Fiat

Doblo

Versatility really is the name of the game here. The second row of seats can be split or folded away and the third row can be folded away or removed completely to expose very impressive load credentials.

The good

Versatile, economic and great value

The bad

Design may not appeal to everyone

Tech Specs

Price from

£13,570

Combined Fuel up to

56.5mpg

0-62 from

12.1 seconds

max speed up to

107mph

co2 from

133g/km

Test Drive

Fiat Doblo 1.6 MultiJet Eleganza 105PS

Some cars are about style, others about speed, but the Fiat Doblo has its own unique quality – space and it’s got it by the bucket load.

Admittedly, the upright and box-ish design will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Doblo and similar models have a very important role to play in today’s marketplace.

This is proven by the fact that more than a million models have been sold since the Doblo’s first launch in 2000.

The spacious interior has certainly been designed with families in mind and versatility and storage options are paramount.

The test model – a top-of-the-range Eleganza – came with five seats, although seven are an option if desired. These seats can easily accommodate five people and those occupants can bring as much luggage along as they want as the Doblo boasts a class-leading boot capacity of 790 litres, which can be increased further to 3,200 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

But, don’t be fooled into thinking the Doblo is just a load carrier – it’s not. Careful consideration has been given to comfort and ergonomics and the test model boasted very supportive cloth seats in a dazzling red design, along with plenty of other eye-catching features.

Further creature comforts include electric windows front and rear, a leather steering wheel, 16-inch alloys, a radio/CD player, Start & Stop technology and plenty more besides.

But it’s hard to get away from storage in such a large vehicle. Twin sliding rear doors mean easy access and the wide tailgate with a conveniently low lip makes loading and unloading simpler.

The glove box is also generously sized and extra storage can even be found above the windscreen where a large shelf can easily house maps and other items.

There is definitely a very sturdy feel to the Doblo – in fact, some people may find the tailgate too heavy to operate despite the handy strap to assist.

When it comes to performance, the Doblo doesn’t disappoint.

Okay, it’s not that quick out the blocks – 0 to 62mph in 13.4 seconds and acceleration through the six-speed manual transmission is quite a lengthy process.

But, the Doblo is brilliant in and around town where it proved deceptively agile and the superb all-round vision was another plus factor.

Out on the open road, the 1.6-litre diesel-driven engine delivered ample power and the Doblo cruised along effortlessly with faster moving motorway traffic.

Safety features are also comprehensive with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, crumple zones, numerous airbags and lots more.

All in all, the Doblo has already established itself in the market place with a very loyal fanbase and the latest model will simply build on that popularity.