A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a practical family car that won’t break the bank? The Fiat Qubo might be exactly what you need. This compact MPV offers surprising space and versatility in a package that’s easy to drive and affordable to run. It’s the perfect choice for families who need more room than a typical hatchback but don’t want the bulk or cost of a larger MPV.
From the outside, the Qubo has a distinctive boxy design that maximises interior space. While it may not win any beauty contests, this practical approach means you get more car for your money. The upright driving position gives you excellent visibility, making it confidence inspiring in busy traffic. Inside, you’ll find clever storage solutions and flexible seating that can adapt to your needs, whether you’re carrying passengers or cargo.
The Qubo excels at being a sensible, no nonsense family transport. It offers excellent value for money, low running costs, and surprising practicality. While rivals like the Citroen Berlingo or Vauxhall Combo Life might offer more modern styling, the Qubo delivers where it counts with space, reliability, and affordability. It’s a car that proves function can be more important than form.
What's the Fiat Qubo Like to Drive?
The Fiat Qubo prioritises practicality over performance, and that’s exactly what most buyers want. The engine range focuses on efficiency rather than excitement. The 1.3 MultiJet diesel with around 95 horsepower is the pick of the range for most buyers. It provides adequate power for everyday driving while delivering excellent fuel economy. The 1.4 petrol engine offers smoother operation but higher running costs.
Where the Qubo really shines is in its ease of driving. The light steering makes parking effortless, while the high driving position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, which means it soaks up bumps and potholes well. This makes it an ideal compact MPV for urban driving and family duties. It’s not fast, but it’s perfectly suited to its intended role as practical family transport.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.3L MultiJet Diesel / 1.4L Petrol
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Power Output
75 - 95 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.8 - 13.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
50 - 65 mpg
- Boot Space
- 330 - 2,500 litres
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Fiat Qubo?
Step inside the Qubo and you’ll be impressed by how spacious it feels. The cabin is light and airy thanks to large windows and the tall roofline. The dashboard is simple and functional, with clearly marked controls that are easy to use. While the materials aren’t premium quality, they feel robust and hard wearing, perfect for family life with children and pets.
The seating is comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment for finding your ideal driving position. The rear seats can slide and fold completely flat, creating a huge load space when needed. Storage is excellent throughout the cabin, with plenty of cup holders, door pockets, and cubbyholes for family clutter. Road noise is well controlled for a car in this class, making longer journeys more pleasant than you might expect from such a practical vehicle.
The Fiat Qubo succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do. It’s an honest, practical family car that prioritises space and value over style and performance. The cabin is genuinely impressive for such an affordable vehicle, and the running costs are among the lowest in any class. The diesel engine provides adequate performance while delivering exceptional fuel economy. The trade offs are a lack of driving excitement and basic interior materials, but these aren’t priorities for the target audience. This is a car for families who need maximum practicality at minimum cost. If you can live with the utilitarian styling and modest performance, the Qubo offers outstanding value and genuine everyday usability that many more expensive cars can’t match.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Fiat Qubo?
The Qubo’s running costs are one of its strongest selling points. The diesel engines are particularly economical, with real world fuel consumption often exceeding 55 mpg in mixed driving. Insurance groups are low, making it affordable for younger drivers and families. Servicing costs are reasonable, and parts are widely available, keeping maintenance expenses down.
Purchase prices are very competitive, especially on the used market where Qubo models offer excellent value. The initial depreciation has already happened, meaning you can pick up a well maintained example for a fraction of its original price. Car finance options are readily available for those who prefer monthly payments, and the low insurance and fuel costs help keep total ownership expenses manageable for budget conscious families.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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fiat qubo
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Citroen Berlingo
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Vauxhall Combo Life
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £12,000 | £14,000 | £13,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.3L MultiJet 95hp | 1.2L PureTech 110hp | 1.2L Turbo 110hp |
| Power | 95 bhp | 110 bhp | 110 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 12.5 seconds | 11.2 seconds | 11.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 60 mpg | 55 mpg | 58 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 330 litres | 775 litres | 597 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Low running costs, Spacious cabin, Affordable pricing | Modern interior, Advanced safety, Strong engines | Comfortable ride, Practical layout, Good warranty |
Fiat Qubo Practicality & Boot Space
The Fiat Qubo excels in practicality, which is its primary reason for existence. The boot capacity starts at 330 litres with all seats in place, but fold the rear seats flat and you have a cavernous 2,500 litres of load space. The low loading lip and wide tailgate opening make it easy to load bulky items, from weekly shopping to furniture and sports equipment.
The rear doors slide rather than swing out, making access easier in tight parking spaces. This feature alone makes the Qubo invaluable for families who frequently use busy car parks. Inside, the flexible seating means you can configure the space exactly how you need it. Compared to other used Fiat cars, the Qubo offers unmatched versatility for the money. It’s the perfect choice for growing families who need maximum space without premium car prices.
“Perfect for our growing family. The sliding doors are brilliant in car parks and the boot space is massive when you fold the seats down. It’s not pretty but it does everything we need at a price we could afford.” by Sarah Mitchell
The Fiat Qubo stands out in the compact MPV market by offering genuine practicality at an affordable price point. It successfully packages impressive interior space, flexible seating arrangements, and excellent running costs into a compact footprint that’s easy to drive and park. While it may not have the style or refinement of some competitors, it delivers where it matters most for families.
You choose the Qubo because you value substance over style and need maximum practicality for your money. Its spacious cabin, low running costs, and clever storage solutions make family life easier every day. For buyers seeking affordable family transport with cars under £15,000 offering genuine versatility, the Qubo represents outstanding value in today’s used car market.