It is sure to be popular with people who have the two biggest burdens in the motoring world – kids and dogs. Inside and out there is a feel of toughness cleverly combined with a quirky panache. Other than mile munching this car does boast a bulging bag of tricks. Consumption figures dropped to a still acceptable but unimpressive 48mpg average on the M1 and M6 section of a trip from GOHQ to Edinburgh. The lack of aero also makes its presence felt on the fuel gauge. This does not translate so well on motorway trips however, where a steady 70mph becomes rather monotonous and tiring. The few extra inches of seat height compared to a standard car make a huge difference to the panorama, and the stubby Italian can get a bit giggly in the corners even at normal speeds. The dash is laid out sensibly, but with flourish, and even the painted areas look right rather than simply a cost cutting exercise.ĭriving over shorter distances is a relaxed and mildly entertaining affair.
The seats are attractive and functional, although a tad firm and a bit short on the base. Beyond that though, you paid budget-car money but are treated to a very stylish and well equipped interior. You entered a small car but are now sitting in a tall, roomy and airy cabin. The Qubo achieves 68.9mpg against Honda’s 62.8.īehind the wheel again you have a degree of puzzlement. It has the aerodynamics of a brick and a “Honey, I shrunk the van” quality, yet has mpg figures to embarrass a Honda Jazz Hybrid. It has a wheelbase that is shorter than many superminis’, yet it will carry five people and a week’s luggage quite happily. Fiat never took his gem as the starting point for their Qubo, but it too is a six-sided puzzle of sorts. I’m a fan of the snake, but his cube is one of the best selling toys of all time.