival the Nissan Qashqai have proved runaway successes.

A real plus for the Yeti is the so-called Varioflex seating, which allows the rear seats to be moved forwards, backwards, reclined individually, rolled up or completely removed. Those riding in the back have a great view out, thanks to seat bases that are mounted 20mm higher than those in the front.

Despite its large cabin and practical boot space, at 4.2 metres long, it’s similar in size to a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. It’s big enough to package a family on the move, yet easy to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces. It’s also a wide car — a quality that pays dividends in terms of road presence and stability.

But thanks to its sophisticated four-wheel drive system, it is incredibly capable off-road. It is able to climb, descend and cross rough terrain, thanks to its additional ground clearance and high ride height.

All Yeti models come with air conditioning, power steering, driver and passenger front airbags, side and curtain airbags and central door locking.

But the test car in Elegance trim, added everything from leather upholstery, 17-inch polished alloy wheels and four-spoke multi-functional leather steering wheel with radio and telephone controls, to bi-xenon headlights with cornering function, heated front seats, hill-hold control and headlight washers.

Add in the likes of touchscreen satnav, dual-zone air conditioning and tyre pressure monitors and up to nine airbags, and the car looks more like a top-end luxury saloon than a family-friendly fun car.

This car’s name might still bring a smile to your lips, but it is the owner of the Yeti that has the last laugh.

Auto facts Skoda Yeti Elegance 2.0 TDI 4x4

Price: £22,840

Ins group: Six (1-20)

Fuel consumption (Combined): 47.1mpg

Top speed: 118mph

Length: 422.3cm/166.2in

Width: 179.3cm/70.5in

Luggage space: 14.7 cu ft

Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons/ 60 litres

CO2 emissions: 157g/km

Warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles