Fiat Doblò (preview)

Fiat presents the New Doblò, the only “Active Family Space” in the segment able to satisfy the requirements of the modern, sporty and dynamic family which uses it 7 days a week, on work
days and at the weekend alike, without limits in terms of space and use.  
A thorough overhaul of the exterior and interior design, as seen from the modern and distinctive front end, standing out on which are the new bumpers and streamlined bonnet in harmony with the curve of the roof. New features on the light clusters too, front and rear, which develop harmoniously and elegantly, highlighting the horizontal path of the vehicle’s lines, as well as being positioned high up to protect them from small impacts. 
Seen from the side, the New Doblò is characterised by a line that runs along the whole side, lending dynamism and drive to the vehicle.  A certain flowing quality is instead provided by a continuous section running low down, from the front wheel arch to the rear, passing through the side strip. The extensive glazed surface too makes a great impression, enhanced by convenient sliding doors that make it even easier to settle on board. 

Also making their contribution to the clean style of the side are the door mirrors, with integrated direction indicators. The large mirrors ensure optimum visibility and can, on request, feature electrically controlled folding. Finally, standing out at the side are the 16" alloy wheel rims or the new hub caps, while on the tailgate is a striking “logo holder” band in the same colour as the body, which lightens the overall line. 

Also new are the ergonomic steering wheel and the instrument panel, which is updated with clear, attractive graphics for reading all the information useful to the driver at a glance. In addition, it’s easier to access the buttons for the Start&Stop, ASR and methane fuel supply (where present) systems on the new model. 

This is all enhanced by many practical storage compartments, such as – for example – the front drawer which can hold a 10" tablet or the extremely useful "hood" – a convenient open compartment on the top of the windscreen – which also houses the baby surveillance mirror. In short, there’s a real wealth of smart solutions for using the internal space to meet the needs of those who take the New Doblò and use it as a vehicle for life with family and friends.

The new model boasts one of the widest engine ranges in the segment. All are characterised by qualities of reliability, performance and respect for the environment. The petrol units are the 1.4 95 HP and 1.4 T-JET 120 HP, while the turbodiesels are the 1.6 MultiJet 90 HP (also with Dualogic robotised gearbox), the 1.6 MultiJet 105 HP and the 2.0 MultiJet 135 HP.

The offer is completed by the dual-fuel (petrol/methane) 1.4 T-JET 120 HP Natural Power, which ensures the same performance as the petrol version together with all the financial and environmental benefits offered by methane.

The New Doblò heads up the category in terms of modular internal space, as demonstrated by the front passenger seat that can fold down to a table (optional) and those of the second and third row (in the case of the 7-seat configuration), which can be reclined and folded down easily thanks to the practical and ergonomic movement levers, or even removed completely, thus creating a truly extensive space the entire length of which can be exploited. 

That’s without mentioning the luggage compartment boasting category-leading dimensions: in the short wheelbase version, 790 litres are available (measured up to the parcel shelf), becoming 1,050 litres in the long wheelbase version. If the rear seats are folded down, the volume increases to 3,200 and 4,000 litres respectively: these are record values for the segment. And there’s even more: contributing to the great flexibility of the New Doblò is the possibility of positioning the parcel shelf at several levels (it boasts a record capacity of 70 kg, no less).

The New Doblò is at the top of its class for dynamic performance, handling and driving satisfaction. Among other things, merit for this goes to the Bi-link rear suspension system – an exclusive for the model – which includes independent wheels, anti-roll bar, dual calibration rear shock absorbers (calibrated rebound and compression for the best in terms of handling, comfort, roll and stability) and high-performance springs to provide better damping performance on all roads.

One element which contributes to driving satisfaction is the improved gear lever manoeuvrability. Several technical interventions now have contributed to lowering the required effort and providing greater gear shifting accuracy. Furthermore, the interaction between available torque and pedal operation has been improved, to deliver more torque the action on the pedal being equal: the advantages for the driver are particularly obvious in normal conditions of use at low rpm and in city traffic.

On the infotainment front, the New Doblò offers two content levels according to trim level, both of which are sure to guarantee an exciting musical experience. The first system has an active matrix display, FM/AM radio, USB media player/iPod connection, AUX-IN port, automatically adjusting volume according to speed, Bluetooth technology (without voice recognition) and controls on the steering wheel (the latter optional). 

The New Doblò also comes with the popular Uconnect 5" multimedia system already fitted on many Fiat vehicles. More in detail, the high-tech device is based on a 5" colour touchscreen, one of the largest of the segment, for accessing the main functions, which include analogue and digital radio (the latter optional) and multimedia resources (media player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone) which can be connected by USB port and AUX-IN connector.

In addition, the system includes an advanced Bluetooth interface to access additional functions, such as phone call management or reading received SMS text messages via text-to-speech technology, not to mention the innovative Audio Streaming system to play audio files and web radio stations directly from your smartphone in streaming via Bluetooth on the Uconnect device.

The Uconnect 5" system is completed by controls on the steering wheel and eco:Drive software to help save fuel and cut CO2 emissions. Integrated navigation developed in collaboration with TomTom is also available on demand.

In terms of safety, the New Doblò ensures total passenger protection by fitting state-of-the-art electronic devices for stability control, namely ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ESC complete with ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist) and Hill Holder systems to help on hill starts. Safety equipment includes front airbags (side bags are optional) and tyre pressure monitoring system.  

Travelling in the New Doblò with its airy environment, pleasant surfaces, comfortable wrap-around seats and extensive glazed surface is always a great experience. The raised driving position and the ergonomic control arrangement make the space easy and particularly pleasant to handle. 

The climate inside the passenger compartment is crucial for comfort on the road and is equally important for preventative safety, because temperature, humidity and ventilation all influence the driver's well-being and level of attention as a consequence. This is why the New Doblò fits a climate control system - either automatic or manual according to trim levels - with larger sized, elegantly shaped front vents and direct ventilation in the rear part of the vehicle.

Counting on a quiet passenger compartment for playing music or simply talking is important for stress-free driving. This is why new soundproofing material was used to make the New Doblò to improve the articulation index by 5 per cent in average (measured on diesel engine versions).

Fiat