News
Fiat Revival Is Bang On Q
May 2009
In all fairness, the name doesn't exactly trip off the tongue with any degree of ease.
And when it comes to establishing exactly what it means then, well, let's simply forget it.
Qubo?
Yes, quite, it sounds like one of those made up names when you're struggling at Scrabble.
But to Fiat, it represents a bright new dawn as the automakers attempt to continue their remarkable revival.
The huge Italian firm appear to have turned the corner, having previously been on the fast route to oblivion.
But, just when things were beginning to look decidedly bleak, Fiat returned to their roots and introduced a raft of new small cars.
First came the Panda, quickly followed by a revamped Punto then, for many, the icing on the cake, the allnew and award winning Fiat 500.
Now the car company are thinking big with the arrival this month of a new family-sized vehicle.
Fiat being, well, Fiat, describe the Qubo as both "eye-catching" and "attractive".
Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I doubt whether it will get any backers.
The best you could say is that the newcomer is both functional and practical for every-day family use.
Based on the highly acclaimed Grande Punto platform, the Qubo is aimed at drivers who want to combine versatility and space with a car-like driving experience.
In many respects, it looks like the Citroen Berlingo Multispace with its square side-on shape and sliding rear doors.
The front end is typically chunky and purposeful, while the roof rails provide it with a sporty look.
Fiat insist the newcomer is as easy to manoeuvre as a supermini, yet boasts the spaciousness and comfort of a conventional MPV.
The huge expanse of glass throughout gives the Qubo a bright and airy feel as well as great all-round visibility.
It will be offered with a choice of four trim levels and with prices competitively pitched to start at just £9750 rising to just a shade under £12,400.
But fears of buyers being short-changed are quickly dispelled, as the car is extensively equipped. The standard spec list includes electric front windows, power steering and Fiat's unique and innovative Blue & Me handsfree communication system.
This provides a simple means for drivers to connect their mobile phones and media players to the car via Bluetooth technology.
To ensure drivers get the perfect position, the steering wheel is fully adjustable.
Move up the ladder and the Dynamic models gain such goodies as air conditioning, body-coloured and heated electric mirrors, as well as aluminium interior door handles and dashboard inlays.
One of the main attractions of the Qubo is its incredible practical interior, which offers up no less than 16 different alternatives.
You can even remove the split-folding rear seats to create an ocean of load space of more than 2500 litres.
Part of the beauty of this machine is discovering just exactly what it is capable of if you happen to have a couple of hours to kill.
Fiat have restricted their choice of powertrains to just two, although, in all honesty, they have selected well.
The 1.3-litre 16-valve Multijet turbodiesel remains the best in its class and allows the car to clock up nearly 63 miles from a gallon.
There is also an economy button to help maximise fuel consumption even further.
It is also one of the cleanest engines around with eco emissions of just 119g/km.
In addition, there is an equally frugal 1.4-litre petrol unit available which delivers a lively 73bhp.
Again, it allows the Qubo to return more than 40mpg.
