Fiat’s funky Qubo MPV has been given quite a makeover and goes on sale in the UK with fresh modern styling and a more up-market interior.

The car retains its practical supermini dimensions of 3.96 metres in length and 1.7 metres in width with room for five adults, plus a large 250-litre boot – which grows to 650 litres when the parcel shelf is detached or 2,500 litres with the rear seats removed.

It can also be equipped with an optional folding front passenger seat which allows long objects of up to 2.5-metres to be carried.

When it comes to styling, the new Qubo now features larger, high-mounted headlamps plus a new front grille and chunky new front bumper.

Trekking versions – with greater ground clearance and an advanced traction system to give more all-weather capability – also get new skid plates panels in the front and rear bumpers, as well as special side mouldings, both with silver inserts, and special Trekking alloy wheels with mud-and-snow tyres.

The interior on all Qubo models is upgraded with a fresh steering wheel design, black mirror-finish detailing on the steering wheel spokes and centre console surround, new instruments, new seat upholstery and new infotainment options including an upgraded Uconnect system with a five-inch colour touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity, USB and aux-in ports as well as the option of satellite navigation.

It will be offered in three trim levels – Pop, Lounge and Trekking – with standard equipment on the entry level Pop model including remote central locking, electric front windows, body coloured bumpers and mirror covers, height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and an arm rest, electrically-adjusted door mirrors and opening rear quarter-light windows.

The Pop version is powered by Fiat’s 77bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, the Lounge comes with an 80bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel power pack or the 1.4 petrol, and the Trekking version comes with a 95bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel.

Price for the Pop is £11,695, the Lounge starts at £12,695 and the Trekking comes in at £16,695.