Fiat Doblo 2010
Fiat, one of the biggest names in the car manufacturing business have just gotten bigger and are now preparing for an invasion of America. Since acquiring a controlling stake in “Chrysler”, Fiat plan to release a selection of their European line-up abroad, along with cutting down a few of the less popular Chrysler models. How will Fiat stack up against their more established rivals in the USA? Let’s take a look at the current Fiat line up and see which cars could make an impact across the Atlantic.The Fiat Doblo, much like the Qubo will be competing against the Ford Transit Connect as a vehicle for small business owners or workers in the trade such as plumbers, electricians and roofers. The Doblo, unlike the Qubo, is classed as a van or leisure activity vehicle and looks far more the part than the Qubo. With the release of the new Multi jet and Multi air engines, Fiat’s line up is now far more economic and fuel efficient which gives the vehicles a slight edge on their competitors due to money saved.The Doblo is not a car that will turn any heads. However, it looks smart enough and one gets the impression, by looking at it, that it will do its jobs with no problems. There are some nice touches to the design such as the large glass rear window and the very smart headlamps.The interior is much like the exterior in the way that it is nothing special. It is smart and it is spacious and comfortable and perhaps this is more important in this type of vehicle than design and panache. Due to its size, the Doblo should be able to carry a fair amount, and with adjustable seats, the adaptability of this vehicle becomes apparent. The Doblo also doubles up as a people carrier, and is a great choice for those large families who want to lower their outgoings.Under the bonnet of the Doblo sits a 1.4 litre, 16v engine capable of around 95bhp and a top speed of 100mph. There are options for larger engines such as a 1.6 or even a 2 litre, 16 v, Multi Jet engine that can produce around 135bhp and reach a top speed of 110mph. These engines are designed to do their job and nothing more, all in an effort to conserve fuel, be more efficient and be “greener”.The safety features, like in most cars these days, are of the highest standard. ABS brakes are standard as are a while host of other elements such as airbags. The quality of the build is apparent all round from the sturdy structure of the Doblo to the hard wearing materials on the seats.The price of the Doblo is also good news for any potential buyers. Starting at around 12,000 pounds, one can get the basic Doblo with the 1.4 litre engine. It will cost another 5,000 pounds for the 2.0 litre Doblo but the latter does offer another 10 miles to the gallon in fuel consumption as well as lower C02 emissions.The Doblo is a great all purpose vehicle, suitable for large families and small business owners alike. There is a lot of room inside and a level of comfort rarely seen in such practical vehicles. Whilst the Doblo is hardly exciting, it does its job admirably and does it for a reasonable price. The fuel efficiency is fantastic for such a large vehicle and the drive is perfectly pleasant. Look for this car to be just as successful, when it is released in America, as it has been in Europe.
