Fiat’s New-Generation Doblo Bows

HANNOVER, Germany – Fiat Chrysler rolls out its new Fiat Doblo model, built in Turkey and sharing its DNA with the ProMaster City that will be marketed under the Ram brand in North America.

Officially unveiled here at September’s Hannover Commercial Vehicles Show, the new model is the fourth generation of the Doblo and will be offered in four body styles: Cargo, Combi, Truck and Flatbed. It goes on sale in Europe beginning early 2015.

In some markets, the Doblo can be had with 3-person front-row seating. The central seat can be folded for use as an armrest and the foldable outboard seat includes retaining hooks on the back to secure cargo.

The biggest changes to the sheetmetal include the hood, bumpers and roof. Rear doors now open 180 degrees for easier loading, with more than 177 cu.-ft. (5,000 L) of cargo capacity in total. A new bi-link rear suspension improves handling and ride, engineers say.

Two different wheelbases and cabin heights will be available. More than 1,000 possible combinations are possible, the auto maker says. 

Fiat insiders assure the new Doblo will be a key piece in the global sales growth of FCA in the LCV sector, as the vehicle is marketed in 80 different countries. More than 1 million Doblos have been sold since the model bowed in 2000.

Six turbodiesels will be offered, ranging from the 1.3L MultiJet II (either 75 or 90 hp), 1.6L MultiJet II (100 and 105 hp), 90-hp 1.6L MultiJet II with robotized gearbox and 135-hp 2.0L MultiJet II.

Gasoline engines include a 95-hp naturally aspirated 1.4L, 120-hp 1.4L TurboJet and 120-hp 1.4L TurboJet with dual-fuel capability (compressed natural gas).

All the diesel engines are compliant with Euro 5+ standards, while gasoline engines meet Euro 6 emission limits.

The 1.3L and 1.6L Multijet II diesels are available in EcoJet versions that include a stop/start system, low-rolling-resistance tires, low-viscosity oil, a smart alternator, variable-displacement oil pump and aerodynamic package to help improve fuel efficiency to 53 mpg (4.4 L/100 km) and carbon-dioxide levels to 115 g/km.

Standard equipment includes ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, hydraulic brake assist and hill-holder capability.