The availability of the 7-seat Family version reinforces the versatility of the Doblò range, with the addition of a third row of passenger accommodation in the form of a sliding, foldable bench seat. This is the most affordable 7-seater MPV in the UK market today. In addition, uniquely in this market segment, the Doblò can be specified as a High Roof version, this format offering capacious interior volume and making this Fiat ideal for use as a Motability vehicle, or in the rapidly expanding taxi market.

The 1.3-litre diesel unit is likely to be the big seller and it’s a very impressive piece of engineering. In traditional diesel engines, fuel is fed to the injectors by a mechanical pump, the injection pressure rising with the rpm of the engine. This has repercussions on how efficiently the fuel is burnt, leading to noise, poor emissions and so-so fuel economy. A common-rail engine, however, maintains a constant injection pressure regardless of the weight of the driver’s right boot, the Unijet injectors also using so-called pilot injection to pre-warm the combustion chamber. This decreases noise, and vibration. Fire up the Doblo 1.9-litre JTD and you’ll appreciate the technology. The 1.3-litre Multijet engine is a progression from the JTD, it divides that main injection into a series of smaller shots, the idea being to reduce emissions and noise while at the same time increasing performance. This latest version of the 1.3-litre engine is quoted at 200Nm of torque – exactly the same as the two 1.9-litre engines.

What will be of more relevance to prospective purchasers is the cavernous load bay. That rudimentary rear suspension comes into its own here, as it allows for a near perfectly flat floor, and the almost vertical sides of the Doblo help to create a 750-litre load space with the seats in place and a gargantuan 3,000 litres with the seats folded. Opt for the Family version and all that space is partially filled by two extra seats albeit seats that are really only suitable for smaller children. That’s a 7-seat MPV for about £11,645 and that can’t be bad.

All New Fiat Cars are available through Walkers Garage please contact us or call in for a chat if you are thinking about buying a New Fiat.