While the styling might not suit everyone's tastes, the Doblo

2nd September 2010, Page 155

2nd September 2010

Page 155

Page 155, 2nd September 2010 — While the styling might not suit everyone's tastes, the Doblo

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Cargo comes with a very strong list of credentials that should attract the judges' interest. The outgoing model was crowned top van in 2006, and with 97% of the componentry changed in the new one, there's only the name and a few other bits and bobs that carry on the original's tradition. But things have only got better, as the new Doblo Cargo (as we've reported on previously) is a major step forward.

Maximum payload is an unrivalled 1,000kg in the long-wheelbase Maxi Van version, which is more than the high-volume versions of the Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy Maxi offer, while the 4.2m" of loadspace also puts it towards the top of the league among its contemporaries VW offers the same 4.2m3, while Ford claims 4.4m3, although the Connect needs its passenger seat folded flat to hit that figure.

The interior dimensions of the Doble Cargo are also impressive, with a width between the wheelarches of 1.230mm and a rear door aperture to match you'd be surprised how often that's not the case. The wheelarches give minirnal loadspace intrusion and the sliding side door has an impressive 700mmwide aperture to aid loading.

Under the bonnet, the van is powered by a choice of petrol or diesel motors, although the former is rarely seen in UK specs these days. The entry diesel model comes with the 90hp 1.25-litre chesel, packing 200Nm of torque. Next comes the 105hp, 290Nm 1.6-litre diesel, while the range is topped off by the new 135hp 2.0-litre motor giving 320Nm of torque. The latter is only available in emissionsbeating Euro-5 standard, while the other motors are also available at Euro-4. At Euro-5, all Doblo Cargos now get Start&Stop auto shut-off and restart technology as standard. This cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary, restarting again automatically when the driver asks for power, and can cut fuel consumption by up to 15%, claims Fiat, as well as giving a 4% CO2 reduction.

The Fiat Dodd Cargo is bidding for a quick-fire follow-up to its 2006 success in this contest, but when up against the 3.5-tonne panel van, lightweight vans don't have a good hit rate in the Van of the Year contest. That said, pound-for-pound, it's got the credentials to tackle its more muscular competitor, but may get floored by a sucker punch.

ars TIP