Doblo

THE UK’S CHEAPEST seven-seater MPV is now less ugly to behold.  As with the Multipla, Fiat have beautified the Doblo’s previously pinched face, but this time the result manages to retain some character.  Having just overtaken the Renault Kangoo in the budget MPV sales league, Fiat are hoping the facelift will give impetus to chase the sector-leading Citroen Berlingo. The Doblo’s boxy profile remains the same, neatened by larger wheels, new side trims and rear lights.  The dash is identical but the bare metal has been banished by new door trims.  The shiny, hard plastics lack class by car standards though it is all rattle-free.  It’s brighter, too, thanks to new seat trims.

Space remains colossal, with enough room even for adults in the third  row of the seven seat Family model.  This does however come at at the expense of any sort of boot.  Ordinarily, it’s an eye-opening 750 litres, boosted to a staggering 3000 litres.  But seven-up it’s tiny. Comfort is good, with all seats proving supportive and the low shoulder line offering a commanding view out.  Twin sliding doors are the biggest of any van-derived MPV, but those entering the rear still need to be agile.

The suspension has been mildly altered and the braking system is all-new, but biggest mechanical changes centre on the engines. All now Euro IV compliant, the old 1.2-litre has morphed into a 1.4-litre, while the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel has been boosted to 85bhp with the addition of a variable-geometry turbo.  There’s also a 120 bhp variant joining the 105bhp 1.9-litre diesel, now also Multijet.

On the road

Can these cheap van-derived MPVs be good to drive? Prepare to be surprised.  The Doblo’s ride is quiet and free from harshness.  There’s no wallow on the move and corners can be taken with confidence.  The light but crisp steering is quick and packed with feel, balance is good and roadholding limits are signalled will in advance.  Fun? You bet. The Doblo can bounce a little at speed and get knobbly over scarred surfaces, displaying what is quite firmly set up suspension, a consequence of van-inspired payloads. The 120bhp MultiJet provides plentiful shove, but the best engine is the 1.3 MultiJet, which performs amply and is more pleasing with its sweeter, free-revving nature.   It’s far preferable to the sluggish 105bhp 1.9-litre.

Verdict

The Doblo looks better and the regenerated diesel means it’s better to drive.  For under £11k, a 1.4-litre MultiJet makes huge sense to seven seater-seeking families on a budget