Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat Doblo 1.3 Multijet Family

There's no such thing as a glamorous van. They might be practical, versatile and frugal, but your average commercial vehicle lacks the visual appeal that family car buyers want.

With smarter styling and an invigorated engine range, Fiat's Doblo has become a capable family car. There is no cheaper way to carry seven, and the cabin feels durable and well built. The only question mark is over image. If you can swallow your pride - and live with so-so refinement - it's hard to find better-value family transport.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There's no such thing as a glamorous van. They might be practical, versatile and frugal, but your average commercial vehicle lacks the visual appeal that family car buyers want.

In an attempt to make its Doblo easier on the eye, Fiat has given the slab-sided people carrier a facelift. But has it done enough to swap the van-man status for a more family friendly face?

The changes focus on the front end, where the previous pinched nose and black plastic overload have been rep-laced by a neater SUV-style-look - not unlike its Citroen Berlingo Multispace rival's. Smart lamps and body-coloured plastics give a classier feel, while alterations to the side mouldings and rear lights complete the makeover.

Inside, the dash design remains the same, but it is now made from two-tone plastics. Helping to banish the budget feel, there is no metal exposed on the door panels, and the electric window switches are easier to reach. There are still exposed screw-heads and hard trims, but the cabin is at least rattle-free. It offers masses of space, too, with the largest boot in its class. The unique Family model driven here is the UK's cheapest seven-seater, and will accommodate adults in every chair in comfort. Sliding doors add to the practicality.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Kona

2023 Hyundai

Kona

18,271 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,300
View Kona
Tiguan

2023 Volkswagen

Tiguan

48,560 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,600
View Tiguan
A-Class

2021 Mercedes

A-Class

32,462 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £18,300
View A-Class
X3

2021 BMW

X3

20,675 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £29,990
View X3

The upright windows and angled steering wheel make for a commanding driving position, and visibility is superb. All engines are now Euro-IV compliant, and the diesel range - which takes 90 per cent of sales - has been expanded. The 105bhp 1.9-litre unit features Multijet injection, while there's a more powerful version with 120bhp. The 1.3-litre Multi-jet has also been reworked to produce 85bhp. Mean-while, a 77bhp 1.4-litre petrol motor replaces the old 1.2.

It's the smooth, free-revving and surprisingly swift 1.3-litre Multijet that impresses most. Both 1.9 units have an obvious diesel engine note, but all are more refined than you'd expect. Interestingly, all oil-burners share the same 200Nm torque figure, which can lead to wheelspin as the front wheels struggle for grip. Whichever machine you choose, a slick dash-mounted gearlever controls the five-speed box.

On the road, the Doblo is amazingly wieldy, with taut suspension and crisp, fast steering. Body roll is inevitable given its height, but it remains composed unless pushed too hard when cornering. The pay-off is a tight ride that can become bouncy at speed. Add to this excessive wind noise at motorway speeds, and refinement is poor. Prices for the revised line-up have yet to be announced, but insiders suggest there'll be a slight increase. Add around £200 across the range, and the base 1.2 will weigh in at around £9,295. Yet the pick of the range is undoubtedly the 1.3-litre Multijet Family, which will cost just under £10,800.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025