The Fiat Doblo II, specifically the 263 series facelift produced from 2015 to 2018, offered a range of engine and transmission options aimed at providing practical and affordable transportation. The 1.4-liter (95 horsepower) variant, paired with a five-speed manual transmission, represented an entry-level offering within the Doblo II lineup. This version was primarily targeted at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs over outright performance, fitting neatly into the segment of compact multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) popular in Europe. The Doblo II itself is based on the Fiat-PSA shared platform, also underpinning vehicles like the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Doblo |
| Generation | Doblo II (263, facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (95 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 2015 |
| End of production | August, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.3-9.5 l/100 km (25.3 – 24.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9-6.1 l/100 km (39.9 – 38.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2-7.4 l/100 km (32.7 – 31.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 165 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 161 km/h (100.04 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 4500 rpm (93.67 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 843A1000 |
| Engine displacement | 1368 cm3 (83.48 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.7 l (2.85 US qt | 2.38 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1370/1430 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 790 l (27.9 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3200 l (113.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4406 mm (173.46 in.) |
| Width | 1832 mm (72.13 in.) |
| Height | 1895/2115 mm (74.61 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2755 mm (108.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/60 R16 C 99T |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 1.4-liter engine, designated with code 843A1000, is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. It features multi-point fuel injection and a relatively modest compression ratio of 11:1. This engine is not known for its high-performance characteristics, but rather for its simplicity and reliability. The engine’s 95 horsepower output at 6000 rpm and 127 Nm (93.67 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm are typical for an engine of this displacement in this class of vehicle. The five-speed manual transmission provides a fairly standard gear ratio spread, prioritizing fuel economy over rapid acceleration. The transmission is a conventional design, known for its durability but lacking the sophistication of more modern automatic or dual-clutch transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The Doblo 1.4’s driving experience is best described as utilitarian. Acceleration is slow, with a 0-60 mph time of around 14.6 seconds. The engine feels strained when climbing hills or carrying a full load. The five-speed manual transmission helps to keep the engine in its optimal power band, but the lack of overall power is still noticeable. Steering is light and easy, making it suitable for urban driving, but lacks feedback. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps reasonably well, but body roll is present during cornering. Compared to higher-powered Doblo variants, such as those equipped with the 1.6-liter diesel engine, the 1.4 feels significantly underpowered.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4-liter Doblo typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were features like a radio/CD player and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional but basic design. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as improved interior trim, additional storage compartments, and more advanced audio systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Doblo II utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and an independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provides a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering light and easy operation. The 195/60 R16 C tires are designed for commercial use, prioritizing durability and load-carrying capacity over outright grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.4-liter Doblo was generally well-received as a practical and affordable MPV. Critics praised its spacious interior, versatility, and low running costs. However, the engine’s lack of power was a common criticism. Compared to the diesel-powered Doblo variants, the 1.4 offered lower fuel economy but a lower purchase price. It also provided a smoother and quieter driving experience than the diesel, but at the expense of performance. The Doblo competed with other compact MPVs such as the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, and Renault Kangoo.
Legacy
The 1.4-liter engine in the Doblo II is known for its reliability and relatively low maintenance costs. While not a particularly exciting engine, it is durable and capable of providing years of service with proper maintenance. In the used car market, the 1.4-liter Doblo represents a budget-friendly option for those seeking a practical and spacious vehicle. Its simplicity and robust construction make it a relatively easy vehicle to maintain, and parts are generally readily available and affordable. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limited power and performance.
