Order books open for 2016 Fiat Qubo
Tiny van-based Fiat Qubo MPV features new nose and updated interior, priced from £11,695
Despite the stylish 500 range taking most of the glory, Fiat actually does build quite a few cars which put function over form. The Doblo, Panda and new Tipo all focus on practicality and ease of use, and now the newly updated Qubo joins these cars. Featuring a few long-overdue updates, it’s now on sale, priced from £11,695 - just £380 more than the panel van version.
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Up front, the new Qubo gets the same nose as the Fiorino van on which it’s based – with a ‘smiling’ front grille and chunky front bumper with integrated foglights. The tailgate retains a glossy black stripe, while the rest of the boxy exterior is unchanged.
Top-spec ‘Trekking’ models still don’t add four-wheel drive, but a bit of extra off-road ability comes courtesy of mud-and-snow tyres. A clever ‘Traction+’ system shifts power between the two front wheels to aid grip in slippery situations, too. There’s also skid plates front and rear, and special mouldings on the side with a silver strip.
The biggest change is in the interior though, where mid-spec Lounge models and above get a new five-inch ‘Uconnect’ touchscreen infotainment system. With sat-nav available as an option, it brings the Qubo bang up-to-date in terms of equipment as it features Bluetooth, USB and aux-in sockets as standard.
Entry-level Pop models do without the Uconnect touchscreen but still feature remote central locking, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, height adjustment for the drivers’ seat, and front and side airbags. Lounge models add air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglights and leather trimmings for the interior, while Trekking models tint the windows and add roof bars, parking sensors and cruise control.
Engine choices are limited to a 1.4-litre petrol engine with 75bhp for Pop and Lounge models, or Fiat’s well-proven 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel for Lounge and Trekking models.
Prices for the updated Qubo range start from £11,695 for a basic 1.4-litre petrol in Pop trim, rising to £15,695 for a top-spec Trekking model with the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel. It’s available to order now.
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