The Fiat Doblo, a panel van, has been around since 2001 It is manufactured by Italian carmaker Fiat, which launched the vehicle in Holland. The Doblo received the “2006 International Van of the Year” awarded by a panel comprised of 19 countries. The Doblo is a universal car with factories in such countries as Turkey, Brazil, North Korea, Vietnam, and Russia. Engines used include the 1.4 litre petrol, 1.9 litre Multi jet, and the 16 valve, 1.3 litre Multi jet. Among the diesel units, used Fiat\'s 1.9 litre JTD is the most popular. In the Doblo, it is nimble and economical. The 1.2 and 1.9 litre D engines are not quick off the block, but once you reach speed, it cruise contentedly. The 1.2 engine works with less noise than the 1.9 version, but is similarly sluggish. Even then, the Doblo is competent and offers an amazingly smooth ride with minimal body roll. To get performance, engines – diesels included – need to be engaged hard and this means some noise intrusion, which can really be annoying to driver and passengers. On motorways most specially, wind noise can hardly be avoided due to the boxy shape of the Doblo. But with its numerous glass areas and large mirrors, visibility is excellent. Space is no problem. This is one area where the Doblo is much appreciated. Take out the rear seats out of service and you have a serviceable load hauler. Any complaints about lack of passenger knee, leg, and headrooms are already addressed. However, there are fewer storage areas compared with what modern midi-MPVs have. The Doblo SX is equipped with remote central locking, split rear doors, an adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, and radio/cassette player. The ELX boasts of a conventional tailgate, alloy wheels, an air conditioning unit, and rear headrests. Driving stance is not the best; and seats positioning can be improved, but the dash board is simplicity itself, with buttons placed where one expects them to be placed. There are lots of colored metals, which some might find appealing, but probably not for all. For passenger and driver safety, airbags are standard, but sidebags and ABS are optional. There are no alarms to warn you of intruders, however. You may have to get optional deadlocks. The Doblo comes with the rugged quality of build — ordinarily reserved for vans. All engines are well proven for reliability and maneuverability and pose a few problems.