Fiat Qubo 1.4 Active 5dr Car Review - February 2012

With a power output of 73 bhp at 5200 rpm and torque figures of 87 lb-ft at 2600 rpm, the Qubo 1.4 Active packs a decent punch for an estate car. Whilst the top speed of 96 mph may be a little low it is more than adequate for general use. Acceleration is a little laboured, reaching 0-62 mph in 15.2 seconds but fuel efficiency is impressive for a petrol with a figure of 42.8 mpg.

Whilst this spec is more than reasonable for an estate, the diesel variant offers much better spec for similar money. The 1.3 16v MultiJet 95 Trekking 5dr doubles the 8v of the petrol Qubo and offers lower carbon emissions, better fuel efficiency, faster acceleration and a higher top speed. With a more extensive range of in-car tech the diesel is well worth the additional money and makes the petrol Qubo pale in comparison.

Drivability is fairly good although it lacks the flexibility needed for motorway cruising. Despite this, steering is quick and responsive and the grip on the road is strong.

Whilst the Qubo 1.4 Active doesn’t come with as much standard kit as it’s diesel brother, there is still plenty for drivers to get their hands on. Power steering, central locking, electric door mirrors, electric front windows and MP3 connectivity with the stereo system are all standard features.

Alloy wheels and air conditioning can be added for an additional cost but are fitted as standard on the diesel model. The diesel Qubo also contains a sat nav system as standard – an optional which is unfortunately unavailable in the petrol.

The driving position is fairly high, making it feel more like a van. However, the steering wheel is adjustable in terms of both height and reach which should help to make it more comfortable. Unfortunately the seats lack height adjustment which could cause problems for drivers at either end of the height scale.

The dashboard is systematically arranged, making operating controls easy and fluid. There are three trim levels available with the model – with the Active being the most basic. There is still a fair amount of tech on offer, however, and the 1.4 Active offers a fairly reasonable boot capacity of 330 litres with the seats up and an expansive 2,500 litres with the seats down.

In terms of safety, driver, passenger and front side airbags are all standard features and the car also benefits from an immobiliser and a three year warranty at 60,000 miles.

Priced at £11,100, this entry-level petrol Qubo is a great investment for families. Decent boot space and fairly impressive specifications make it a great car to drive and fairly inexpensive to run thanks to low insurance grouping. In terms of depreciation, resale values should stay fairly stable for this class – making the affordable price tag an attractive feature.

However, with the more luxurious diesel improving these figures further and costing just £3,900 more it is a much better option. This gives owners a quick, high performance vehicle which still benefits from low running costs and also incurs lower road tax costs thanks to reduced carbon emissions.