The Fiat Doblo’s utilitarian alter ego, the Doblo Cargo, has just been launched in SA and Fiat says it offers “ample performance, versatility and efficiency in a class-leading and affordable new package”.
The drawcard for this model is the amount of room freed up behind the front cab for maximum cargo space, which Fiat says is thanks to its boxy design, and the ease of accessing cargo that comes courtesy of sliding side doors and large rear doors that open beyond 90 degrees.
The ease of accessing the capacious rear cargo area while loading and unloading the Doblo Cargo is a point that Fiat is proud to point out, as the door handles have been designed to accommodate the use of gloves, and the rear door handles in particular, are so light in their operation that Fiat claims it’s possible to open the rear doors with one finger.
Three engines in respective model derivatives will be made available, a 1,4-litre petrol, and two turbodiesel units; a 1,3 Multijet and 1,6 Multijet. The 1,4 produces 70 kW at 6 000 r/min and 127 N.m of torque at 4 500 r/min, and mated with a five-speed manual gearbox should return 7,2 litres/100 km and emit 169 g/km of CO2. The 1,3 Multijet, which also uses a five-speed gearbox, boasts figures of 66 kW and 200 N.m, a 5,2-litre combined cycle consumption figure, and CO2 emissions of 136 g/km.
The 1,6 Multijet is the range-topper as it not only boasts superior power and torque figures (77 kW and 290 N.m), but also features a longer wheelbase that can Fiat claims accommodates for a 1 000 kg payload. The 1,4 and 1,3 Multijet can be upgraded to accommodate 1 000 kg, but has facility for 750 kg as standard. The 1,6 Multijet employs a six-speed manual gearbox to deliver a 5,4 litres/100 km combined fuel consumption figure and CO2 emissions rating of 143 g/km. ABS, EBD and dual front airbags are standard across the range.
The Doblo Cargo’s cabin now includes a larger roof shelf than the previous model, with accommodation in the doors panels for two 500 ml bottles and an A4 folder, while the lockable glovebox can comfortably stow a 14-inch laptop. There are also multiple recesses for oddments storage throughout.
All models in the Doblo range have a standard year/100 000km warranty and a 4 year/60 000km service plan.
Doblo Cargo 1,4: R159 900
Doblo Cargo 1,3: R174 000
Doblo Cargo Maxi 1,6: R202 000 (Available from June 2012)