Fiat has recently launched the new Fiat Doblo and Fiat E-Doblo, the fifth generation of the popular C-VAN model that offers versatility, space, and efficiency for both families and professionals. The new Doblo is available in both passenger and van versions, with a choice of electric, diesel, and petrol engines. The E-Doblo is the first all-electric iteration of the model, and it joins the growing range of Fiat’s electrified vehicles. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features, specifications, and prices of the new Doblo and E-Doblo, and see how they compare to their rivals in the market.
What’s new about the Doblo and E-Doblo?
The new Fiat Doblo and Fiat E-Doblo are based on the same platform as the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Proace City, and Vauxhall Combo, which are among the best-selling small vans in Europe. This means that the new Doblo and E-Doblo benefit from the latest technology and design innovations that these models offer, such as:
- A sleek and modern exterior, with LED headlights, a new grille, and a refreshed logo.
- A spacious and comfortable interior, with a new dashboard, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a multifunction steering wheel.
- A wide range of safety and driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, and emergency braking.
- A high level of modularity and flexibility, with two lengths (4.4 m and 4.75 m), three configurations (VAN, Crew Cab, Combi), and up to seven seats in the passenger version.
- A generous load capacity, with up to 1,000 kg of payload, 4.9 m3 of volume, and space for two Euro pallets in the van version.
- A low environmental impact, with the electric version emitting zero CO2 emissions, and the diesel and petrol versions complying with the Euro 6D Final standards.
The new Doblo and E-Doblo also feature some unique and ingenious solutions that make them stand out from the crowd, such as:
- The Magic Cargo system, which allows the front passenger seat to fold flat and create a load-through space of up to 3.4 m in length, ideal for transporting long items.
- The Magic Mirror system, which replaces the rear-view mirror with a digital display that shows the images from a rear camera, providing a clear and wide view of the road behind, even when the van is fully loaded.
- The Magic Plug system, which enables the electric version to charge at up to 100 kW, reaching 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes, and offering a range of up to 173 miles on a single charge.
How do the Doblo and E-Doblo perform?
The new Doblo and E-Doblo offer a variety of engines to suit different needs and preferences. The electric version, the E-Doblo, is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor that delivers 260 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 11.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 80 mph. It has a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a range of 173 miles according to the WLTP cycle, and can be charged using a standard or a fast charger. The E-Doblo also has three driving modes (Normal, Eco, and Power) and two regenerative braking modes (Standard and Enhanced) that allow the driver to optimize the performance and efficiency of the vehicle.
The diesel version, the Doblo, is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that comes in two power outputs: 100 hp and 130 hp. The 100 hp version is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 130 hp version can be fitted with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel engine delivers 270 Nm of torque, and can achieve a fuel consumption of up to 56.5 mpg and a CO2 emission of 130 g/km. The diesel version also has a stop-start system and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that reduce the environmental impact of the vehicle.
The petrol version, the Doblo, is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine that produces 110 hp and 205 Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, and can reach a top speed of 106 mph. It has a fuel consumption of up to 44.8 mpg and a CO2 emission of 144 g/km. The petrol version is ideal for those who mainly drive in urban areas and cover short distances.
How much do the Doblo and E-Doblo cost?
The new Doblo and E-Doblo are available to order now in the UK, with prices starting from £18,855 for the Doblo VAN and £27,855 for the E-Doblo VAN, excluding VAT and after the Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG). The Doblo Crew Cab starts from £20,355, and the Doblo Combi starts from £21,055, excluding VAT. The passenger version of the E-Doblo, which can seat up to seven people, is not available in the UK.
The new Doblo and E-Doblo come in three trim levels: Base, SX, and Lounge. The Base trim includes:
- Manual air conditioning
- Electric windows and mirrors
- Remote central locking
- Radio with Bluetooth and USB
- Driver’s airbag and ABS
- Hill holder and traction control
The SX trim adds:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rear parking sensors
- Cruise control
- Speed limiter
- Front fog lights
- Side airbags and ESP
The Lounge trim adds:
- LED headlights and daytime running lights
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic climate control
- Heated front seats
- Leather steering wheel and gear knob
- Magic Mirror system
How do the Doblo and E-Doblo compare to their rivals?
The new Fiat Doblo and E-Doblo face strong competition from their sister models, the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Proace City, and Vauxhall Combo, as well as other rivals such as the Ford Transit Connect, the Renault Kangoo, and the Volkswagen Caddy. The new Doblo and E-Doblo have some advantages over their competitors, such as:
- The Magic Cargo system, which offers a longer load-through space than any other van in the segment.
- The Magic Mirror system, which provides a better rear visibility than the conventional mirror or the blind spot camera offered by some rivals.
- The Magic Plug system, which allows a faster charging time than most of the electric vans in the market.
- The availability of a petrol engine, which is rare among the small vans and could appeal to some customers who prefer this fuel type.
However, the new Doblo and Fiat E-Doblo also have some drawbacks compared to their rivals, such as:
- The lack of a passenger version of the E-Doblo in the UK, which limits the choice for those who want an electric family vehicle.
- The lower power output and range of the E-Doblo than some of its electric competitors, such as the Renault Kangoo Z.E. and the Volkswagen ABT e-Caddy.
- The higher price of the Doblo and E-Doblo than some of their sister models, which offer similar features and specifications.
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The new Doblo and E-Doblo are versatile, spacious, and efficient vans that can meet the needs of both families and professionals. They offer a range of engines, including an electric option, and some unique and ingenious features that make them stand out from the crowd. However, they also face strong competition from their sister models and other rivals, which could offer better value, performance, and choice for some customers.
The new Doblo and E-Doblo are worth considering, but they are not the only ones in the market.
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