Fiat Qubo Trekking cu Traction+

The Qubo Trekking is the new version of Fiat’s „free space”
vehicle targeting nature lovers, outdoor sports and leisure
enthusiasts. This original vehicle is also ideal for the
non-conformist driver in search of substance with a sense of
environmental responsibility. Powered by the brilliant 75 HP 1.3
Multijet and equipped with the new „Traction +” system, the new
Qubo Trekking offers performance similar to that of a „light
crossover” but with the economic benefits that only a diesel
fuelled 4X2 can offer (27 km with one litre of fuel in the extra
urban cycle). Environmental performance is excellent too (115 g/km
of CO2).

To emphasise its outdoor character, the Qubo Trekking offers a
special front bumper, complete with ground shield and raised
suspension to tackle rough surfaces. Standard equipment includes
roof bars, privacy rear windows and special hub caps with 185/65
R15 M+S tyres.

The „Traction+” system

The key feature of the new Fiat Qubo is its adoption of „Traction
+”, Fiat’s innovative traction control system that improves
traction over harsh and slippery terrain and costs far less than
conventional 4×4 drive. „Traction +” is in perfect harmony with the
concept of the Qubo as a vehicle designed to let you do whatever
you like, exactly as a multipurpose vehicle should. The Qubo is as
agile as a city-car, as spacious and comfortable as a hatchback and
just as versatile, but more compact externally and available at a
lower price.

The new „Traction +” system uses the advanced hardware present on
cars equipped with ESP, but is far more than a simple extension of
ESP. Thanks to special algorithms for controlling and managing the
braking system, the control unit electronically simulates the
behaviour of a self-locking electromechanical differential.
Software optimisations and the fact that force is applied through
the normal (hydraulic) braking circuit makes the system’s action
more progressive than that of conventional systems. Though
performance is easily comparable, system weight is also far less.
The „Traction +” system is operated by a button on the dashboard
and can function at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

This is how the system works. Under conditions of low or zero grip
from any drive wheel, the control unit detects slip and commands
the hydraulic circuit to apply braking force to the slipping wheel,
thus shifting drive to the wheel on the surface offering better
grip. This makes it easy to drive, maintains directional stability
and control and ensures the best possible traction even over the
roughest and most slippery surfaces.

The new Qubo Trekking is therefore quite unique in its segment.
Merit goes to the model’s original „free space” concept that
combines different seat configurations (up to a total of sixteen)
with rationality and interiors of regular form. The result is
exceptionally large and flexible usable space. For example, with
the seats in their normal position, the luggage compartment has a
volume of 330 litres (to the height of the parcel shelf), and of
650 litres up to the roof. But if we remove the rear seats and fold
the front passenger seat to load level, carrying capacity reaches
2,500 litres (a best in class) with enough room available to load
objects of almost 2.5 metres in length (a real record considering
the vehicle’s overall length is only 3.9 metres).