Fiat Professional’s Doblò Cargo small van was named Best Light Van in the VansA2Z Van of the Year Awards for 2013 announced yesterday at an industry lunch at Lords Cricket Ground, London.

The award was presented to Sebastiano Fedrigo, director, Fiat Professional UK, who said:

“Our Doblò Cargo has been a huge success ever since it was launched and is widely recognised as a class-leader in its category.

“We are delighted to receive this honour from the VansA2Z team. It provides further proof of the all-round qualities of this excellent vehicle.”

Commenting on the award, Neil McIntee, Editor of VansA2Z.com, said:

“Fiat’s Doblò Cargo is one of the most impressive vans of its size to have been launched over the past few years. That is why we have made it our Light Van of the Year for 2013.

“One of the aspects that really appeals is the unique and intelligently designed rear suspension system. A bi-link independent set-up, it has been installed with an eye to enhancing ride and handling, and has done just that. Light in weight, it’s compact too.

“What really impresses is the breadth of model choice available. Drivers are going to be happy too. It rides and handles well with the rear suspension coping admirably, both laden and unladen. A great piece of functional design from the Italian manufacturer.”

The Doblò also comes in an unusual dropside version, called the Work Up.

Fiat Professional’s Doblò Cargo is the first LCV to have a bi-link rear suspension which ensures a smooth ride, lower loading height and better width between wheel arches. Additionally, the bi-link suspension permits a rear axle load up to 1,450kg.

Fiat Professional’s Doblò Cargo sits on an all-new platform and has great carrying capacity in both weight and size terms: up to 1 ton payload and up to 5.0 m³ volume.

The award-winning Doblò is available with a choice of five Euro 5-specification engines, and comes in several different forms – Cargo, Cargo Maxi, Cargo SX, Cargo Tecnico, Cargo Maxi SX, Cargo Maxi Tecnico, Combi, Combi Maxi, Platform Cab, Work Up, and XL – to offer solutions for a wide spectrum of commercial vehicle users.

The engine line-up comprises a 1.4-litre 16v 95bhp petrol unit and four MultiJet 16v diesels – 1.3 (90bhp), 1.6 (105bhp), 1.6 Comfort-Matic (90bhp) and 2.0 (135bhp).

Full details on Fiat Professional’s range of commercial vehicles is available at www.fiatprofessional.co.uk