Which Fiat Doblo Cargo is better: diesel or petrol?

The second-generation Fiat Doblo Carbo has been available locally since 2012, providing a solid option within the mid-size panel van segment. The question is, which engine should you choose, the petrol, or the diesel?

Sean Nurse

26 Jul 2021 · 15:52Buying a Car

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With a 21-year production run thus far, Fiat’s Doblo has established itself as a strong contender in both the panel van and leisure activity vehicle segments with both generations performing well in the European sales charts while locally, the relatively small market for these products coupled with strong competition make these products a rare sight on local roads.

The current Doblo range consists of four derivatives, two petrol models and two diesel models. Both the base model petrol and diesel models come without airconditioning, however, those who want this option will have to pay an additional R10 100.

	Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.4 panel van (aircon)	Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 Multijet panel van (aircon)
Engine	1.4-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol	1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power/Torque	70kW/ 127Nm	66kW/ 200Nm
Transmission Type	5-speed manual	5-speed manual
Driven wheels	Front	Front
Fuel Consumption	7.2 L/100 km	5.2 L/100 km
Kerb weight	1 280kg	1 290kg
Price	R278 000	R311 000

The petrol models

The petrol option within the Doblo range is a notoriously reliable unit, and despite it being down on torque and being heavier on fuel, it is R33 000 cheaper, which is certainly an advantage.

The diesel

The diesel Doblo is powered by the tried-and-tested 1.3-litre turbodiesel motor from the Fiat stable. It produces a reasonable amount of power, but it’s the torque figure that is most impressive, with 200Nm being available from as low at 1 500 r/min. The typical diesel efficiency is at work too, with a claimed consumption figure of 5.2 L/100km.

Analysis

Looking at the figures, the diesel appears to be the superior engine choice, with better torque, at a far lower r/min and a vastly superior fuel consumption figure. The petrol model is cheaper, 10kg lighter and more powerful though, which make it competitive in this comparison.

Verdict

It is obvious looking at the numbers that the turbodiesel Doblo Cargo will be the better panel van option when compared with its petrol-powered sibling.

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more