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THE ITALIAN JOB
Page 48
Page 49
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Why have boring when you can have quirky? Fiat's updated Doble Cargo aims to offer something different while making an impact in the sales charts.
We at CV always applaud manufacturers who are hold enough to take the alternative route when it comes to vehicle design.While caution can always be relied upon as a safe bet, t here are a few who go their own way and in the process come up with something different.
Whether it's the inherent Italian flair or just the ability to do what it wants without having to listen to feedback from a ceaseless number of 'customer clinics' (which tend to grind down a product's original design). the Fiat Doble has never been accused of being dull. But maybe we the buying public are, as indicated by the slow though steady amount of sales the UK market has contributed to company's market share stands at a humble 3%.
Now that the Doblo is back with a makeover
and the European Van of the Year Award in the bag, Fiat aims to address this lack of success in the all-important 'units shifted' stakes, So what's new?
On the surface you get a front and rear cosmetic mak cover, making the Doblei less hug-eyed than before.There are also changes to the interior, engines and suspension. Not the full Joan Collins. then. but enough to polish off those edges.
While the 75hp 1.3-litre multi-jet turbodiesel engine is retained. the 1.9-litre unit now also incorporates multi-jet technology. giving 105hp. Soon after launch.85hp and 120hp outputs will be available on the respective engines.
A 1.4 petrol version is also available as well as a natural gas option (petrol and methane). ABS with EBD is standard on SX models, along with remote central locking.
Payload has been increased from 625kg to 730kg on the standard version and from 805kg to 850kg on the higher-payload version. 'lhere's also a high-roof version for those that need a hit more space.
To improve load space further an increasedwheelbase version has also been added. though it has yet to be confirmed for the UK market. Cal led the Maxi, it adds 380mm to the load compartment length and brings the volume up to 4m.`.
A real selling point is the pricing.The 13 multi-jet starts at a bargain £8,870 and tops out at £10.595 for the 1.9 SX.
From the outside the noble looks compact in appearance, with the new grill and lights giving it more dart identity and blending better with the rest of the Fiat line-up. Inside. the changes are less pronounced: material covers more of the metal area on the doors than before, the electric window buttons have been shifted onto the door rests and there are revised colour-coded plastics on the dashboard.There's also a parcel shelf located above the seats and a revised trim interior.
Starting up the engine, you are immediately struck by the level of refinement these multijet units offer; it idles solidly and with very little noise.even front cold.A progressive torque delivery allows relaxed progress even in the 1.3 version,complete with payload. On motorways it cruises with composure,secure and unruffled in its driving dynamics, though cabin refinement is hampered by excessive wind noise by the A-pillar.
A supportive seat and tiltadjustable steering wheel add to driver comfort,while visibility is good due to the upright windscreen.The dashmounted gearshift (the only set-up of this type in the class) allows easy swapping of cogs, though it feels a touch loose from gate to gate. Major controls are well located and there's a feeling of strong build quality in their operation —something not entirely evident in the previous model.
Through sweeping corners, handling is composed if a little soft due to notable body roll: steering is sharp enough to keep it guided in the direction you need due to the high-ratio lock to lock.And this also benefits urban driving where manoeuvring in tight spaces is par for the course. But this tight steering coupled with the compliant suspension doesn't acquit itself as well on twisty B-roads. especially in the wet. It isn't an outright handful, but to the unaware (and admittedly the more aggressive driver) it's not as composed as a VW Caddy. And that sums up the argument: do you favour Italian individualism and design over a more thorough, if slightly duller. product? •
Fiat Doblo Cargo
WHAT'S NEW? k Styling Uprated engines ko Increased payload w Revised interior
HIGH RISK?
Maxi version not planned for the UK Residuals may not be as solid as some WORTH A PUNT? Keen pricing Excellent turbo-diesels Individual styling
THE VERDICT To call the DoblO Cargo new would be stretching the truth: this is more of a general makeover. But it's a positive one as well. Firstly you have the turbo-diesels, which are superb, especially the 1.3-litre unit. They're exceptionally smooth. provide a progressive delivery of torque and should be economical in real terms—servicing intervals are minimal so running costs should also be low. Add to this a comfortable interior, keen pricing and distinctive styling.
But for some people it will always be a Fiat and that means a slightly less 'developed' product in their eyes— something the European Van of the Year award can't cancel out. And with more complete performers available, such as the Transit Connect and VW's Caddy. it certainly has its work cut out to win over the masses. But if you do fancy something different, its worth a look.