Skip advert
Advertisement

It's Hip To Be Square

Fiat’s Qubo is the first van-style supermini-MPV, and promises excellent family practicality. We see if it shapes up to the clever Skoda Roomster...

Moving from a hatchback to an MPV is a big leap for any young family to make. While many modern superminis are bigger than you expect, the temptation to match car choice with domestic situation is too much for many buyers to resist.

But if a fully fledged compact people carrier is out of reach, the supermini-based MPV is a fine entry point into family friendly transport – and the choice of models in this class is about to get even greater.

Advertisement - Article continues below

So far, these versatile vehicles have featured car-like bodies on supermini platforms. Yet Fiat has taken a fresh approach. It has pooled resources with Peugeot and Citroen to build a versatile little MPV in a van bodystyle – and the Fiat Qubo is the first result of this venture.

The concept of a people carrier with commercial underpinnings has already been successful in the class above – Citroen and Peugeot had sales hits with the van-based Berlingo Multispace and Partner Combi respectively. But will it work in a more compact shape? We put the Qubo against Skoda’s Fabia-based Roomster to find out.

Our test brings together diesel versions of both, for the best value and lowest costs, and each targets young households. Which is the better family-shifting option?

Verdict

Proving versatility comes in all shapes and sizes, these supermini-based MPVs couldn’t be more different. Both offer maximum space for minimum outlay – but the similarities end there.

The Qubo makes a great first impression. There’s a real sense of fun to its styling and an honesty to its cabin. Even though its 1.3-litre diesel has smaller capacity, the Fiat is more than capable on most roads and adequate on motorways, while producing low emissions and frugal economy at a price families can afford.

So why has it ended up in second place here? Simply because the Skoda is much more practical – extra versatility in the load area, greater rear legroom and a higher-quality cabin help to justify its price. It’s not perfect: in particular, the diesel engine lacks refinement. But when it comes to carrying families on a budget, the Roomster is tough to beat.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,208
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*Used from £15,530
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: the one and only Nissan Juke for less than £150 per month
Nissan Juke - left cornering

Car Deal of the Day: the one and only Nissan Juke for less than £150 per month

Nissan’s best-selling small SUV just got a little bit cheaper and is our Deal of the Day for 26 April
News
26 Apr 2025