The Fiat Qubo has joined the CompleteCar.ie long-term test fleet and when it was first suggested that this car would come, I must admit that I wasn't what you called thrilled. Up until now I think I had only seen the Qubo in green (Disco Green) and it is certainly 'distinctive'.
But the arrival of a new addition to the Comyn family, young Noah has made me look at cars in a very different way. Even the normal family hatchback is filled to the brim very quickly with buggies and all the other 'stuff' that comes with a young baby.
Paddy and Noah (above).
Qubo is based on a van, so that should be a bad thing, right? Well not if you have been in a van recently. They are better put together than ever before and they are designed to be efficient and comfy. The first thing you notice about the Qubo is its massive glass area and it is very easy to see out of and the sliding doors, which are on both side make getting in and out for kids and adults at the rear really easy.
Under the bonnet is the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine and it comes with Stop/Start technology to keep fuel economy and emissions low. With emissions of 119g/km it sits in Motor Tax Band A and it will return 4.4 l/100km on the combined cycle, which is a very useful 64mpg for those of you (like me) who haven't yet got the hang of the whole litres per hundred kilometres nonsense.
Over the next six months the Qubo is going to be our daily driver, in charge of everything from family days out to photoshoots and we will bring you every step of the way.