Fiat Doblo review (2010-2019)
The Fiat Doblo is a medium-sized people carrier that can seat up to seven. Its van-based origins mean it was a bargain among other MPVs when new, and it’s an absolute steal as a used car, with a choice of engines– but its biggest asset is its huge boot. Check out our in-depth Fiat Doblo review.
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Pros
- Practical and spacious
- Economical for a van
- Newer models have decent tech
Cons
- Uninspiring design
- Older models are pretty basic
Interior
Our rating: 4/10
The Doblo’s commercial origins mean you won’t find much in the way of soft-touch materials on the dashboard or doors, but everything’s well-assembled and has a utilitarian feel to it.
Tech and features
There’s no infotainment screen to speak of in most older models, but the dash is dominated by the FM/AM radio/CD player, which is flanked by air vents.
Most versions have air-con and some have climate control.
Doblo equipment is fairly basic on Pop trim, with electric front windows.
Easy models let you operate the radio from the steering wheels and Lounge trim adds cruise control and electric rear windows (although the rear-most windows for the sixth and seventh passengers pop open rather than wind down).
This trim also adds Bluetooth via Fiat’s Blue&Me tech.
Performance
Our rating: 5/10
Engines and power
The Fiat Doblo engine range comprises a 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3 and 1.6-litre Multijet diesel engines.
Both diesels have more shove than the petrol, especially if you regularly carry lots of passengers and cargo.
Even with just a driver on board, the petrol engine takes a while to get up to speed, especially on the motorway, but the diesels are fine for all roads.
Handling and ride comfort
The Doblo has a fairly tall body, which means it leans more than a Skoda Yeti when you’re on a roundabout but the Fiat’s suspension does a good job of dealing with ragged surfaces.
The light steering makes life easier in town, especially when you’re parking, and the manual gearbox is nice to use.
Practicality
Our rating: 9/10
Rear seats
The Doblo’s interior is one of its best features, with absolutely masses of headroom for everyone and their top hats.
Standard Doblos have five seats and those that were specced with the Family Pack when new get an extra pair in the boot – and legroom in all of them is fine for average-sized adults.
On most MPVs with seven seats the rear-most pair fold flat into the floor when not needed, to boost luggage space, but the Doblo’s don’t. They can be removed, though, and stored in a utility room or dry garage.
Storage solutions
As you’d expect, practicality is another Doblo highlight; there’s a range of cubby holes, a glovebox with a shelf above, cup holders for your favourite iced or hot drink and decent door bins front and rear for those all-important road-trip snacks.
Boot space
The boot in models with five seats is huge, with space for several full-sized suitcases to be stacked on top of one another.
The rear seats fold to create, appropriately enough, van-like space, and with them in use a variable-height load cover keeps cargo out of sight.
The boot lid is also huge, opening wide to reveal a large opening.
Running costs
Our rating: 6/10
Fuel economy
The Fiat Doblo’s fuel economy has been measured using the old-style consumption test, but in the real world the 1.4 petrol is likely to return around 30mpg on average.
Both diesels should be able to achieve economy in the 40s.
The verdict
Interior
4/10
Performance
5/10
Practicality
9/10
Running costs
6/10
We love the Doblo’s practical, no-nonsense interior.
Those sliding rear doors make access much easier for the less mobile and mean it’s more comfortable when you’re leaning in to fit child seats.
The boot is also absolutely huge, even with five occupants on board, which makes the Doblo ideal for families on a tight budget
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