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Four years since the Fiat Doblo Cargo first lifted the coveted Van of the Year title the Doblo managed it again, but during that time the high-cube van sector has swollen with competitors. The new Doblo has a difficult task in regaining the top spot.
Wisely, Fiat has concentrated on the basics, equipping the new Doblo with a range of economical engines, a larger load space and a more appealing look. While the old van was no beast, the new Doblo exudes now Italian style with its head turning looks both inside and out. The increased capacity, now up to a class leading 4.2m3 in this long wheelbase van, makes the Fiat Doblo Cargo dimensions a fraction larger (110mm) across its waist and 464mm higher than its predecessor. Maximum payload for the short wheelbase van is 750kg, but for this model you can tip the scales with up to one tonne of ballast.
But it’s the engines that sell the Doblo, with a range of economical turbo diesels available as a 1.3-litre Multijet, 1.6-litre Multijet and the range topping 2.0-litre Multijet. For those that prefer a petrol engine, there’s also and a peppy 95hp 1.4-litre unit that returns nearly 40mpg.
Our test model came with the more generous SX trim instead of the basic Cargo option, providing us with a bulkhead, remote central locking, and a PVC lining for the load space. Additional options include Blue&Me Bluetooth, metallic paint, a multifunction steering wheel and electric mirrors, however, the stop/start system would top our list of extras as it brings the all the engines up to meet Euro-5 – with the exception of 2.0-litre diesel which already meets the standard.
Prices for the Doblo Cargo start at £11,305 for the base 1.4-litre petrol, rising to £16,105 for the Maxi SX 2.0-litre (tested here).
In previous tests of Fiat’s Multijet engines we’ve been impressed with the superb economy, and have seen figures as high as 67mpg during unladen tests of the 1.3-litre Doblo Cargo. Our test vehicle didn’t quite reach those dizzying heights, but with a varied diet of city, motorway and country routes the 2.0-litre Multijet recorded over 50mpg, impressing us with its levels of torque and ability to pull through in higher gears.
Loading and unloading was made easier thanks to the twin sliding doors on our test vehicle - particularly useful for a long wheelbase van - and the low loading lip height (545mm) coupled with rear doors that open to 180 degrees. The Maxi’s extended wheelbase also increases load length from 1.8m to 2.17m and payload from 750kg to 1000kg.
Although ideally suited to fleet buyers, the Doblo Cargo is aimed squarely at them, and when looking at the interior you’ll understand why. It’s not what you’d expect a tough no nonsense van to look like, and is instead pleasing both aesthetically and ergonomically.
The slightly textured dash looks classy and feels tough without being brittle. The smoked glass of the radio adds a touch of car-like refinement to the centre console, and the design of the handles - that you cleverly push down to lock – shows real thought and ingenuity.
There’s an abundance of storage, with overhead shelves, door cubbies and a useful dash pocket to the right of the steering wheel, not to mention coat hooks on the bulkhead. The seating position is low, but comfortable, and while forward visibility is nothing exceptional, the view to the rear is excellent thanks too the large split wing mirrors. Although the Doblo’s extra width has improved load space, it has made finding a comfortable spot for your right arm difficult, however there is an arm rest on the left and the steering wheel does adjust for both rake and reach.
The abundance of power from the 2.0-litre diesel engine made driving the Doblo a real pleasure, and although sprinting between the traffic lights probably harmed our economy it underlined the fact that owning a van can be great fun. Power isn’t the Doblo’s only ace, though. The suspension and chassis work well to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, and the poise and handling shown by our Doblo was remarkable for a long wheelbase van.
The 320Nm of torque can work in your favour when fully loaded, and certainly makes trundling around town in a single gear a lot easier, however, it does create a whiff of torque steer and on occasions you wish there were five wider gear ratios rather than six.
Improved load space, improved economy, improved comfort. The new Doblo is certainly an improvement. There’s flexibility and versatility in the range of wheelbases and heights on offer, and with four engines all capable of hitting Euro-5 standards, there’s also great efficiency too.
Taking the productivity, purchase price and overall quality of the Doblo package, its hard to see this van not succeeding. Fleet buyers will love the potential cost reductions provided by the 1.3-litre unit, while owner-drivers will find our 2.0-litre test van an engaging and charismatic worker.
Fiat has delivered a well-rounded van that buyers in any business will be hard pressed not to consider.
