Fiat Doblo Panel Van (2024 - ) review

The Doblo is available in two sizes - L1 and L2 - with the overall vehicle lengths standing at 4.4m and 4.75m, respectively. This impact on load volume is modest with the L1 offering up to 3.3 cubic metres and the L2 3.9 cubic metres. Accessibility is good on both trims with the 60/40 asymmetric split doors opening up to 180 degrees and one side door as standard on the offside. Pick the L2, however, and you’ll get a second side door on the driver’s side, which is worth doing. The Primo model I was loaned featured a load-through bulkhead hatch for carrying longer items, which is (again) worth doing for convenience and maximising the space in the vehicle. If you choose the most powerful engine in an L1, you’ll get a payload of just over 1000kg, but the 100PS engine in the L1 will still carry just over 980kg. It’s a practical vehicle at the shorter length no matter which engine you choose, but I’d be tempted to upweight your selection to the L2 to get that second side door.

The interior of the Stellantis small vans is deceptively spacious, although the Fiat Doblo suffers in the same ways as the others with the bench seat option because that drive selector console is going to impose into the legroom of your centre passenger. The bench seat, however, has the fold out shelf in the centre, storage underneath and an armrest - which makes it a functional addition to the vehicle. The multi-function steering wheel is big and covered in controls, but made of the same shiny black plastic as the one I found in the Fiat Scudo, which is slippery to use. Behind the steering wheel is a clear 10-inch digital cluster I found easy to understand. Moving to the left on the dashboard is where the big multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, AM/FM/DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and two USB-C connections sits in the Primo edition, but at entry-level you get a mobile device holder. To the left of that is the glovebox. Below the infotainment system screen is the climate control for the manual air con, two USB-C connections, a small tray for your phone, a 12-volt socket and the drive selector. In the manual version is a nice Stellantis gear stick, in the autos is a toggle switch. Finally, the diesel version I was driving had hard plastic floors to go with all the hard plastics already in there, while electric versions get carpeting - go figure. Of all the Stellantis interiors, this feels to be the most utilitarian choosing function over style.

Running costs won’t vary much when choosing between the 100PS or 130PS 1.5-litre diesel engines offering around 40-50mpg. The Doblo is seen as competitively priced and the efficiency of the engines play a part in that. Acquisition prices are reasonable, starting at just over £20,000, and that can be made even more affordable on finance or on a good lease deal. The upgrade to a Primo trim model equivalent of the one I was loaned will pitch the price slightly closer to £25,000, but is definitely worth it for all the equipment you get.

The Fiat Doblo’s warranty length is 36 months (three years) or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Reliability issues were known on previous generations, but now this van is built on the same platform as the other Stellantis small vans reliability (helped by the availability of parts) is a key selling point.

As a small panel van, the Doblo performs well in terms of loading, unloading and being a workhorse. On my 30-mile test loop of country, town and motorway roads it achieved a decent 48mpg average with a dummy 250kg load in the back, and never felt like it was begging for power. It does what it should, and as one of five small vans that are essentially the same it’s no surprise that so do the rest.

The Primo version of the Doblo I was loaned featured the Stellantis 1.5-litre diesel engine outputting 100PS mated to a six-speed manual gearbox - although the vehicle is available as an automatic with an eight-speed gearbox. The ride was smooth with the high driving position giving excellent visibility and I have little in the way of complaints. At this stage, Stellantis vans still win points for being a decent drive - because they are! There’s little-to-no roll in the corners and it’s about as car-like a drive as you can get in something that looks like a scaled-down medium van.

At the top Primo trim, the Doblo has an impressive array of safety and security systems. The integrated perimetric alarm, remote control central deadlocking and immobiliser is becoming a standard offering on these vans and is a good level of security. Safety systems include Electronic Stability Control, ABS with Hill Start Assist, Flankguard detection auto wipers, hazard warnings, rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, emergency braking, driver attention alerts, rear parking sensors, high beam assist and a full complement of airbags. This spec will match up to any of the other small vans from Stellantis.

Further equipment at the top Primo trim level not mentioned already in this review includes daytime running lights, reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel, cruise control with speed limiter, and the excellent Dynamic Surround View and digital rear-view mirror. Couple that last set of systems with front and rear park assist, the Visiopark 180 system and blind spot detection and your ability to manoeuvre safely is hugely increased. You’ll also get the tyre pressure monitoring system and a tyre inflation kit. It’s why I keep recommending the Primo trim.

This is a simple question to answer. If you’re looking at any of the Stellantis small vans as your next acquisition, compare on price and if the Doblo comes out with the best deal then go for it. You might want to look at the Peugeot Partner’s iCockpit steering wheel and unique digital cluster for a bit of variety, but you’ll find the Doblo offers much of the same practical benefits. I’d recommend the Primo trim to make sure you get all the tech, spec and safety gear. Engine choice will largely come down to wanting to carry a little more weight, and going for the longer version will add that second side door.