Test drive Fiat Doblo: the same coin
Fiat is now going through hard times in Russia, but the Italian brand has a model that can compete with the leaders in the cargo and passenger segment.
Fiat cars - one of the world's oldest car manufacturers - were among the first cars to appear on the roads of the Russian Empire. In addition to the usual "civilian" vehicles, with the outbreak of the First World War, the Russian army began to massively purchase from Italy light cargo platforms for armored vehicles, such as the Fiat-Izhora. In the mid-1960s, the rapprochement of the communist parties of the USSR and Italy led to the organization of a domestic auto giant, which owes its existence entirely to Fiat.
Today the situation is different, and modern "Fiats" in Russia have become a huge rarity. It seems that with great success one can accidentally find a "penny" from the times of Nicholas II in the compartment for the return of the Troika card balance replenishment device than meet a brand new Fiat in the neighborhood in the stream. More than 100 years after the appearance of the first Fiats, the current line of the Italian brand in Russia is again represented mainly by utility vehicles: a Fullback pickup truck, large vans and Ducato minivans, as well as Doblo heels.
In the latter, by the way, the stress in the name falls on the last syllable, which is unambiguously hinted at by a small check mark above the second "o" in the name. The fact is that, according to the old tradition, the names of many Fiat Professional cars correspond to the names of ancient Spanish coins: Ducato, Talento, Scudo, Fiorino and, finally, Doblo.
The Fiat Doblo is not as old as the money it is named after, but by automotive standards, it is already a model with a pedigree. This year, Doblo celebrates its 20th anniversary - since the start of production in 2000, the car has managed to change two generations and go through as many profound updates. The current "heel", the production of which has been established at the Tofas plant in Turkey, reached Russia only two years ago, having come to us far from the best times.
Let's look at the numbers: in the past year, less than 4 thousand cars were sold in the “heels” segment in Russia, which is almost 20% less. than a year earlier. It just so happened that in the market where sedans and crossovers rule, there is no room left for small utility vehicles, in the luggage compartment of which, if desired, you can fit, it seems, the entire Vatican with San Marino to boot.
Still, Fiat prides itself on more than doubling Doblo sales in one year in a declining segment, but we're still talking about two hundred copies. And the point is not only in the competitive price, which makes it possible to compete with the leaders of the Renault Dokker and Volkswagen Caddy segment.
The appearance of the Fiat Doblo can hardly be called the most expressive in its class - stylistically, the rather faded “Italian” with an angular high body, small wheels and vertical handles is inferior to the smart Dokker and the neat German Caddy. Even the huge family emblem of FIAT, made in retro style, does not save. External gloom also penetrates into the interior with its cheap plastic both in appearance and in the touch, as well as simple controls for on-board systems and multimedia.
But when it comes to handling, equipment and practicality, the Doblo is much closer to a traditional passenger car than most of its competitors. For example, the Fiat Doblo, in contrast to the sprung Caddy and the Docker with a semi-independent sprung beam, is equipped with a modern fully independent rear suspension Bi-Link. A multi-link system with separate rods allows even a heavily loaded car to behave confidently on the road and much more responsive to the steering wheel compared to other "heels".
Depending on the market, Fiat Doblo is available with a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, but there are no heavy fuel units for Russia yet. The choice is limited to a naturally aspirated 1,4 95 hp engine. with., paired with a five-speed manual transmission. True, there was no such version on the test, but it can be assumed that the uncomplicated 95-horsepower aspirated engine accelerates the car with the zeal of an Italian who was forced to work on Friday siesta.
As an alternative, a faster turbo engine of the same volume is available, developing 120 liters. with. and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration to "hundreds" of an empty car in 12,4 seconds may not be impressive, but with such a workhorse, sprint skills fade into the background. Moreover, the perfectly tuned clutch pedal, precise "knob" and up to 80% of the peak torque available already at 1600 rpm make this unit extremely easy to use.
Large doors and an upright driving position make it extremely easy to get on and off. At the same time, the high pedestal and front seats with low lateral support do not contribute to increased comfort, especially during long journeys. Huge windows provide excellent visibility, which, however, is hindered by massive body pillars, which can become a serious problem when driving through intersections and reversing.
In Russia, Fiat Doblo is offered in two main modifications - passenger Panorama and cargo Cargo Maxi. The first one can take on board up to five people, and the remaining 790 liters of free space are reserved for loads weighing up to 425 kilograms. If you drop off the passengers of the second row and fold the rear seats, then the volume of the luggage compartment will grow to an incredible 3200 liters and will allow you to pile up the car with things right up to the ceiling. You can organize your luggage using a special multi-level removable shelf that can withstand up to 70 kilograms.
The Cargo is only available in the Maxi long wheelbase version with a 2,3 m long cargo compartment and a volume of 4200 liters (4600 liters with the passenger seat folded down), which is the best in the class. The platform itself has an almost perfect rectangular shape, which allows you to put together a durable puzzle of items packed in boxes, crates or pallets in the body.
The Cargo is only available in the Maxi long wheelbase version with a 2,3 m long cargo compartment and a volume of 4200 liters (4600 liters with the passenger seat folded down), which is the best in the class. The platform itself has an almost perfect rectangular shape, which allows you to put together a durable puzzle of items packed in boxes, crates or pallets in the body.
For various little things, all kinds of pockets, niches and compartments are provided, hidden in the front panel and doors. In addition, the vehicle can be individually equipped with optional accessories from Mopar, which offers containers of various sizes, loading rollers, holders, ladders, tow hooks, extra batteries, lights and other equipment.
At a cost, Fiat Doblo is exactly between Renault Dokker (from $ 11 854) and Volkswagen Caddy (from $ 21 369). Prices for the passenger version of Panorama start at $ 16 for a car with a 282-horsepower engine, and the "heel" with a top-end 95 hp turbo engine. with. will cost at least $ 120. The Doblo Cargo Maxi, which is equipped only with a basic atmospheric unit, was estimated at $ 17. However, retrofitting and customizing a car for a particular type of business will cost an extra pretty penny.
| Body type | Universal | Universal |
| dimensions (length, width, height), mm | 4756/1832/1880 | 4406/1832/1845 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 3105 | 2755 |
| Cargo space, l | 4200 – 4600 Feet | 790 – 3200 Feet |
| Curb weight, kg | 1315 | 1370 |
| engine's type | Gasoline R4 | Gasoline R4 |
| Working volume, cubic meters cm | 1368 | 1368 |
| Max. power, l. with. (at rpm) | 96/6000 | 120/5000 |
| Max. cool. moment, Nm (at rpm) | 127/4500 | 206/2000 |
| Drive type, transmission | 5-st. MCP, front | 6-st. MCP, front |
| Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h, s | 15,4 | 12,4 |
| Max. speed km / h | 161 | 172 |
| Fuel consumption (mixed cycle), l per 100 km | 7,5 | 7,2 |
| Price from, $. | 16 557 | 17 592 |
