Behind the wheel

I’d already been behind the wheel – albeit in left hand drive format – of this van in Italy, but a week’s test in England convinced me that this van represents Fiat’s proudest moment in its van history.

It’s a truly stunning development from the old model and I can’t sing its praises highly enough.

One look at the pictures here shows that the Doblo Cargo is much chunkier than its predecessor and build quality is way up with the premium manufacturers – something you could never say about the old model.

In the cab, there is a plethora of storage spaces including an overhead shelf and there are two coffee cup holders in the centre console.

My only gripe here was that the 12v take-off is too close to the handbrake, which meant that when I charged up my mobile phone on the move it was constantly getting tangled up with the handbrake lever.

There are certainly no complaints about the seats, which are best in class. They are big and supportive with plenty of side and lumbar support.

I managed a trip from Peterborough to Devon and back and both myself and my partner emerged at each end with no aches and twinges whatsoever.

In the back, our test model featured a standard full bulkhead, second side door at £225 and a handy torch which unclips from the interior light.

There are also six load-lashing eyes in place of the old four.

The engine fires up quietly and without fuss and on the road, the bulkhead ensures it is whisper quiet in the cab.

With 135bhp on tap there is never any shortage of power and while the official 50.4mpg fuel economy figure is unlikely to be achieved on the open road with a load onboard, a figure in the mid-40s should be possible.

I found the stop-start mechanism a right pain to begin with but I soon got used to the way the engine suddenly cuts out while idling.

A quick dab on the clutch and the Doblo Cargo is soon off again.

It’s a system that’s worth getting used to for the 8% or so fuel savings that will accrue when driving in urban areas.

Verdict

It’s a long time since I’ve been so impressed with a new vehicle.

Fiat’s renewed efforts in fleet should be amply rewarded with this delightful van. Standard ESC, as offered by the Ford Transit Connect, would have made the Doblo invincible in the sector.