Fiat Doblo Review

The Fiat Doblo van was named International Van of the Year in 2011.  This is the second time the Fiat Doblo has won this award.

The Fiat Doblo has one of the widest ranges of load volume and carrying capacity in the compact van market.

The Doblo van comes in short and long wheel bases with either low or high roof models.

Running Costs and MPG

The fuel economy of the Fiat Doblo van is very good overall. 

The 1.3 litre multijet does 56.5 mpg which improves to 58.9 mpg with the addition of the stop-start system.

The Ecojet van, which includes stop-start, an aerodynamics pack, low rolling resistance tyres, low viscosity oil, an intelligent alternator and a variable displacement oil pump, results in an economy of 64.2 mpg with emissions of 115 g/km.  This makes the Fiat Doblo 1.3 multijet ecojet on of the greenest vans in the class.

The 1.6 litre multijet diesel van, which has an optional six-speed manual gearbox, gives an impressive 57.6 mpg and 130 g/km.

The 2.0 litre multijet van delivers 135 bhp and delivers 47.9 mpg and 154 g/km.

Load Space and Practicality

The Fiat Doblo van comes in short and long wheel base models with two roof heights.

The largest Doblo van, the XL, comes with a long wheel base and high roof that produces a load volume of 5.0m3 and a maximum payload of 1,005 kg which gives the Doblo van a load capacity usually associated with a small panel van.

Some rival compact vans offer similar load volume or payload but none offer both like the Doblo does.

The Doblo van has a large square load bay and comes with either one or two side loading doors.

Reliability and Safety

The Fiat Doblo vans now come with ESC as well as ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, a hill holder system and a driver’s airbag.

The standard safety kit is now the most extensive with the Doblo van.  Passenger and side airbags a long with tyre pressure monitor can be added from the options list.  Where security is concerned the Fiat Doblo van does not come with an alarm or deadlocks as standard which is surprising.

The service intervals on the Doblo are every 21,000 miles.

Driving and Performance

The rear suspension system on the Fiat Doblo van is an advanced fully independent set-up and has been adapted to deal with the heavy load transporting demands of a commercial vehicle.

The Fiat Doblo van has a very smooth ride and great handling, especially at low speeds.

On all models the steering is light which is good for urban driving however more weight and sharpness would be preferred for motorway driving.

There is very little body roll, even on the high roof vans.

The 1.3 multijet van is just about the smallest engine you will get in a compact van and this van is great for urban work.

If you are a motorway driver or need to cover long distances the 1.6 multijet engine is better for this.  This van has a 6 speed gearbox.

The top of the range 2.0 litre engine is a great choice if you are planning to tow.

Cab and Interior

 The cab of the Fiat Doblo van is not quite as sturdy as some of its rivals, like the Ford Transit Connect and the Volkswagen Caddy.  However, there is good storage and attractive seat trims and dash colours.  The Doblo has overhead storage above the windscreen, door pockets and the passenger seat lifts up to reveal a storage compartment.

The instrument cluster looks good, the only small criticism is that the print on them is a little small and therefore tricky to read at a glance.

Some models have bulkhead sound proofing, height adjustable steering wheel, a passenger seat under tray for storage, electric windows and mirrors, high performance loud speakers and a radio/CD/MP3 player.

The best model also includes reverse parking sensors, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel mounted audio controls and powered mounting for a Tom Tom sat nav built into the dash top.

Fiat Doblo Cargo: van dimensions

Load area dimensions

Specifications

·        Power: 90bhp – 135bhp

·        Weight (GVW): 1,990kgkg – 2,505kg

·        Payload: 750kg – 1,000kg

·        Loading height (approx, unladen):545mm – 890mm

Similar Vans: VW Caddy, Vauxhall Combo, Ford Transit Connect, Renault Kangoo and Mercedes Citan.