That's correct, the Qubo Trekking is definitely an off-roader - Fiat says so - yet it doesn't have a four-wheel drive system. It's not unusual, as Tom Jones allegedly said, for a maker to add some plastic cladding to a car and bump up the ride height to make it look all cool and off-road-like without fiddling with the drivetrain; it worked for the Rover 25.
But Fiat claims genuine muddy credentials for the Qubo Trekking. It's all down to the clever 'Traction+' system that uses an electric diff lock on the front axle, which detects the wheel with the lowest grip then sends more torque to the opposing front wheel.
Of course, it does sit on higher springs (2cm), though to Fiat's credit it's not clad in grey plastic. Pirelli mud and snow tyres are standard and Fiat is trumpeting the fact that the system doesn't affect fuel consumption or maintenance costs - like 4x4 running gear would - while affording extra off-road grip.
It goes on sale next month (October 2009) priced from £12,650. The regular Fiat Qubo range starts at £9,755.
Mark Nichol - 14 Sep 2009