Review of the new Fiat Doblo Cargo

Fiat has always done a nice line in small cars. It makes them affordable and practical. It also builds in the nimbleness you need when driving in Italian cities where the only Highway Code, the complex series of gestures used to express displeasure at fellow motorists, is better left undeciphered. These are all qualities that would work equally well if translated into a small van but for various reasons, Fiat hasn't quite enjoyed the same success in the commercial vehicle market as it has with its passenger cars. Could the latest Doblo Cargo be the van to change that?

All the ingredients to make the Doblo a success are there. Fiat has advanced technology and quality components from its passenger cars including some of the best small diesel engines around. It employed much of this knowhow in developing the previous generation Doblo Cargo but one crucial detail was missed. The Doblo looked weird.

On a dark night or a foggy morning, it was competitive against rivals like the Ford Transit Connect, the Citroen Berlingo and the Vauxhall Combo but when the cold light of day fell on that curious amalgamation of lines, it instantly became a less appealing prospect. A facelift helped matters but the damage was done and the talented Fiat was to serve out its time as a relative also-ran. One positive is that with the latest Doblo Cargo, Fiat only really needed to make big improvements in one area.

Predictably from a manufacturer that pioneered the common-rail diesel technology that now dominates the engine bays of our top commercial vehicles, Fiat has given the Doblo a strong range of engines. There are Multijet common-rail diesels in 1.3, 1.6 and 2.0-litre guises while the few buyers who insist on petrol can go for a 1.4-litre 16-valve unit. The 1.3-litre oil-burner has 90bhp and 200Nm of torque and the 105bhp 1.6 ups the torque output to 290Nm. Finally, the 2.0-litre flagship has 135bhp with a meaty 320Nm which is a serious amount of muscle for a compact van.

".a wide model range presents operators with an impressive level of choice"

Under the skin of the Doblo is an unusually advanced suspension set-up. There's the usual MacPherson strut arrangement at the front with an anti-roll bar for extra bracing but there's also independent suspension at the rear. Most compact vans have a heavy duty torsen beam but the Doblo goes for a transverse linkage hinged from a central anchor point. It means operators can expect a little extra finesse from this Fiat over the bumps.

The styling of the previous generation Doblo was a sore point but the latest model rectifies that with its more conventional lines. A-pillars are blacked-out to create a visor effect that merges the van's windscreen and side windows. Thick bumpers are employed at both ends for added protection and large wheelarches bulge from the flanks. Inside, much of the switchgear is straight from Fiat passenger cars with the stereo in particular adding a touch of class. The plastics are sturdy and the gear lever is mounted high-up within easy reach of the well-shaped steering wheel.

The load area is where the Doblo Cargo should live up to its name and the signs are good. Access is through optional sliding side doors and asymmetrically-split side hinged doors at the back. That rear loading aperture is 1,231mm wide, 1,250mm high and 545mm off the ground. There's also 1,230mm between the wheelarches, so whatever goes in through the rear doors will fit right down inside the van. The total load length is dependent on the model you choose but can be extended by folding down the passenger seat.

Some small vans neglect storage capacity in the quest for more cabin and load space but the Doblo Cargo fares reasonably well here. There's a large shelf above the windscreen and a lockable glovebox with space for a smallish laptop computer. The door pockets will each take a couple of small drinks bottles and a document clip can be assigned to the dashboard from the options list.

The Fiat diesel engines should help keep running costs manageable, particularly as Fiat has made Stop/Start technology available on the Doblo Cargo. This system which can stop the engine when the van is stationary will take a handy nibble out of your fuel consumption, particularly in urban areas.

For a compact van, the Doblo Cargo has a wide model range. There are two wheelbases and two roof heights giving rise to load volumes ranging from 3.4 to 4.2 square meters. There are also Combi versions with a second row of seats and a platform cab that can be fitted with all manner of aftermarket modifications.

Standard equipment on the Cargo runs to power steering, a height adjustable steering wheel, electric windows, central locking and a CD stereo. Buyers can also specify Fiat's Blue&Me hands free telephone system that can be integrated with a TomTom satellite navigation module for an additional charge. On the safety side, ABS is standard but you'll pay £375 for a package including ESP stability control, hill-hold assist and traction control.

Fiat was running out of excuses for not having a genuinely competitive compact van but the latest Doblo Cargo looks like finally bringing the ingredients together in a cohesive package. The vehicle addresses complaints about the styling of the old model and puts the excellent Fiat diesel engine range to work. Interior components borrowed for Fiat passenger cars look the part inside and a wide model range presents operators with an impressive level of choice.

TOP 5 DOBLO DEALS

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Fiat Doblo 1.6 Multijet 105 Active 5dr Diesel Estate
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