Fiat Qubo Trekking

PRACTICALITY rarely comes arm-in-arm with desirability.

Fiat Qubo Trekking

Engine: 1,248cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel

Power: 94bhp and 147lb.ft. of torque

Performance: 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds and 106mph

Economy: 68.9mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 107g/km

Price: £15,315

Practical cars are bought wholly with the head taking precedence over the heart.

In the case of the Fiat Qubo Trekking (£15,315) I suspect that only the bleeding heart of a sympathetic mother might be able to overlook its gummy face.

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Where the Qubo majors is in all the areas that can make daily life a breeze, particularly if you have the kind of lifestyle that so many slick SUVs claim to be the kings of.

A massive 330 litre boot space squeezed into a vehicle some 16mm shorter than a Ford Fiesta, a giant boot access and tall doors ideal for loading and unloading are huge bonuses.

On top of that the van-based nature of the Qubo means that the bolt-in rear bench can be hinged out of the way to free up a 2,500 litre load space.

Fiat’s 1.3-litre turbocharged Multijet diesel engine delivers a modest 94bhp and 147lb.ft.. That makes for sedate progress — 62mph will arrive in 12.2 seconds — but the torque is sufficient to ensure a car-full does little to slow things further.

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Fiat claim fuel economy of 68.9mpg and CO2 emissions of just 107g/km, making for environmental credentials which defy its relative lack of aerodynamic efficiency.

Those looking for premium levels of interior fit and finish or engaging dynamics might be better opting out of the Qubo Trekking, though.

Its utilitarian platform is apparent, with floors coated in glossy plastic and surfaces covered in tough materials which lack tactile appeal.

Refinement is not aided by the upright stance of the Qubo Trekking, which sits another 20mm taller than the standard Qubo and adds Traction+ system to instil a dose of off-road ability.

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Traction+ utilises an electronic differential lock to improve traction in mud, snow and other low-grip conditions and here comes hand-in-hand with a sump guard, Pirelli mud and snow tyres and rear Trekking decals.

More everyday kit comes in the form of cruise control and Fiat’s Blue&Me phone connectivity, which also allows wireless music streaming via Bluetooth.

The seats are fairly comfortable, if lacking in support, and the ride is comfortable, if susceptible to lean through corners.

Not everyone will enjoy using van-based transport as their daily run around and for many the Qubo Trekking might not do enough to distance itself from its utilitarian roots.

But if you love practical transport there might just be a place for it in your heart.

 

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