A Fiat of engineering

Gowrings’s new Doblo conversion is at the top of its game, says Paul Carter

This month, we have been given an exclusive look at the new Gowrings Mobility Fiat Doblo wheelchair passenger vehicle (WPV) conversion.

It is the first time Gowrings has converted a Fiat since the Fiorino in the 90s and the company regards this as one of its best-designed WPVs. So how does it measure up and is Gowrings’s optimism well-placed?

Access by wheelchair is via the rear and the Gowrings Doblo comes with a tailgate rather than double doors, which as well as making the vehicle less “van-like”, also acts as a rain cover in the inclement British weather.

A fold-out ramp with supporting gas struts was relatively easy to open out and provided straightforward access to the interior.

Hydraulic suspension is available as an optional (paid-for) extra to lower the vehicle further, if required. A winch can also be fitted if passengers find it hard to get the chair up the ramp.

Internally, the Doblo comes alive with space. The rear Fiat seats have been removed and replaced with custom ones fitted to the maximum width to allow more space.

The floor is lowered so the passenger is at a similar height to seated passengers and does not have his or her head pressing against the roof.

One special feature on the conversion is a storage pack that incorporates a small lockable unit, a larger boxed area for shopping bags and a smaller netted area.

Up front, the Doblo won’t win awards for its beauty. This is possibly an unfair criticism, though, as it is unlikely that many people will be drawn to the Doblo for the quality of its dash.

Equally, drive-wise, it fails to set the heart racing on account of its performance; perhaps more importantly, it provided a very smooth ride quality and more than adequate pull.

All in all, the Fiat Doblo lacks the subtlety and finesse of vehicles at the premium end of the market such as the Chrysler Voyager but for those wanting a spacious, comfortable and well-considered WPV without breaking the bank, this is a car at the top of its game.

The Doblo Dynamic featured relates to the 1.4 petrol, available from 1 April 2008 at no advance payment on the Motability Scheme. The One Touch Extra Low hydraulic lowering suspension is available for an additional £895.