Fiat Qubo (2009 – 2021) Review

Fiat Qubo (2009 – 2021) At A Glance

3/5

+Cheap and compact MPV with twin sliding side doors, practical with 2500 litre capacity, suitable for wheelchair conversion.

-Important to change engine oil every 12,000 miles/12 months (whichever comes first) to avoid timing chain problems, ride quality is far from brilliant, diesels are noisy.

The Fiat Qubo is one of the cheapest routes into MPV ownership and provides decent value, thanks to its frugal diesel engines and large interior. Its boxy shape is evidence of that fact it's based on a van, so it it somewhat unrefined and somewhat lacking in creature comforts.

That said it is a practical five-seater, with a high roof line and a huge 2500 litres of storage if need be. Getting the most from the interior is easy too, with the flexible seating system letting you fold the rear bench, move it forward or remove it altogether. 

Twin sliding doors are fitted as standard and the raised seating makes it easy to get in and out of. Equipment levels are sparse though - air conditioning isn’t fitted as standard - and the rear windows don't open fully either. Rear passengers might not like the ride either which can get quite bumpy as the Qubo’s tall body leans into corners and pitches under braking and acceleration.

The Qubo does redeem itself in town, with its 10.5 metre turning circle providing lots of manoeuvrability for tight turns and parking. The sliding doors also come into their own, allowing the Qubo to be parked in tight spaces, without worrying about the side doors being banged against cars parked close by. 

There are two engines to choose from - a 1.4 petrol with 72PS and a 1.3 diesel, with either 80PS or 95PS. Both get a five-speed manual gearbox that provides short, positive gear changes while a good Dualogic automated manual is available as an option for the 80PS diesel.

The 1.4 petrol provides up to 40.9mpg and decent performance, although it's the 90PS four-cylinder diesel that provide the best balance, returning up to 70.6mpg and giving it a bit more oomph. Both the petrol and diesels are fine for motorway cruising, even if they're somewhat vocal above 50mph.  

Given its low price and even lower running costs, the Qubo is an affordable MPV with some likeable qualities. It will appeal to those who want a practical car with an upright driving position and easy access. The boxy nature also makes it a relatively straightforward proposition for a wheel chair conversion. 

Fiat Qubo Multijet Dualogic 2009 Road Test

Ask Honest John

I'm looking for a car to transport my mum's mobility scooter - what do you recommend?

"I'm looking for a secondhand automatic car to transport my mum's mobility scooter. I would like a vehicle that has two additional seats in the back for passengers. Presumably, I would need a vehicle that will allow a hoist to be installed to accommodate a scooter that measures 40-inches by 22-inches or one with a ramp. Are you able to recommend a particular vehicle and which websites or companies to purchase from? I probably have about £4000-£5000 max budget. Any advice would be welcomed."
We'd recommend a van-based MPV: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-top-10s/top-10-van-based-family-mpvs/ Depending on the size of the scooter, either a Fiat Qubo or Ford Tourneo Connect.
Answered by Dan Powell

What cheap petrol car can carry a moped in the back?

"I need a cheap to run petrol vehicle on a budget of £3000 which is suitable for the London ULEZ and also needs to carry a moped in the back. Rear seats are unimportant as they can be removed."
I'd recommend a van-based MPV. Something like the Fiat Qubo petrol should fit the bill, as the rear seats can be removed when not needed. Or a petrol version of the Citroen Berlingo Multispace.
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best small van with five seats?

"Please could you advise on the best small used van to buy that has five seats? My maximum price is up to £7500."
The Fiat Qubo is a compact and affordable van with five seats. It's also available with petrol or diesel engines: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/fiat/qubo-2009/ The Ford Tourneo Connect will cost more to buy, but will provide lots more comfort and car-like refinement. The engines are quieter than the Fiat and you also get more kit as standard: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/tourneo-connect-2014/ If you want more something more work-focused (and less refined) then a five-seater crew cab version of the Transit Connect might be better: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/transit-connect-2014/
Answered by Dan Powell

Is buying a used LPG van, or new that needs converted, a good idea for fuel economy?

"I drive 200 miles once a week from London to Devon and need to buy a van (used or new) that's smaller than a Citroen Dispatch. I have two children so it will need three seats. I'm looking at LPG in the hopes that it will cost less than diesel or petrol. What van would be good for fuel economy and value for money?"
There are no new vans sold with LPG as standard, which means you’ll have to pay between £500 - £2000 for a conversion or find a used vehicle with it already fitted. LPG isn’t something I’d consider as a used buy. The costs will be sky high if anything goes wrong and the LPG engine will still use petrol, which compromises the fuel savings over the long term. A drive of 200 miles once a week is more than enough for a modern diesel and something like the Ford Tourneo Connect or Fiat Qubo would suit your needs. Both are available with petrol or diesel engines: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-top-10s/top-10-van-based-family-mpvs/ For more information on LPG, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/lpg-and-cng/
Answered by Dan Powell
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