One of my neighbours has an old Fiat Doblo van.  He’s an occasional painter and decorator but seems to spend most of his time titillating his own home rather that driving around painting other people’s. Very neat and tidy though. So this was my mental image of the Doblo – a working vehicle for messy things, like pots of paint. And once such an image has planted itself inside your head, it’s very hard to shift.

But step inside the passenger version of the new Fiat Doblo, and the image changes to family outings and adventures done in comfort and a certain amount of style. With no worries about the car being ruined with muddy wellies and bikes, due to it’s van-like utilitarian interior, children can be returned home filthy after a secret seven-type of adventure.

Fiat describe it as an honest, credible car with great driving characteristics. Despite the name, this is a brand new car. No up-gardes, no facelift and no collaboration – it’s all Fiat. It has a new Chassis, engine, suspension and transmission and while five seats come as standard, for those adventures, seven seats are available.

More >