Fiat announces new Doblo

The 2011 Fiat Doblo, which is expected to eventually be exported to the United States in commercial vehicle form, has been announced. The small van is designed to carry up to seven people.

The original Doblo had sales of nearly one million; the new one has been thoroughly re-engineered on a new platform with a standard 108 inch wheelbase.

Minivan models have fold and flip seats, with numerous storage compartments. Both interior and exterior have been reworked. The EuroDoblo will have four engines: a 95 bhp gasoline (petrol) and three low-noise diesels with 90 to 135 hp. A Natural Power dual fuel (gas and methane) is to be added along with another Dualogic diesel. Start & Stop is optional; it shuts down the engine while standing idle.

The rear suspension is bi-link, calibrated for each model. Stability control, ABS with electronic brake distribution, and a hill-holder are standard.

Doblo Cargo has a squarish cargo bay, with sliding side doors and a large rear hatch. It has an inner length up to 2.2 meters [a meter is three inches just longer than a yard], width between wheel arches of 1.23 meters, and volume from 3.4 to 4.2 cubic meters (120-148 cubic feet). Combined gas mileage is around 4.8 liters / 100 km with the smallest diesel – around 49 mpg but that engine is unlikely to be used in North America. The range includes short and long wheelbase vans with high roof versions.