Revised Fiat Doblo Cargo van range in UK

Recently voted International Van of the Year 2006 by a jury of specialist Light Commercial Vehicle journalists from 19 countries, the new Fiat Doblo Cargo has just gone on sale in the UK.

Some 310,000 Doblo Cargo LCVs have been built to date, and this highly successful, class-leading all rounder has already been awarded the twin accolades of Editor’s Choice in the 2002 Commercial Fleet World honours, and Tester’s Choice in Commercial Motor magazine’s 2003 awards.

Priced from £8,570 - £10,595 + VAT, the new 2006 Fiat Doblo Cargo was awarded the prestigious Van of the Year trophy in recognition of its revised styling, increases in class-leading payload and load volume, and powerful yet economical new MultiJet turbodiesel engines, as well as its high levels of safety, comfort and ergonomics allied to low fuel consumption and operating costs – all at a highly competitive price.

The jury also took into account the professional expertise of Fiat’s LCV sales and service network, which is considered one of the best in Europe. For the fourth consecutive year, Fiat Auto’s commercial vehicle market share is continuing to grow in the UK, rising steadily from 3.3% in 2002 to 3.6% in 2003, 3.8% in 2004 and 3.95% in 2005 (year to date).

Of the three Euro 4 emissions-compliant engines on offer – all mated to 5-speed manual transmissions – two are new powerplants, making their first appearance in the five model, Doblo Cargo and Cargo SX range. The previous 1.2 65 bhp petrol engine has been replaced by a spirited yet frugal 77 bhp 1.4 litre FIRE unit, whilst augmenting the highly successful 105 bhp 1.9 litre 8 valve MultiJet turbodiesel is a more powerful version of Fiat Auto’s remarkable 1.3 litre 16 valve MultiJet – the smallest and most advanced second generation Common Rail direct injection turbodiesel in the world.

Weighing just 130 kg, the remarkable 1.3 litre 16v MultiJet – a 1248 cc, 4 cylinder in-line unit with a bore of 69.6 mm and a stroke of 82 mm – combines extremely compact dimensions with the sophisticated MultiJet technology of second generation JTDs. This state-of-the-art low maintenance powerplant develops 75 bhp and an impressive 140 lb.ft of torque at only 1750 rpm. Start up times, exhaust smoke and fuel consumption are all significantly reduced, while noise levels and vibration are lowered to ensure a quieter drive and improved comfort.

Later in 2006, the addition of two further MultiJet engines – both boasting variable geometry turbocharging and maintenance-free Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) – will equip the new Doblo Cargo range, which will then have the most comprehensive choice of powerplants in its segment.

Available in both Panel and Semi-glazed format – with or without large aperture 685 mm x 1142 mm sliding side doors – and, additionally, in High Roof guise, the new Fiat Doblo Cargo features extensive styling enhancements, combining a visual flair which instantly identifies it as the latest addition to the Fiat family, with a proven durability and protective solidity.

The revised front end combiness functionality with a distinctive personality, featuring prominent dual-barrel headlamp clusters framing a purposeful new deep-V grille design which runs full height between the bonnet and a large, aerodynamic front air dam incorporating integral fog lamps. Frontal protection is provided by a choice of either generous, scuff-resistant bumper sections, or the encasing of the entire front of the vehicle below grille level in the same hard wearing, impact-resistant black polypropylene finish.

At the sides, the practicality of sliding doors – fitted as standard on SX versions – and extra-deep front door glazing allied to large door mirrors to aid low speed manoeuvring, is further enhanced by enlarged protective rubbing strips. At the rear, black casings protect new high visibility, vertical tail lamp clusters, which extend down to a new rear bumper design housing built-in reflectors and optional parking sensors. The new Doblo Cargo may be specified with a choice of 60:40 split rear doors or a practical, full height, top hinged tailgate. When glazed rear doors are specified, the larger door has a wash/wipe facility.

At 4253 mm long, 1722 mm wide and 1831 mm in height, the new Doblo is 94 mm longer, 8 mm wider and 16 mm lower than its predecessor, with a 17 mm increase in wheelbase length. With a class-leading loadspace of 3.2 cubic metres (expanding to 3.8 cubic metres in high-roof versions), the new Fiat Doblo Cargo has an increased payload capacity of 730 kg, via a loading deck height of just 535 mm and an interior width between wheel arches of 1200 mm. Load area height is 1305 mm, extending to an impressive 1550 mm in High Roof models.

An increased, 850 kg payload variant of the new Fiat Doblo Cargo is also available, featuring revisions to the front MacPherson strut and robust leaf spring rear suspension, and bespoke 14" wheels replacing the 15" norm fitted as standard across the range. The Doblo has a class-leading turning circle of only 10.5 metres, and its responsive steering rack requires just 2.2 turns lock-to-lock.

The Doblo Cargo is already renowned for its roomy cab, supremely comfortable seats, first class driving ergonomics and exceptional all-round visibility. For 2006 the new Fiat’s seats and enlarged door panel trims may be upholstered in a choice of four new, body-colour co-ordinated, hardwearing cloth fabrics, or a robust grey vinyl alternative. A choice of twelve exterior colours is available, including eight metallic finishes.

Noise levels within the 2006 Fiat Doblo Cargo have been significantly reduced through extensive insulation of the passenger compartment. Highly efficient sound deadening and sound absorbent materials applied to the panels during assembly are now augmented by an optional, soundproof, loadspace partition (standard on SX versions), which reduces noise levels by 3 dBA over a conventional partition.

The new Doblo Cargo's comprehensive standard equipment includes a built-in armrest and adjustable lumbar support to the height adjustable driver's seat, a driver's airbag and seatbelt pretensioner, power steering, a stereo radio/cassette, a tough, PVC lining to the loadspace and a protective, full steel bulkhead between loadspace and cab. A full steel bulkhead with soundproofing is fitted as standard to SX versions.

An options list carefully considered to enhance life on board and further improve the new Doblo Cargo's flexibility includes air conditioning, electric, heated door mirrors, passenger and side airbags, twin glazed rear doors with heated rear window and wash/wipe facility, increased payload, a stereo radio/CD player, and CONNECT – Fiat Auto's unique communications system which is the most advanced infotelematic package on the market. Doblo Cargo SX specification includes remote central locking and ABS anti-lock braking.

CONNECT is a ground-breaking, on-line system that connects the driver to an extensive range of services via either manual control or voice commands.

Two levels of CONNECT system are available:

* CONNECT NAV is fitted with a 192x80 pixel LCD graphic display. It includes an RDS radio with CD and MP3 music file playing functions, a trip computer, Dual Band GSM phone with handsfree operation and WAP Internet access, GPS independent navigation using pictograms and an SOS button linked to the Contact Centre for receiving information and assistance.

* CONNECT NAV+ comes with a wide, 5", TFT full colour active matrix display screen. As well as the functions of CONNECT NAV, it offers a map navigation system, atlas function and voice activated commands for the telephone and a voice memo.

The new Fiat Doblo Cargo is not only a durable vehicle, but a safe one, having passed tests in Fiat's own Safety Centre harsher than those undertaken by Euro NCAP and the American STD 208. Built into the bodywork are special crumple zones designed to collapse progressively and absorb impact forces. The cab boasts side impact bars to the doors, and reinforced areas to the dashboard, floorpan and roof.

In addition to a driver's airbag and optional passenger and twin side airbags, occupant protection is further ensured by Fiat's patented Fire Prevention System. This involves the use of flame retardant materials, and an inertia switch which cuts off the fuel flow to the engine in the event of an impact.

Designed for easy maintenance and repair, the Doblo cargo's entire bodyshell is fabricated in galvanised steel, with key exposed areas zinc-coated to a depth of 20 microns – three times the industry norm. Box sections are injected with wax-based oil to prevent internal corrosion, and the whole bodyshell is immersed in an electro-cataphoretic dip.

In line with all other Fiat commercial vehicles, the new Doblo Cargo is covered by a comprehensive, 3 year Fiatcare dealer warranty scheme which incorporates a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty, a third year dealer warranty, a 12 months parts and repair guarantee, and fixed service costs, with an 8-year anti-perforation and 3-year paintwork warranty. Additionally, all Doblo Cargos come with a year’s free AA Assurance cover.