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FIAT recently introduced the latest generation of its best selling Doblo Cargo light commercial vehicle. The changes to the Doblo Cargo so impressed judges at the European Road Transport Show in Amsterdam, that it was awarded the coveted accolade of being Van of the Year 2006. So what makes the new Doblo Cargo not just a worthy successor to its previous generation, but a practical and attractive package in the highly competitive light commercial market?

Firstly, it has been completely restyled to match looks with practicality.

A new front grille and bumper design gives the Doblo a more smooth and refined appearance, something which designers have successfully applied throughout both the exterior and the interior.

At the rear, there are new light clusters whilst additional protective strips have been added on the sides to improve practicality.

The load area remains easily accessible with split rear doors and an optional sliding door on the side. The load compartment itself provides 3.2 cubic metres of available space, and is wide enough to amply fit an international size pallet.

The load space has been designed to take as many types of cargo as possible and with a height of 1305mm, you will be hard pressed to find many loads that will not fit in easily.

The interior of the Doblo Cargo is where much of the attention has been placed. New fabrics and colour schemes combine with enhanced practicality, such as the placement of the gear lever on the centre console to provide more versatility in the cabin.

In addition, a shelf has been included above the windscreen, which will hold documents, maps and other items away from prying eyes.

The interior now has a more car like appeal, and combined with such items as drivers airbag and larger glass area, it integrates safety with style.

Only one model is currently available in South Africa, powered by the award winning 1.3 litre 16V Multijet diesel engine.

Fiat claim that this second generation Common Rail direct injection diesel engine is the most advanced of its kind and it certainly proved to a capable unit.

With 55kW on tap at 4000rpm and 190Nm of torque at just 1750rpm, carrying your precious cargo around should be a breeze.

Of course with a powerplant such as the Multijet diesel, the returns in terms of fuel economy should also be a bonus, and the Doblo Cargo should give you a combined fuel consumption of around 5.4 litres/100km.

A recent drive saw us take the vehicle around the outskirts of Gauteng, where doubtless the usual drop in power detracted slightly from the abilities of the Doblo Cargo.

On some of the areas less suspension friendly roads this light commercial unsurprisingly suffered from a light rear end, something common to most bakkies and vans when not carrying a load.

Cruised effortlessly
However, it cruised effortlessly most of the time, although expect to have to change down for some of the steeper hills where some of its larger diesel engine competitors will have the edge.

The seats were comfortable and the driving position lends itself well to long distances, where the passenger car feel and ride of the Fiat will bring it into its own. Priced at just R129 900 in basic trim, the Fiat Doblo Cargo represents excellent value for money in its sector.

The combination of modern styling, practicality, and great economy certainly makes this latest generation an ideal proposition for the small business, or in fact for anyone who needs an affordable commercial transport vehicle.

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