Why Partner With Fiat?

Fiat Qubo

With Chrysler pinning new hopes on its marriage to Italian auto maker Fiat, Americans might well wonder what exactly Fiat has that Chrysler doesn’t have. The answer is small fuel-efficient cars that don’t cost a fortune. One example is the new Fiat Qubo (Italian slang for “cube”), a trendy subcompact with a funky, boxy design, bright colors, and a small price tag that was just released in Britain this year.

The Qubo isn’t just a pretty face; it gets an impressive 40 MPG in the city and very low carbon emissions. Standard equipment includes electric front windows, power steering, 15in alloy wheels, a fully adjustable steering wheel and a patented hands-free communication system. Air-conditioning, 16in alloy wheels, body-coloured and heated electric door mirrors, and other options are also available. The Fiat Qubo has an MSRP of $15,000 to $18,000 in Europe. Look for an American cousin sooner rather than later as Chrysler retools for a new, stingier market.