09.10.2010 FIAT DOBLÒ PICKS UP UK FLEET HONOUR

FIAT DOBLO CARGO

It’s just been named International Van of the Year 2011, and now the new Fiat Doblò Cargo has been recognised again, taking top honours in the UK's Fleet Van of the Year awards.

The new van – launched at the beginning of the year scooped the top prize, along with the hotly-contested Small Van of the Year trophy, during a special winner’s lunch in London yesterday. The other headline award, Fleet Van Manufacturer of the Year went to Volkswagen. In the categories, the city-sized van award went to Ford's Fiesta, the medium van gong was collected by VW's Transporter and the large van category fell to Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter.

“An all-new product that stands out head and shoulders above some tough competition in its sector,” said the Fleet Van of the Year judging panel. “The Doblò has made the most progress over the model it replaces and offers a clear advantage over its rivals. Good load space, high build quality, a one-tonne payload, competitive running costs and Fiat’s improved support for van fleets marks a step change for the Doblò Cargo. Stop/start comes as standard on 2.0-litre and Euro 5 versions and the independent rear suspension improves ride and handling. Fiat has flexed its engineering muscles and got it spot on.”

The awards were presented to Gerry Clarke, director, Fiat Professional UK, who said: “Customer and media interest in the new Doblò Cargo has been phenomenal, and it was recently named International Van of the Year, so we didn’t think it could get much better than that. We were wrong – and I am delighted the Doblò Cargo has once again been recognised by a panel of fleet experts for the superb vehicle that it is.”

Available in the UK with a choice of four low emissions, Euro 4 and 5-specification engines, the new Doblò comes in seven different forms – Cargo, Cargo Maxi, Cargo SX, Cargo Maxi SX, Combi, Combi Maxi and Platform Cab – to offer something for a wide spectrum of van users. The UK engine line-up comprises a 1.4-litre 16v 95bhp petrol unit and three MultiJet 16v diesels – 1.3 (90bhp), 1.6 (105bhp), and 2.0 (135bhp). Prices in the UK start at £11,305 (exc. VAT) for the Doblò Cargo 1.4 16v Petrol.
 

© 2010 Interfuture Media/Italiaspeed