Fiat Doblo (2010 - 2019) 1.6 16v Multijet (105bhp) Eleganza (DPF) 5d (2010/10) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm open to verbal abuse. Seriously, you need to be thick skinned to have one of these.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

It attracts abuse like Piers Morgan on twitter, yet oddly enough people seem pleasantly surprised once they've had a ride in it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, I cannot stand the engine in this vehicle. The facelifted version claims to have increased low down torque by 40%, enough said.

What are you likely to buy next?

Fiat Doblo 2.0 multijet van. Remap this to 160bhp, fit some larger alloy wheels and it would be a fantastic companion on a cross country journey whilst still doing 45mpg and carrying all my junk.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,000

When did you buy the car?

August 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes and No, the car was at the bottom of the guide price range at the time, however it has had a bump in a past life which I knew at the time, so maybe should have been cheaper.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I ride bikes, and having a car which can take one without removing components is ideal.

What was the dealer like?

Let me get on with looking over the car, wasn't too pushy either.

What's it like to drive?

Pleasingly meaty steering feel, decent gearchange, good grip for the tyre size. The engine is pretty dire around town, with too little low down torque but okay once on faster roads.

What's it like to park?

Easy, the extremes of the vehicle are easily visible and the big wing mirrors are helpful. Parking sensors are a big bonus too.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The temperature sensor played up for a bit but has since gone right, otherwise nothing.

What's most practical about your car?

With two of the rear seats folded, I can get two full size mountainbikes in the back without removing anything from them. The convenience and security this offers would only be bettered by a true van.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I'm still yet to see a variant which looks more asthetically pleasing than mine. Or should that be less offensive ?