Fiat Doblo Cargo (10 on) - Review

The Doblo Cargo is one of the best small vans around. Despite being a similar size to alternatives like the Citroen Berlingo and Ford Transit Connect, the standard Doblo Cargo provides more room when it comes to carrying loads. It's a considerable improvement on the previous model and there are six different body styles available including short and long wheelbases, and even a Combi version for carrying passengers and goods. On the move it's comfortable and good to drive too while the interior is both well finished and robust.

The interior is well finished but durable at the same time. The raised driving position means that visibility is good and the seats are supportive enough to make long journeys comfortable. The overhead storage is useful and quite large, but not the easiest to access. Elsewhere in the cabin the front door pockets can store a half-litre bottle of water and an A4-sized folder with the lockable glovebox big enough to take a 14-inch laptop computer. There is also a storage tray under the front passenger seat with a flip-up compartment in the seat base available on SX models. There are other small storage spaces such as cupholders and places for spare change, but these seem small and inadequate.

There is a choice of one petrol and three MultiJet diesel engines in the range. The entry level 1.4-litre petrol with 95bhp feels lacklustre and hard work so it's no surprise the diesels are far more common. The 1.3-litre MultiJet delivers 90bhp and returns an impressive 59mpg with CO2 emissions of just 126g/km. These two smaller engines get a five-speed gearbox. The 1.6-litre MultiJet with 105bhp provides excellent pulling power even with a heavy load in the back, while the 2.0-litre MultiJet with 135bhp comes with respectable CO2 figures of 148g/km and economy of 50mpg. These both have a six-speed gearbox. All the engines can be specified as Euro 5 emissions compliant thanks to a diesel particulate filter along with an engine start/stop system. Standard on the 2.0 MultiJet, this cuts the engine when the car is stationary (you have to be in neutral with your foot off the clutch) and restarts it again when you're ready to move off. A sophisticated suspension set-up means the Doblo Cargo can deal with heavy loads without compromising the ride and handling - there is some body roll but the ride is fairly smooth. The cabin is well insulated too with little wind noise while engine noise is only a slight issue at high speeds.