The Italian light van

Road Test

The new Fiat Doblò has not only had its looks refreshed for 2015, but has received technical enhancements to improve performance and efficiency

Since it was first launched in 2000, the Fiat Doblò has had 1.4 million sales and scooped numerous awards – the most recent being VansA2Z’s Light Van of the Year and overall Van of the Year. For 2015, the vehicle has had an exterior re-design, technical tweaks for improved performance and efficiency, and retains its popular, easy-to-use load space.

Fiat says its key models, the 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engines, have had their efficiency improved by up to 12 per cent. And in the case of the 1.3-litre MultiJet II engine, responsiveness has increased by approximately 40 per cent compared to the previous model.

New ‘EcoJet’ versions are also available this year, in the 90bhp 1.3 MultiJet II and 105bhp 1.6 MultiJet II engines. These models are packed full of eco-extras to reduce fuel consumption and emissions levels further, such as Start&Stop, low rolling-resistance tyres, low-viscosity oil, an ‘intelligent’ alternator, a variable-displacement oil pump, and a new aerodynamic pack. This brings the fuel economy figure of the 1.3 MultiJet II up to 64mpg and CO2 emissions down to 115 g/km.

Car-like refinement
Certain design tweaks to the front have given the new Doblò more car-like refinement. These include a sculpted bonnet, new headlamps, new grille, a sleek new front bumper, lower air intakes and fog light shrouds. The rear also has sleeker light clusters.

The load compartment has a payload of up to one tonne. It’s ease-of-use lies in its flat floor with minimal interruptions from the wheel arch and practical squared-off shape. The load area, which can be specified up to 5m3, is accessed via rear doors which open to 180-degrees or the offside sliding side door.

In the case of the Doblò Maxi SX 1.6 MultiJet II that I test drove, its performance was agile, punchy and smooth, with a light and fluid clutch action and short solid gear changes – not too disimilar to driving a passenger car. Even when loaded – albeit not with a very heavy cargo – the ride was refined and responsive, and the cargo felt stable over bumps and when cornering. The cabin also did a good job at keeping out road noise, which is down to additional sound proofing in the new Doblò. The CO2 emissions of the 1.6 Multijet II are 144g/km and the combined fuel consumption is quoted as 51.4mpg.

The Doblò has a full list of standard safety features including Electronic Stability Control, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution, Anti Slip Regulation, Hydraulic Brake Assist, and Hill-Holder systems. A passenger airbag and lateral airbags, as well as TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) are part of the Doblò’s optional safety equipment.

New options
New options for the 2015 Doblò include a new Gateway module for vehicle telematics, a folding door mirror function, DAB preparation for aftermarket audio systems and, available shortly after launch, the Traction+ system which is already available in the Fiorino and Ducato. Traction+ enables a confident drive even on low-grip surfaces, such as snow or mud, without increasing the weight of the vehicle, thereby avoiding the increased running costs associated with full 4x4 systems.

The new Fiat Doblò Cargo range comprises four body-styles; two roof height options and two wheelbase lengths, with five engines, ranging from 90 to 135bhp, and four trim levels available: Standard, EcoJet, SX and Tecnico.

Standard features on all Fiat Doblò models include adjustable-level headlamps, a full-size spare wheel, full bulkhead, overhead storage, electric windows, central locking, full wheel trims, side rubbing strips, full-height twin panelled rear doors, offside sliding side door, (plus a nearside sliding side door on Maxi and XL models) and a speed limiter (upon request). The EcoJet version adds smart alternator management, variable displacement oil pump, Start & Stop, low-friction oil, and low-rolling resistance tyres and a new aerodynamic pack.

The SX model adds bulkhead soundproofing and load area PVC lining, as well as front fog lamps, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, remote control central locking, height adjustable drivers’ seat with lumbar support, in-cushion storage in the passenger seat and an upgraded stereo with MP3 compatibility. The range-topping Tecnico model includes air conditioning, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, Start & Stop, remote steering wheel controls and a dealer-fitted satellite navigation system.

The new Doblò is the first vehicle to wear the full ‘Fiat Professional’ logo on its tailgate, a signature which will appear on all new Fiat commercial vehicles from now on.