Fiat Qubo

Supermini-MPVs are ready to get square. Only weeks after we drove Nissan’s latest Cube, Fiat has launched its similarly named Qubo in the UK.

Under the surface, it’s based on the Grande Punto platform, but its body owes more to a commercial vehicle. It’s a joint venture with Peugeot and Citroen, and these two firms will launch their own versions soon.

The Fiat aims to offer all the versatility of the Citroen Berlingo in a smaller package, and it’s very practical. Slide open the side doors, and you’ll find masses of passenger space. The boot boasts a low, flat load lip and 330 litres of luggage capacity. The back seats fold and tumble, and if you want to free up the Qubo’s maximum 2,500 litres, you can lift out the rear bench – although it is heavy.

Pick of the engines is the 75bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel, which is punchy and returns 62.8mpg. Does the Qubo handle like a Grande Punto? No. There’s lots of body roll, while the ride is poor over broken surfaces.

Rival: Skoda Roomster
As a purpose-made supermini-MPV, the Roomster’s build quality is second to none. It also offers a composed drive, despite its ungainly proportions. Prices start from £9,750, but the range-topping diesel model we tried costs £12,350. The Qubo is a funky, family-friendly package, but its plain cabin could leave buyers craving a more conventional MPV.