Light commercial vans are fast gaining acceptance in South Africa as a very viable alternative to the traditional bakkie with canopy. Security, loadability and more car-like road manners are contributing to the ever-increasing popularity of this type of vehicle.

Capitalising on this mini panel van phenomenon, Fiat is pleased to announce that its recently refreshed Doblò in groundbreaking 1.3 MultiJet diesel guise is now joined by a new 1.4-litre petrol version.  Sharing the same practical and aesthetic features that made it the International Van of the Year for 2006, the new Doblò Cargo 1.4 confirms itself as an original vehicle with two souls: car on one hand, light commercial vehicle on the other. What’s more, the Fiat Doblò Cargo 1.4 carries a recommended price tag of just R113 900 (incl VAT) making it the most affordable B-segment panel van in South Africa.

Like the 1.3 Multijet engined Doblò, the 1.4 model has an all new nose featuring 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; there is a 730 kg payload for the new 1.4 (the 1.3 MultiJet’s payload is 850 kg); it has 15” wheels (185/65 R15) combined with an optimum suspension and braking system. (The 1.3 MultiJet is equipped with 14” wheels which allow for a higher load index.); good standard safety kit includes a driver’s airbag, three-point seat-belts with pretensioners and load limiters, adjustable head-restraints and Fiat’s FPS Fire Prevention System; excellent accessibility thanks to the generously-sized sliding side doors (optional), the optimum seat ground clearance which makes it extremely easy and natural to get in and out of the vehicle, and the placement of the gear lever on the dashboard – unique in its segment - for a safer, more comfortable drive. 

57 kW 1.4 Fire 8v

The new 1.4-litre engine offers a cylinder capacity of 1368 cc and a 4-cylinder in line configuration with bore of 72 millimetres and stroke of 84 mm. The two valves per cylinder are driven directly by an overhead camshaft.

The power unit was developed with particular attention to performance and fuel consumption, an area where the New Doblò excels in its category. This is due to the fact that the volumetric efficiency has been optimised throughout the service range due to painstaking fluid dynamic development studies on the entire intake and timing system. The result is a power output of 57 kW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 115 Nm at 3000 rpm.
 

This is, therefore, a feisty yet frugal engine due to the adoption of a drive-by-wire electronic throttle valve control system and, above all, the application of a new high-swirl combustion chamber that is associated with a variable valve timing system managed by the control unit. This innovative system allows a significant proportion of the exhaust gases (approximately 25%) to be recirculated to the combustion chamber, thus significantly reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions when driving under partial load. This engine has also benefited from certain improvements that help keep fuel consumption down. For example, the timing system components have been made lighter and the valve springs are low load to reduce friction.

Another specific feature of the new 1.4 engine is the increase in compression ratio (11:1) and the high torque values at low speeds, qualities that have allowed fuel consumption to be kept low. This aim is also achieved through the tuning of the cutting edge engine control system that succeeds in cutting fuel consumption as far as possible while still maintaining handling, performance and low emissions. The 1.4 Fire power unit already meets Euro 4 legislative requirements due to a catalytic converter located in the engine compartment (and welded to the exhaust emission manifold flange using a newly developed method) that reaches high temperatures within a shorter time period and thus reduces emissions even during the power unit heating stage. To minimise the environmental effect, the new engine is also equipped with a ‘returnless’ fuel system that eliminates fuel recirculation within the tank and thus reduces vapour formation. High-performing, thrifty and clean: the 1.4 57 kW mill complements these winning qualities with excellent acoustic comfort due to the adoption of a flexible flywheel that minimises the transfer of engine vibrations to the body.

Enhancing the ownership prospect, the New Fiat Doblò Cargo has 20 000 km service intervals and enjoys full after-sales support in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory and the back-up of trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide. Fiat Auto South Africa offers Fiat owners a 24-month Manufacturer Warranty, unlimited mileage and an additional 12-month Dealer Extended Warranty or up to 100 000km in total, three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation. The new models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months.