Last Updated: 08/02/2010
Fiat unwraps new look Doblo Cargo
Fiat Professional has taken the wraps off the long anticipated update to its popular Doblo Cargo van. Built on a new platform, the revised Doblo offers an interior length up to 2.17m, load volumes of 3.4-4.2cu m and payloads of 750-1,000kg.There are short and long wheelbase vans, a high roof van, short and long five-seat combi versions and new short and long wheelbase drop frame models, specifically designed for converters. Standard and SX trim levels are available across the range and the Doblo will be powered by a 95hp 1.4 litre petrol and a choice of three turbo diesel engines. These include a 1.3 Multijet with 90hp, a 1.6 litre Multijet providing 105hp and a range-topping 2.0 litre Multijet that puts out a powerful 135hp.
The two smaller diesel engines will be available in both Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions ratings, while the 2.0 litre will come as a Euro 5 only. All Euro 5 vans will come with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and Fiat’s Start&Stop system, to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions levels.
Fiat will extend the range at a later date with a Natural Power version, that will run on petrol and compressed natural gas. Also still to come will be an automated manual gearbox, though there is no word on timing for that.
Doblo Cargo comes with ABS brakes and optional ESP stability control, which includes a Hill Holder system for easier pulling away on steep inclines. The van, benefiting from the fact that Doblo can also be had as a passenger car, can be equipped with a range of airbags, climate control, parking sensors and an integrated Blue&Me TomTom navigation system.
The short wheelbase Doblo Cargo offers up to 3.4cu m of loadspace with a standard roof and 4cu m in the swb high-top. the longer Maxi variant provides 4.2cu m of internal volume. Thanks to 30mm of additional space between the wheel arches the new models are now 1,230mm wide, allowing two Europallets to be loaded.
A rotating bulkhead section is an option, which in combination with a folding passenger seat increases load volume by a further 0.4cu m. Customers can choose between single or double side loading doors. What’s more Fiat says that the large door handles have been designed for left or right handed use, even allowing for work gloves.
The vans have a new Bi-link rear suspension system, which increases load space and improves the ride and handling characteristics. Vehicles with a 750kg payload come without anti-roll bars, while the 1,000kg payload models and the Combis will have an anti-roll bar to aid stability.
Given the boxy shape of the original Doblo Cargo it seems strange to talk about styling. However the revised van certainly sports a more rounded look, with a sportier front end and steeply raked side contours. The van retains large windows and mirrors though for good all round visibility.
Internally the designers have aimed for a light and airy feel. The interior is also well equipped with over window and door storage, along with a lockable glove box that can securely hold a 14” laptop.
While it may appear odd for Fiat to offer diesel engines in both Euro 4 and 5 ratings, though power outputs are unchanged, it will give the company a wider range of prices with which to attract customers. As mentioned all Euro 5 diesels will come with the Start&Stop system that turns off the engine while stationary at the traffic lights.
These latest Fiat diesel engines benefit from Common Rail fuel injection and improved turbocharging. The 1.3 Multijet now produces 20 per cent more power and 5 per cent more torque than before, yet in combination with Start&Stop it uses up to 8 per cent less fuel. Service intervals are also extended on the 1.3 from 12,500 miles to 22,000 miles, reducing running costs.
The 1.9 litre Multijet replaces the previous 1.9 litre engine at 105hp. Despite its smaller capacity the engine offers 45 per cent more torque than the 1.9. Again service intervals are now up to 22,000 miles.
The range-topping 135hp 2.0 Multijet, which is only available in Euro 5 form, offers 12 per cent more power and 60 per cent more torque than the previous 120hp 1.9 litre engine. Even here Fiat claims that the larger engine will prove up to 9 per cent more economical, and of course it is Euro 5 as standard.
Engines will use either a five or six speed manual transmission, depending on power output. The automated manual gearbox will be launched later on the 1.6 litre Multijet model.
There are no prices available yet, but with Doblo Cargo models arriving in UK dealers from March, we should have more information, and a chance to drive the Doblo on UK roads, later in February.
