The Doblo was awarded a three-star rating for adult occupant safety by Euro NCAP, which is low compared to alternatives like the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo – both of which have four stars. Early cars only had ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution as an optional extra, although it is standard on seven-seat Family models.

The rear sliding doors mean getting in and out is easy, especially in narrow spaces or multi-storey car parks, and they’re light and easy to slid too. Bear in mind that if you want a car with seven seats you’ll have to get a Family model, introduced in April 2004. Models with five-seats get a large luggage area that, thanks to the high opening tailgate, is easy to access with a huge square opening.

Unfortunately seven-seaters have practically no boot space, but the rear bench does fold down (you have to remove the headrests first) and it simply flips up. There’s no clever fold flat system but it is effective and quick.