Doblò is Van of the Year

The original Fiat Doblò was notable for its ‘challenging’ looks, but that didn’t stop it winning the International Van of the Year award back in 2006. Now the same feat has been repeated by its successor, the recently launched all-new Doblò, which certainly seems to have had a bit more attention paid to its visual appeal.

The decision to give the 2011 International Van of the Year title to the Doblò was made by a jury of 24 journalists, all from commercial vehicle publications in different countries. It achieved 128 points out of a possible 168, with the judges citing the wide range of body types and engine choices as particularly praiseworthy.

Available in either Cargo panel van or Combi five-seater versions, both can be specified in either standard or Maxi long wheelbase configuration. There’s also a chassis cab in the Doblò range for third-party bodybuilders to adapt.

Engine choice comprises a 93 bhp (70 kW / 95 PS) 1.4 litre petrol, together with three MultiJet diesels. These have capacities of 1.3 litres (88 bhp / 66 kW / 90 PS), 1.6 litres (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS) or 2.0 litres (133 bhp / 99 kW / 135 PS), and all better 50 mpg (5.6 l/100km) on the combined cycle.

Pricing in the UK starts at £11,305 (excluding VAT) for the Doblò Cargo 1.4 16v Petrol, and rises to £17,115 for the Doblò Combi Maxi Active 2.0 MultiJet 16v.