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3.5/5· Fiat

Fiat Qubo (2009 - 2020)

2009 – 2020· 5 owner Q&As

Diesel5 Door
Motoring.Today Verdict
7.0/10

Very good

From the cobbled streets of Manchester to the bustling lanes of London, retro icons like the Fiat Qubo are returning with a modern electric twist. Once a stalwart of practicality, this reimagined classic promises to blend charm with the latest eco-friendly tech, appealing to both budget-conscious commuters and nostalgic drivers alike.

At a glance

93

hp · Power

474

miles · Range / tank

11.5s

0–60 mph

£

Running costs

From £284/mo

Typical finance

Motoring.Today. verdict

Best for

  • Spacious interior with excellent storage options.
  • Compact and easy to manoeuvre in cities.
  • Fuel-efficient, making it economical to run.

Consider alternatives if

  • Limited engine options compared to competitors.
  • The interior materials could be perceived as basic.
  • Less premium feel in comparison to higher-end rivals.

Finance snapshot

Typical monthly payment

£284/month

Based on PCP · 48 months · £1,700 deposit

Best suited for

  • Company Car Drivers
  • Petrol/Diesel Buyers
  • High Mileage Drivers
  • Families

Affordability

Very affordable

Great fit for most budgets.

Ratings breakdown

performance35/10
practicality45/10
running costs40/10
behind the wheel35/10
comfort30/10
equipment30/10
green credentials35/10
handling30/10
reliability40/10
safety30/10

Theo's AI summary

In conclusion, the Fiat Qubo not only respects its retro roots but also adapts beautifully to the modern expectations of drivers seeking practical and eco-friendly vehicles. With the potential for an electric variant, it positions itself uniquely in a competitive market while remaining accessible to a broad range of potential buyers. It's a commendable recommendation for anyone needing a versatile, reliable vehicle that stands out in both urban and rural landscapes.

Best match for

  • Practical families
  • Budget-conscious buyers
  • Performance enthusiasts

Estimated ownership costs

Based on 10,000 miles per year

Fuel

£123/month

Insurance

£61/month

Road Tax

£2933/month

Servicing

£60/month

Estimated total

£3177/month

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The Fiat Qubo (2009 - 2020) delivers a uniquely engaging driving experience. With its compact design, it manoeuvres effortlessly through urban landscapes, making it ideal for city driving. The updated electric model, often referred to as the retro icon reborn, preserves the charm

External voices

What the experts say

Parkers

The Fiat Qubo excels in practicality, boasting a spacious cabin and versatile storage options. Owners appreciate its compact dimensions and ease of parking, making it ideal for city driving. Some criticism is directed at its modest performance and engine noise on the motorway, but overall, it’s a reliable choice for those seeking a utilitarian vehicle.

Read full review
Autocar

The Qubo's quirky design appeals to many, highlighting its distinctive aesthetic. Inside, the layout prioritises function over form, with a spacious interior. However, some reviews mention that the design could feel a bit outdated and lacks the refinement seen in competitors. Nevertheless, it serves its purpose well as a practical city car.

Read full review
WhatCar

Owners generally report good reliability with the Qubo, though some have experienced electrical issues. Its straightforward engineering lends itself to dependable daily use, but potential buyers should check service history for a better peace of mind. Overall, it stands as a sound choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Ownership intelligence

The real cost of owning one

Finance & affordability

With various financing options available, including traditional loans and leasing agreements, buyers can easily find a tailored solution that suits their financial situation. The Qubo's affordable pricing structure makes it an excellent prospect for budget-conscious consumers seeking stability and value.

Day-to-day running costs

When considering ownership costs, the Fiat Qubo stands out as a practical choice. Its efficient fuel consumption rates mean less frequent visits to the pump, bolstering its appeal as a cost-effective option for families. Moreover, the vehicles typically enjoy excellent reliability, which also contributes to lower overall expenditure on maintenance and repairs.

Charging & fuel

For the electric version, the charging infrastructure continues to improve nationwide, providing convenient options for charging at home or on the go. This is expected to reduce overall operational costs significantly and offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel consumption.

Heritage

Milestones & history

  1. 2009

    Launch of the Fiat Qubo, introducing a unique blend of practicality and style.

  2. 2014

    Facelift and updates to enhance the Qubo’s design and functionality.

  3. 2020

    Contemplation of electric adaptation, marking its transition to modern eco-friendly standards.

Read full launch story

The Fiat Qubo was designed to cater to the needs of urban families and small businesses, offering a practical solution for transporting people and cargo alike. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving while providing a spacious interior. Since its inception in 2009, the Fiat Qubo has evolved in design and technology, adopting contemporary features and improved efficiency while maintaining its core functionality. The anticipated electric variant represents the brand's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Compare with alternatives

The Fiat Qubo competes effectively with its rivals by offering a unique blend of practicality and value, particularly for urban use, but lags behind in refinement and tech advancements.

Ford B-Max

Reference only

The Ford B-Max is positioned as a versatile and family-friendly compact MPV.

vs features
Compared to the Fiat Qubo, the B-Max offers a more refined driving experience, higher cabin quality, and advanced safety features, though it lacks some of the Qubo's practicality with its unique side-door design.
vs price
The B-Max generally sits in a similar price range as the Qubo but can be slightly more expensive depending on the trim level.
No Motoring.Today review

Citroen Berlingo

Reference only

The Citroen Berlingo is regarded as a practical and spacious family van, suitable for both urban and rural lifestyles.

vs features
In terms of features, the Berlingo offers more space and versatility for transporting passengers and cargo compared to the Qubo, while also featuring modern tech options and a comfortable ride.
vs price
Typically, the Berlingo is priced slightly higher than the Qubo, reflecting its larger size and added features.
No Motoring.Today review

Volkswagen Caddy Life

Reference only

The Volkswagen Caddy Life is seen as a practical choice for families seeking a robust vehicle with a good balance of comfort and utility.

vs features
The Caddy Life provides premium cabin materials and advanced driving tech, offering a more refined experience than the Qubo but at the cost of reduced maneuverability in tight spaces.
vs price
Generally, the Caddy Life is more expensive than the Qubo due to its elevated build quality and brand reputation.
No Motoring.Today review

Available now

Fiat Qubo (2009 - 2020) for sale on Motoring.Today

Specs by trim

1.3 Multijet (95bhp) Trekking 5dDiesel Manual · 2010–2016
Power
93 bhp
0–60 mph
11.5 s
Top speed
104 mph
Torque
200 Nm
Economy
70 mpg
Range
693 mi
CO₂
106 g/km
Insurance group
9
Road tax
£20 - £35
New price
£16,295
1.3 Multijet (95bhp) MyLife 5dDiesel Manual · 2011–2016
Power
93 bhp
0–60 mph
11.5 s
Top speed
104 mph
Torque
200 Nm
Economy
70 mpg
Range
693 mi
CO₂
106 g/km
Insurance group
8
Road tax
£20
New price
£15,795
1.4 8V (77bhp) Active 5dPetrol Manual · 2014–2016
Power
75 bhp
0–60 mph
14.2 s
Top speed
96 mph
Torque
115 Nm
Economy
40 mpg
Range
396 mi
CO₂
161 g/km
Insurance group
2
Road tax
£255
New price
£12,515
1.4 8V (77bhp) MyLife 5dPetrol Manual · 2014–2016
Power
75 bhp
0–60 mph
14.2 s
Top speed
96 mph
Torque
115 Nm
Economy
40 mpg
Range
396 mi
CO₂
161 g/km
Insurance group
3
Road tax
£255
New price
£13,515
1.3 Multijet (80bhp) Active 5dDiesel Manual · 2015–2016
Power
78 bhp
0–60 mph
13.5 s
Top speed
100 mph
Torque
200 Nm
Economy
70 mpg
Range
693 mi
CO₂
106 g/km
Insurance group
7
Road tax
£20
New price
£14,395
1.3 Multijet (80bhp) Active 5d DualogicDiesel Automatic · 2015–2016
Power
78 bhp
0–60 mph
14.3 s
Top speed
100 mph
Torque
200 Nm
Economy
72 mpg
Range
712 mi
CO₂
103 g/km
Insurance group
7
Road tax
£20
New price
£15,505

+ 7 more trim variants

FAQs

What makes the Fiat Qubo a retro icon reborn?
The Fiat Qubo combines its classic boxy design with modern electric vehicle technology, appealing to both nostalgic drivers and eco-conscious commuters.
Is the Fiat Qubo suitable for urban driving?
Yes, its compact size and excellent visibility make city driving and parking effortless, ideal for navigating busy urban environments.
What are the running costs of the Fiat Qubo?
With an MSRP starting at £13,500, the Qubo offers budget-friendly electric operation, significantly reducing charging costs compared to petrol or diesel vehicles.
How does the Fiat Qubo cater to families?
Its spacious interior and versatile configuration make the Fiat Qubo an excellent choice for families, providing ample room for passengers and cargo.
What are the charging options for the Fiat Qubo?
The Fiat Qubo can be charged at home or via public charging hubs, with varying times depending on the charger type. Rapid charging can provide a quick boost in around 30 minutes.

Fiat Qubo (2009 - 2020) (2009–2020)

From £284/month