Car Test
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R0230 | |
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See also
R0213
April 2002 |
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| Fiat Doblo | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model 1.9JTD ELX | |
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THE MPV'S TIME HAS COME. THERE'S BEEN big sales growth in the multi-purpose vehicle market-segment over the last year or so and the choice has proliferated. However, such vehicles tend to be costlier to buy and to run than an equivalent hatch or estate, so Citroën, then Renault and now Fiat have augmented their offerings with cheaper, van-based conversions, at much keener prices.
Of course, the Doblo isn't a fully fledged MPV like the Multipla - more a (very) tall estate car, with non-removable seats. However, in this top-end ELX diesel, you get standard features that aren't offered on a lower-range Multipla that's £3300 more expensive. If you scan our report on the 1.2SX we said "try to buy your Doblo cheaply," but acquaintance with this new turbo-diesel is giving us second thoughts. Not that it's particularly frugal or fast - other Fiats with this JTD have been a disappointment, too. Nevertheless, it gives this remarkably spacious people (or load) carrier the pulling power it needs. It also has the virtue of smoothness as it goes about its task. There's just a trace of vibrancy around 1500rpm, but apart from that, it's got more puff than the plucky 1.2 and is almost as subdued, thanks to its much taller gearing. There are some important additions that the ELX version offers, as well; the most significant are a split back seat and a tailgate - though both are low-cost options for the SX. One irritation with this seat is that you can't fold the larger section forward by itself, for some reason to do with anti-tip safety, apparently. A certain sparseness of appearance inside, due to large areas of painted metal on view, is actually deceptive because the quality of the seating and facia is very good. the plastic on the door treads and side trims can scuff too easily, though, and the tool satchel is just strapped to the floor. Generous seat adjustment and headroom make the Doblo a serious proposition for the very tall and the disabled driver alike - lumbar support is almost therapeutic. Details like the full-width oddments shelf above the windscreen and those deep door mirrors are van features that we love; the low cost rear parking sensors make manoeuvring the Doblo much easier than you would think at first glance. |
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