The range of the New Fiat Doblò has been expanded with the arrival of the Malibu version; which offers families and recreational users a highly competitively priced people-carrying vehicle with excellent aesthetics and generous equipment. With the introduction of the New Doblò Malibu this month Fiat Auto are looking to build on the success of the Malibu version of the previous Doblò van which, between 2002 and 2005, sold 19,000 units. The facelifted Doblò range, which is built by Tofas in Turkey, was introduced at the end of 2005, and was immediately handed the prestigious Van of the Year 2006 award.

The New Doblò Malibu will be available in two body colours (Grigio Bel Tenebroso and Blu Notturno) and it is immediately identifiable by its body-coloured bumpers and distinctive "Chrome Shadow" (as Fiat terms it) finished frontal grille area. This chromed area extends downward from the grille onto the centre section of the bumper which sits proud of the main section and includes two rows of small air cut-outs in the upper section. Round foglamps are fitted as standard, located in black finished panels recessed into the front lower bumper area.
 

The "Chrome Shadow" effect is continued on the large door mirror backing plates, the exterior door handles, the long, slim tailgate grab-handle, and the two roof bars. The distinctive new exterior changes are completed by the new pattern 5-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels, darkened window glasses and a new style Malibu badge positioned on the tailgate.

Inside the Doblò Malibu gets new seat and door panel cloth materials with a new weave of patterns; which are available in two colours - blue and grey. Fiat expect these upgraded trims to give a more elegant and quality feel to the new vehicle. Standard equipment includes radio with built-in CD player and six speakers, manual climate control, and height adjustable seats. The rear area seats are able to be folded away to increase storage space while all the seats are fitted with headrests.

The new people carrier will be available in the showrooms with a choice of three different engines, a 77 bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit kicks of the range; followed by two turbo diesels: the 85 bhp 1.3 Multijet 16v, and the 1.9 Multijet 16v in 105 and 120 bhp guises. The Doblò Malibu has gone on sale across Italy this week, with a pan-European roll-out to follow in the next few months. Italian market pricing starts at 17,400 euros for the 1.4 petrol version, followed by the 1.3 Multijet which has been priced at 19,720 euros; while the 105 bhp Multijet is 20,360 euros, and the 120 bhp version tops the range off at 21,230 euros. Both the 1.3 Multijet and the 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet come fitted with a DPF antiparticle filter.