FIATDoblo 2001 - 2004

　　Fiat stepped up its presence in the MPV segment with the introduction of the Doblo lineup in 2001, which it offered as a utility vehicle or as a family hauler that could do both jobs.

　　The Italian automaker was still working on the Doblo in 1997 when Renault stormed the market with the Kangoo, but it didn’t rush things. It tried to create a proper answer for that, and that came in 2000 at the Paris Motor Show as a 2001 model year. The range of products based on this platform was huge. With two wheelbases, four lengths, three heights, and seven engine versions, customers had plenty of options to choose from. In addition, the carmaker offered the passenger version in a few trim levels, depending on the market, and even an option for a sat-nav system.

　　Fiat penned the Doblo with a flat front fascia dominated by a black, egg-crate styled grille and bumper, which were left unpainted to lower repair costs in case of scratching. A horizontal plastic slat separated the headlights from the parking lights and blinkers mounted underneath them. The automaker created a flat, almost horizontal hood to improve the driver’s forward visibility.

　　From its profile, even the least tall version of the Doblo had an adult-sized height of 1,82 m (6.2 ft). The panoramic windscreen was slightly tilted rearward, while the side windows were flat and straight up, leading to a wider interior room. Depending on the trim level, the door mirrors sported body-colored caps but black mounting stalks. Fiat installed regular, front-hinged doors for the front occupants, while those for the rear passengers were of sliding type. Behind them, the automaker added a third row of windows with a pop-out opening system that improved in-cabin ventilation. Finally, at the back, Fiat offered the car with either a flat vertical tailgate or with a twin-door system.

　　Inside, the connection with a utility vehicle was noticeable, especially on the dashboard’s design, which sported the gear selector on the center stack, close to the steering wheel. It was a form-follow-function concept, which was not specific to Fiat. In front of the driver, the automaker placed a compact instrument cluster filled with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer and two gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. In addition, a small LCD displayed the odometer. Atop the center stack, the automaker offered a few options for a stereo cassette player or even a navigation system with a five-inch touchscreen and a CD player. In the back, passengers sat on a bench seat that could be removed to enlarge the cargo area. A split-folding (60-40) bench seat was also available.

　　Under the hood, the Doblo started its journey with a choice of three engines: a 1.2-liter gasoline unit or a choice of two 1.9-liter diesel powerplants. Later, other options became available, but all of them sent the power to the front wheels via manual transmissions. At the front, the car featured McPherson struts, while the rear rigid axle was fitted with leaf springs.

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