Race
track electronic technology has been brought to the high street in the new Fiat
Qubo midi-mpv.
It is fitted with eco:Drive, which works using Fiat's widely acclaimed Blue&Me
entertainment and communications system.
F1 and Sports
Racing car drivers have on board computers logging driving data, but the
eco:Drive records it onto a USB stick for downloading at work or home
afterwards.
Plugging a USB
key into an appropriately enabled Blue&Me port allows eco:Drive to record
information about your driving style. Inserting the USB into a computer then
shows how you performed, and how you can become a more efficient driver.
This is the first time that drivers of standard
road cars have been able to receive detailed information about how they are
operating their car by exporting it to their computer. This concept of linking
in-car diagnostics with a desktop application aims to give users information
about how they actually drive.
The system analyses driving techniques and awards
marks out of 100, providing a score on an ecoIndex. This shows how
efficiently you have driven based on your acceleration, deceleration, gear
changes, and speed. Step-by-step tutorials then help you improve the score,
showing you how to perfect your driving using information from your own
journeys.
eco:Drivers can expect to make improvements of up
to 15 pc in their driving efficiency. This means reductions of 10-15 pc in CO2
emissions, and substantial savings on their annual fuel bill.
Fiat is encouraging Qubo owners to share the
information with an on-line community of like-minded drivers to pass on tips
and amass a global reduction in CO2 emissions.
Based on the Grande Punto, four versions of the Qubo
will be available when it goes on sale this month with prices ranging from
£9750 to £12,350.
There will be two engine options, Fiat's
award-winning 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel and a perky 1.4-litre petrol, plus
Active and Dynamic trim levels that incorporate a generous amount of
standard-fit equipment. Safety features are a priority, with all models
offering driver, passenger and side airbags as well as head restraints and
three-point seatbelts for all five seats. ABS anti-lock brakes and EBD
Electronic Brake Distribution are also standard fit.
The car's comprehensive standard equipment list,
including electric front windows, power steering and a fully adjustable
steering wheel, is further enhanced by Fiat's unique and highly innovative
Blue&Me hands-free communication system. This features across the range and
is unique for this class of car.
The more highly specified Dynamic model comes with
air conditioning, body-coloured and heated electric door mirrors, anodised
aluminium interior door handles and dash inlays, height adjustable driver's
seat, roof bars and 16-inch alloy wheels replacing the regular 15-inch items.
Signalling that Qubo has more to it than the
ability to shift loads and people in comfort, it will become available with a
choice of nine vibrant colours including a funky green and fiery orange. These
are the perfect complement to a shape that's sleek and streamlined but also
incorporates a raised driving position for maximum visibility and safety.
Cleverly considered details include a protruding
front bumper to protect vulnerable components, along with sliding rear doors to
maximise the practicality of the Qubo's five-seat layout.
The comfortable but versatile interior has been
designed to look stylish while still being hard-wearing and driver friendly.
It's also capable of adopting 16 different positions. Remove the split folding
rear seats and capacity rises from a minimum 330 litres to 2500 litres of load
space.
Both the Qubo's engines conform to the latest
stringent emissions requirements. The 1.3-litre 16v MultiJet returns a Combined
economy figure of 62.8 mpg, and low, tax-friendly emissions of 119 g/km. Strong
economy is also one of the bonuses of the 1.4 petrol, thanks to its multipoint
injection system.
The MultiJet engine can be specified with Fiat's
Dualogic six-speed automatic transmission. This can be used as a clutchless
manual as well as a full automatic. And there's an Economy button to help
maximise fuel consumption.
First
impressions:
I drove both diesel and petrol versions last week
and was most impressed by the room they offered, not only for occupants but
also luggage and oddments space. They are really family vehicles.
Not everyone is going t like the thick-lip front styling
and it's unusual to see such a heavy nose on an Italian car. To me it evoked memories
of the original Multipla MPV and the sliding side doors are useful in car
parks.
The Qubo takes Fiat into a new sector where the
French makers have tended to dominate and it will be a welcome alternative,
particularly with its willing and economical engines.
All the controls are light, the gearchanges is
slightly rubbery, but the steering and brakes are easy and work well. Ride
quality is good over nearly all surfaces but its low speed ride can be firm or
bouncy when lightly laden.
As you might expect, it rolls a little around
corners but the road-holding is acceptable and entirely safe.
Visibility is generally good to front and sides
although the rear window holds onto dirt and the wiper is set for left hand
drive and leaves a dirty area in the driver's line of sight.
The Fiat Qubo holds the promise of low running
costs, offers excellent versatility and plenty of room and at the price it is
highly attractive and competitive. It will give Fiat a toe-hold in a sector where
it never before competed and with the move to downsizing vehicles it could be a
very significant model for the Italian manufacturer and also its rivals.
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