Fiat Doblo 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet Eleganza Road Test Report

Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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?