Fiat Qubo MPV full 9 point review

  • Performance

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad In theory, there's a choice of two engines, but in practice the diesel version is the only sensible option. True, it's still not what you'd call quick, but the extra mid-range pulling power over the petrol engine makes it far preferable. It's at its best in town, where it feels quicker than the official performance figures suggest, but it will struggle with a heavy load and isn't especially flexible at motorway cruising speeds.

  • Ride & Handling

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Qubo is based on a van, so you might expect it to feel a bit uncivilised. Not a bit of it. The suspension has been fettled to give a more passenger-friendly ride. It's soft, so it soaks up bumps pretty easily, but there's not much pitch on undulating roads. Yes, the body leans over in bends, but there's plenty of grip and the steering is quick and direct.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Qubo's cabin is a refined environment considering the car's commercial-vehicle roots. There's not much road noise, and wind noise is barely audible, despite the car's blunt front end. The diesel engine stays smooth and reasonably quiet however you're treating it, but some sharper bumps can occasionally knock through the rear suspension. The gearshift feels slack and imprecise, though.

  • Buying & Owning

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Qubo is pretty affordable to buy, but although the diesel version costs more, we’d recommend spending the extra on it. This is the one 80% of customers will go for, because it’s better to drive and will give you 62.8mpg compared with the petrol's 42.2mpg. Resale values are okay for the class.

  • Quality & Reliability

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership There's no doubt that this is a car that's built to work hard; everything seems to have been designed with durability as the first priority. The plastics, for example, make up for what they lack in visual appeal with a solid feel; and while uncovered, painted metal may be a rare sight in a modern car's cabin, it seems to suit this car’s character.

  • Safety & Security

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership All Qubos come with twin front and side airbags, but curtain airbags aren't included. Stability control is available, but you'll have to pay extra for it on both models. The security roster is a touch limited, too. You get deadlocks as standard, but not a lot else.

  • Behind The Wheel

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin There's a distinctly van-like driving position – it's high and gives a good view of the road. All customers get a steering wheel that moves for height and reach, but the base model misses out on a height-adjustable seat. The dash has a simple layout, so all the switches are easy to find.

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership This is by far and away the Qubo's strongest area - there's an unbelievable amount of space for such a small car. You get masses of headroom and more than enough legroom in any seat. Access to the rear seats is easy, too, thanks to the wide-opening sliding doors and the high seats. The boot is huge, and if you need it to be even huger, you can fold down the rear seats or remove them completely for van-like accommodation.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin There are three trims to choose from. Entry-level Active gets climate control, electric windows, remote central locking and a CD stereo with steering wheel controls, MP3 socket and Bluetooth phone connection. Dynamic models add alloy wheels, front foglights and electric door mirrors, while the Trekking model gives the car a 4x4-style makeover, but not any extra off-road ability.

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