18-10-2005
On 13 October, during the European Road Transport Show 2005 in Amsterdam, the New Doblò Cargo was voted Van of the Year 2006. The prestigious title, awarded by an international jury, rewards the numerous significant new features on this Fiat light commercial vehicle: revised style, new Multijet diesel engines, increased payload and brand new Long Wheelbase versions.
Heir to a winning model (more than 310.000 units have been sold since 2001), the New Doblò Cargo could not have had a better debut and is confirmed as the ideal vehicle for those who use their vehicle mainly for work: small businessmen, tradesmen, maintenance staff, travelling salesmen, representatives, service companies, express couriers. Such customers are particularly demanding and spend many hours of the day on board their vehicles: in town traffic with frequent stops and starts
to load and unload goods and also fast intercity trips. They are the ideal customers of the New Doblò Cargo, a vehicle that stands out in its category for its load capacity, high productivity and category topping payload. The model also ensures outstanding cab comfort, an excellent level of internal economics plus low fuel consumption and low running costs to above all its Multijet engines. Last, but not least, the New Doblò Cargo inherits all the attributes of the previous model:
ease of driving, roadholding and safety (preventive, active and passive).
In addition to its new styling, the New Doblò Cargo features an extensive range of engines, all to Euro 4 standards: the lively 105 bhp 1.9 Multijet and the 75 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet, the smallest and most advanced of the second-generation Common Rail direct injection diesel engine. These innovative power units are complemented on the New Doblò Cargo by a brand new petrol engine (the 77 bhp 1.4 Fire 8 valve equipped with new high swirl combustion chamber associated with continuous variable valve timing controlled by the control unit); and confirms the 1.6 Natural Power version (dual fuel petrol and methane) with cylinders located outside under the floor, a solution that does not detract from the load compartment. After the launch, a further two Multijet engines will be available with variable geometry turbocharger already present on the New Doblò: the 85 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet and the 120 bhp 1.9 8v Multijet, both equipped with a particulate trap (DPF).
Another important addition to the New Doblò Cargo range is the Long Wheelbase Van versions, known commercially as ‘MAXI’ versions. This is the best demonstration of the model’s versatility and its extraordinary flexibility for conversion by external bodyshops and conversion firms. Compared to the Short Wheelbase van, the new Maxi version offers 38 cm more total length and internal load compartment length. It should be emphasised that the MAXI versions have been obtained by lengthening the vehicle wheelbase and not by simply extending the rear overhang. This solution is certainly more demanding from an engineering viewpoint but offers major benefits to the customer: it ensures outstanding load distribution over the axles, greatest ability and thus improved dynamic performance in addition to a more balanced external style.
Available with 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet, 105 bhp 1.9 Multijet and 77 bhp 1.4 power units, the new versions allow the model to gain a place at the top of its category for load compartment lengths (2060 mm), volume (4.0 m 3) and payload (850 kg with the driver), ideal solutions when you need to carry long, bulky items. The Cargo’s other typical measures are also excellent: width of 120 cm between wheelarches, load compartment height of 130 cm and ground clearance of 53 centimetres.
We also have important news about the load-carrying capacity of the New Doblò Cargo Short Wheelbase: the payload (including the driver) has been increased from 625 to 730 kg on standard versions and from 805 to 850 kg on higher payload versions. This product feature is important for those who work with their vehicles and has been achieved on standard versions through the adoption of 15” wheels (185/65 R15) combined with an optimum suspension and braking system. Higher payload versions are fitted with 14” wheels with a higher load index that allows the payload to be increased by 45 kilograms.
All in all, the New Doblò Cargo is the ideal workmate for particularly demanding customers who spend many hours of the day on board: in town traffic with frequent stops and starts to load and unload goods and also fast intercity trips. They expect the New Doblò Cargo to offer them roominess, economic running costs plus ease of loading and driving combined with convenience and comfort. The needs of such customers have been met by a very diverse range created by combining different
body solutions, 4 specifications, 4 engines, 12 exterior colours and a wide choice of options and accessories.
Text and photos courtesy of Fiat Auto
