It seems relevant, even when it comes to commercial vehicles and anyone who tries to tell you otherwise should be politely reminded the Doblo Cargo Fiat. A highly capable van in almost every respect, the little Fiat was held back from achieving the recognition it deserves in the market with styles that could best be described as challenging. Nevertheless, behind the properties of the car is still going through stupid face to help it rack-up 310.000 sales worldwide, and now that the thorny issue of cosmetics has been addressed, the current version looks equipped to build on that success.
The Doblo was not the first Fiat to be slightly upset at the initial stage of planning. The whole story mirrors Multipla MPV and came to widespread criticism from the press, but it sports one of the most awkward vehicles front-in living memory. Any correspondent who waxed lyrical about the innovative packaging and maximum practicality then felt obliged to insert the caveat that nobody would buy the car because it seemed so strange. It's a bit sad but true that we Brits prefer the serious to the extraordinary when it comes to the way our cars look and the same is true for our commercial vehicles. The Doblo Fiat Cargo (along with sibling Doblo car passenger) was never quite as visually outlandish and the Multipla, but the chunky latticework grille, the horizontal line between the headlights and the tip-tilt effect bonnet line meant that it was -out a long time by its rivals. As with the Multipla, Fiat finally succumbed and commissioned a thorough facelift.
Doblo Cargo today trenches informally most of the design elements that made its predecessor the most distinctive small van market in the United Kingdom. It is still remarkable to see the standard van, but in a more uniform and subtle way. The large round headlamps curve on the side of the vehicle at the corners and the frontal aspect is dominated by the net planes oversized bumper inserts. They sit across a very Audi-esque grille and under-bumper arrangement. rounded side windows Doblo remain as the exterior mirrors with body color stripes. There are serious side rubbing strips to protect the body and tail lights have been tweaked too.
Less obvious to the casual observer is that the current Doblo Cargo is a teensy bit bigger. Count to 91 mm longer, 6mm wider and 10mm lower than its predecessor, while riding in a 2583 mm wheelbase that has increased from 2566 mm, has been extended in every direction. In standard form, this translates into an increase of 3.2m3 load volume can be increased to 3.8m3 if you choose a high production of housing. These quantities of cargo overcome significant opponents as the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo, while the payload to 730kg Doblo Cargo is class competitive. The loadbay accessed through the asymmetrically split side-hinged rear doors and if you upgrade to the SX trim level, a pair of sliding side doors are also added.
The engines were never a problem for the Doblo Cargo, at least JTD Fiat, units diesel common-rail came to the scene. Sophisticated, flexible and using the latest technology Multijet engine control, entry-level 16-valve 1.3-liter JTD is a second generation diesel common-rail. There is 75bhp at 4.000 rpm offered here and 140lb/ft torque as low as 1,750 rpm Doblo making it feel faster than the performance data show. It should also be able to average over 50mpg. The 8-valve 1.9 JTD remains at the top of the range Doblo Cargo. This 105bhp engine is the first development of generation common-rail system and utilizes the Fiat Unijet injection. It is not as advanced as-1.3-liter, but it is faster and almost as economical. Maximum torque is 147lb/ft and up to 1.750 rpm. Buyers looking for actual speed may feel like holding fire until two more engines arrive in the near future. A 85bhp 1.3-liter version and a 120bhp 1.9 JTD will add some real spice to the line-up, when it becomes operational.
The final choice of engine is the cheapest in the region, a 77bhp 1.4-liter unit. Gasoline is often considered a dirty word among commercial vehicle buyers, but this camera is jumpy and provides respectable economy. There is so much torque and diesel vehicles, but the petrol is more refined and might be enough to tempt a few buyers away from the black pumps. Regardless of the engine installed, the Doblo Cargo handles sweetly with good weight and feel of the steering and plenty of grip.
Internally, the Doblo, is a live sentence with some very impressive finishes colors available to match the 12 different exterior paint options. This live approach to life is certainly up to the interface driver makes a change from the traditional curriculum choice of gray cloth or wipe-clean vinyl. The fabric seems suitably durable and hard plastic. There is a shelf above the windshield provides additional storage space, combined with decent-sized door pockets. The dashboard-mounted gearlevers usually included to let the driver slide across and exit through the door, but the Doblo console sticks out too far to make this an easy maneuver. Otherwise, there is little to criticize here: the unusual styling theme carries well from outside, but not at the expense of functionality. The driving position is upright and visibility is good, combining with the tight turning circle of 10.5 to make the Doblo Cargo a very malleable small van.
If you're one of the small van buyers who shunned the Fiat Doblo Cargo, because of the ugly duckling appearance, now is the time to review it. The transformation is difficult to beautiful swan league (is more a case of significantly smartened-up duck) but that would be enough to satisfy most. This practical, well crafted, fine driving and, now, good looking van could be worth to the country back on track.
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