Fiat Doblò Cargo, Doblò Panorama make Malta debut

UCIM Co Ltd last week launched the new light commercial vehicle from Fiat, the New Doblò Panorama and New Doblò Cargo, the Commercial Vehicle of the Year for 2006.

The true success of a car or commercial vehicle can only be measured in terms of time. The Doblò, a case in point, has gained 460,000 European customers since it first went on sale five years ago.

More specifically, sales of the Doblò car version amounted to approximately 150,000 units in Europe. The model, launched at the end of 2000 into a fast-growing niche segment, won great popularity due to its outstanding product features and the best passenger room standards in its category. During subsequent years, the same winning features allowed the vehicle to maintain good market shares.

The New Doblò is better looking, more functional and more packed with features. Now with revised styling, the new model confirms itself as an original vehicle with two souls: car on one hand, light commercial vehicle on the other.

Both versions share a new design that gives the model greater freshness and style, plus slightly increased dimensions: it is now 425 cm in length, 172 in width and 181 in height.

The New Doblò Cargo offers a fresh design in line with the most up-to-date aesthetic canons. Its style is spare but able to convey a sensation of sturdiness and protective solidity. A design that emphasises function without ever giving up its distinctive shape that weds elegance and pronounced personality, as borne out by the imposing yet well-balanced front end that features up-to-date dual barrel headlights and a large central 'V' motif that drops from the bonnet to the bumpers.

Other new features include the bumpers and tail-lights (with two-tone clear glass) and attractive side strips that are now broader and more protective. Inside, the model displays linear and practical styling featuring new colours, fabrics and seats, dashboard and door panel design. Payload has also been increased on the standard version of the Cargo from 625kg to 730kg.

In addition to its new styling, the New Doblò Cargo features an extensive range of engines, all to Euro 4 standards: the lively 105 bhp 1.9 Multijet and the 75 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet, the smallest and most advanced of the second-generation Common Rail direct injection diesel engine. These innovative power units are complemented on the New Doblò Cargo by a brand new petrol engine (the 77 bhp 1.4 Fire 8 valve equipped with new high swirl combustion chamber associated with continuous variable valve timing controlled by the ecu).

The New Doblò is also a byword for safety: preventive, active and passive. Full control under all road conditions is assured by ease of driving and category-topping road-holding. As far as passive safety is concerned, it can offer two front airbags and two side bags while active safety is assured by an ABS as standard complete with EBD.

The New Doblò Cargo and Doblò Panorama can be viewed at the Fiat Showroom, Psaila Street Birkirkara (tel. 2382-2510).