Search

Fiat Doblo 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet Eleganza road test report

1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet Eleganza

The passenger Doblo was launched back at the turn of the century and despite its unappealing appearance, Fiat has since sold a million of the van-based models across the globe. 2010 heralds the launch of the all new Doblo, and with its refined appearance and interior, better engines and even more space, it might now find favour in the UK.

Road Test Reports Says 3.5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Fiat Doblo 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet Eleganza

Print

Image number 2 of the Fiat Doblo 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet Eleganza Image number 3 of the Fiat Doblo 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet Eleganza Image number 4 of the Fiat Doblo 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet Eleganza
TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

Unsurprisingly, performance has never been the workhorse Doblo’s strongest suit, but having driven the two new and more powerful diesels (there’s a 1.4 petrol too, and all have fuel-saving Start&Stop technology) it can certainly keep its head above water. For most, the 105bhp 1.6 MultiJet diesel should suffice. With claimed figures of 0-62mph in 13.4 secs and 102mph max, the 1.6 is refined, pulls capably without excess gearchanging and it cruises happily at motorway speeds. For those regularly hauling heavier loads over longer distances then the brawnier 135bhp 2.0 MultiJet might prove the better option (0-60 in 11.3, 111mph max).

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 3 stars

Bearing in mind the current and appalling state of our roads, I was expecting a somewhat jiggly ride at best in the Doblo, but was pleasantly surprised. Even unladen (two adults, minimal luggage) the Doblo rides reasonably comfortably. Yes, it felt a bit firm and fidgety sometimes, but until we’re prepared to pay £££s for computer-controlled, self-levelling suspension (not on the options list) that’s the price we have to pay when driving an unladen van in disguise. Load up the Doblo with more payload and the ride would doubtless feel more dampened. With all-new underpinnings (chassis, suspension and steering) it’s definitely a more civilised driving machine than before.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 3 stars

Aside from a slightly mis-fitting passenger glovebox lid on one of the two Doblos I drove, I was unable to find fault during my brief test drive. That said, Fiat as a brand came 29th out of 29 in last year’s JD Power Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study, but Fiat is genuinely working hard on improving that sort of performance. It’s also worth remembering that the Doblo is about as simple and down-to-earth as cars get these days, so there’s less to go wrong. As mentioned, the Doblo is essentially a comfortable van with windows, and as such it should cope well with rough-and-tumble family use.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 3 stars

Every new Doblo comes with ABS and ABD, and it’s the only car in its class to boast ESP on every model. There’s also an automatic hill holder, as well as driver and passenger airbags plus larger side airbags. Isofix child seat attachments, remotely-operated deadlocks and a lockable fuel cap are also standard across the range, while anti-whiplash front head restraints are optional on most models. Despite the Doblo’s vast interior space (details to follow) a spare wheel (full sized) is optional on all models – worth considering if you don’t fancy your chances on the roadside with the standard Fix&Go tyre repair kit…

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

In this section, six or even seven stars wouldn’t do the Doblo justice. It’s slightly bigger than the outgoing Doblo in all directions and so with the 60/40 split rear seats all in the upright position, (two extra seats to make it a 7-seater are optional), the new Doblo has a massive 790-litres of luggage space. No figure is available with the optional seven seats in use, but that would obviously be greatly reduced. The rear parcel shelf can support a hefty 70kgs, while with all rear seats folded there’s a juggernaut-sized 3,200 litres. It’d be handy if the rear tailgate split horizontally, but when open it’s big enough for the family to picnic under when raining. Twin rear doors are optional, as is an extra high-roof version.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

The Doblo range starts at £12,295 otr (1.4 petrol Active), but the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJets in top-of-the-range Eleganza spec tested here cost £16,795 and £17,145 respectively. For that you get alloy wheels, electric windows front and rear, air conditioning, electric door mirrors and a radio/CD/mp3 player with audio controls on the leather-covered wheel. Fiat’s Blue&Me telematics system is also standard, ‘though the integrated Blue&Me TomTom satnav is an accessory. Fuel consumption is 54.3mpg (1.6) and 49.6mpg (2.0) combined, with C02 at 138g/km and 150g/km (tax bands E and F). And did I mention that the new Doblo is a great deal easier on the eye than the old one?

Submitted: 22/03/2010 15:51:08

MPVs comparison road tests

Fiat road tests

  Available on the App Store

Read real opinions: Thousands of consumer reviews on all major car and van models.
Make your voice heard: Submit your own consumer review about the car or van you drive.
Learn more

 Road Test Reports App screenshots

Other people need your help

Your review will help others decide which vehicle to buy. By spending just a little bit of time filling out a review you can share your experiences with other drivers, giving information only owners will talk about, no marketing spiel, just the real thing. We publish all reviews, whether you rate the vehicle high or low. We are impartial. We are independent. We are committed to 100% real reviews. Please give others the benefit of your advice: give them your review.

Your review will be checked for offensive language within the next few days and then put on RoadTestReports.co.uk and all of our partners websites.

Have your say!

Submit your own review

Lease Buy

* Required

^ Back to Top