General Qubo Speedy, or not ?

[morf]

Hi,

Unlike one guy who has swapped his Qubo for a Fabia VRS, I'm thinking of going the other way (maybe we could have swapped ). The main reason is morf junior's bikes - I would like to get out more on them but getting the bike rack out, fasten it up, take it off at the other end (people nick them), putting it back on etc etc. is a pain in the arse and scratches quite a bit, so I'd like a van or a van type car thing. The Mrs has a proper car for longer journeys.

I have in mind a Dualogic MJ, probably a base model with the options i just need. Or maybe an equivalent Nemo / Bipper depending on who does a good deal.

Anyway I have read about people waiting for the 95hp engine or the 1.6 or whatever. I obviously realise going from 130 hp and enough torque to tow Parliament to an economy van- thing is going to mean a difference.

I'm wondering about one of those tuning boxes though. The TUnit claims to get from 75 to 100 hp (probably less in reality) but probably close enough to the 95hp figure. They also do ones for the 70hp Nemo / Bipper to 85hp.

Thoughts, is this a stupid idea or something to try ? Has anyone tried one ? Would it "begorah up" the dualogic ?

My other option is to go for the full Van version as its usually only me and Junior in my car ever anyway.

Cheers

 

[Ulpian]

Whatever you buy make sure it has ESP.

You could go for a test drive, or buy the 75 and see if you can manage? I moan about this engine because I know that a bigger engine with more power could also deliver better economy. That's frustrating. But: you might get a very good deal right now, and there will always be a market for the Dualogic..

 

[jimmejak]

i had base cargo fiorino van before i got qubo trekking had tuning box in both (same one)
makes big difference dont know figures but eliminates turbo lag and 3rd and fourth gear
performance is very good. both surprisingly quiet at speed(if you get the van get a bulkhead and plywood lining)
van road tax £185/qubo £30 dont ask me why?
your best options are either fiat fiorino sx van (air con elec windows etc)
fiat qubo active duologic
if you want esp your only option is qubo but i have not noticed much difference in handling even on two wheels!

 

[ivantate]

Will the van work out any cheaper? they always seem expensive and then insurance is a problem.

I think you will be surprised by the ability of the Qubo to motor along due to a good torque figure, although not sure if the auto will be better or worse at maintaining progress.

 

[morf]

Thanks for the replies. We shall see.

I have another problem in that the only reasonably local FIAT dealers are Arnold Clark and I refuse to buy anything from them at all. Nothing. Not a chance. Fiat need to sack these muppets, but thats my opinion I suppose and they probably earn FIAT a load of dosh.

Otherwise nearest dealer (small, independent) is 20 miles away. I shall see if they have a MJ for testing though - support the small guy and all that.

What is the warranty like on a Qubo ?

 

[brom]

i had base cargo fiorino van before i got qubo trekking had tuning box in both (same one)
makes big difference dont know figures but eliminates turbo lag and 3rd and fourth gear
performance is very good. both surprisingly quiet at speed(if you get the van get a bulkhead and plywood lining)
van road tax £185/qubo £30 dont ask me why?
your best options are either fiat fiorino sx van (air con elec windows etc)
fiat qubo active duologic
if you want esp your only option is qubo but i have not noticed much difference in handling even on two wheels!

Which tuning box did you buy? The Tunit seems quite expensive at aroung £450.

Brom

 

[jimmejak]

Which tuning box did you buy? The Tunit seems quite expensive at aroung £450.

Brom

the firm i used seems to have gone (car performance parts) had mine four years been in 3 different multijets nothing to go wrong in them. try ebay italian box do one for qubo i know somebody whos got one so connections are right 2 day delivery and he says it works
not a recommendation cos theres loads out there under £100 take your pick they all do the same thing!

 

[jones1]

Morf - don't do it, you WILL regret it. After the torque of the Skoda it will feel so limp.
Admit the VRS aint as handy with the bikes so I just use the wifes Multispace instead. Go for a Berlingo 90 or 120 bhp. Good mpg, cheap tax and very practical.
Regards - Jones.

 

[Dobbin]

Arnold Clark delivered my Qubo yesterday, all the way from Scotland. This was an online deal and their service was faultless. Transaction was very fair and I was kept up to date constantly re delivery. I would deal with them again.

I find the Qubo is great but I would suggest hanging on until there is a larger size engine. After my 1.9 jtd I certainly noticed the loss of the gee gees.

 

[Ulpian]

I heard today that the 95 hp 1.3 Diesel is on the way, God knows when it will arrive but it's just what the Qubo needs.