Fiat is finally replacing the ageing Doblo van with a model derived from the Citroen Berlingo, introducing an all-electric version at the same time.
Currently built on a Fiat-Chrysler platform, the Doblo has been around for 12 years and is long overdue replacement. Parent company Sterllantis is using its van expertise to produce the new Doblo, basing it on the same running gear as the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo.
Available alongside petrol and diesel power, the electric E-Doblo will be the third fully-electric vehicle in Fiat’s product range, continuing its electrification strategy, which will see the Italian brand go fully electric with all new models in Europe by 2024.
All-Electric E-Doblo
Fitted with a 136hp electric motor, the all-electric E-Doblo comes with a 50kWh battery pack which is enough to keep the van running for 173 miles, at least according to official test figures. A top speed of 80mph is enough for motorway use, while the 260Nm of torque means there’s enough grunt to pull the van along even when fully loaded.
A 100kW rapid charge facility will allow the battery to be topped up from empty to 80% (enough for another 138 miles of driving) in around 30 minutes. Get the most out of every charge by learning more about how to pick your ideal charger.
A trio of driving modes - Normal, Eco and Power - allows the driver to adjust the driving dynamics of the van depending on their demands, with the Eco option limiting power and restricting the use of accessories to eke out more range.
For those needing more traditional power, two diesel and one petrol-engined model will be available, with power outputs ranging from 100hp to 130hp, with both six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearboxes available.
Practicality and Payload
At its maximum, the Doblo has a cargo volume of 4.4m3, assuming you opt for the long-wheelbase model with the ‘Magic Cargo’ add-on. This creates an extra 0.5m3 of load cargo volume thanks to a load-through panel hidden in the bulkhead. It also allows long, thin loads of up to 3.4m to squeeze in.
While there’s no loss of load volume for opting for the E-Doblo (where there’s enough room for a pair of Euro pallets), the maximum payload of the van drops when switching to electric power. The Doblo, depending on specification, can accommodate loads weighing up to a tonne, but the E-Doblo loses some of that to its battery pack, limiting capacity to 800kg.
Available with the E-Doblo as an option is the ‘Magic Plug’ which allows users to tap into the electricity stored in the battery. That can then be used to drive items such as cargo fridges, a workbench or power tools, depending on the conversion.
In the cabin, a storage box under the passenger seat can store and hide small or fragile items, while the centre seat can convert to a rotating tray table to provide desk space for completing paperwork or perhaps eating lunch.
A digital rearview mirror offers up three distinct views; of a regular rearview mirror, a complete view of the blind spot area, or a rear parking camera view.
Equipped with 17 active safety and security systems, including traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist and driver attention alert, the new Fiat Doblo and E-Doblo will be available in the UK in two lengths with two different configurations, Van and Crew Cab.
Expect first deliveries before the end of the year.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- Maxus reveals UK's first electric pickup truck
-
Try #VanLife before you buy with a Volkswagen Caddy California
-
Switching to an electric vehicle could save you £1,500 a year - and THIS is how
-
Renault Trucks Trafic Red Edition brings HGV support to LCV comforts
- Confirmed: the most popular driving songs
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car and van deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of van leasing deals..
Read our latest van reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about van leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive van leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest van leasing news.
