Will the 2013 FIAT Doblò XL Cargo Van come to America?

2013 FIAT Doblò XL could be ready for American streets soon!

Fresh from an enlargement, the 2013 FIAT Doblò XL Cargo van is poised to make its way to the United States. FIAT’s 135 horsepower 2.0-liter MultiJet diesel may accompany the doblo XL if it comes to the U.S.

This is all speculation coming from The Fast Lane Car, but it’s based on sound reasoning. The 2013 FIAT Doblò XL would fill the void left by the full sized Ram Van’s departure.

After ending their relationship with Mercedes Benz, Chrysler Group LLC was left without a competitive van in the nuited States. In Europe, FIAT builds some of the most competitive, popular vans in the segment. Logic would dictate that FIAT will market their Doblò XL as a Ram, or possibly as a FIAT. Either way, it would give Chrysler/FIAT a weapon in the simmering battle against Nissan and Ford’s new crop of vans in North America.

The 2013 FIAT Doblò XL will slate in between the smaller Ford Transit Connect and the Dodge Sprinter. If it does make it to our market, it’s logical to expect the name and trim to change a bit. The 2013 FIAT Doblò XL would probably become a Ram van with a macho name. The Ram Van Macho Man does have a nice ring to it – no?

It’s just a thought.

Small displacement diesels are a very logical way to power small work trucks and a few of us at The Fast Lane Car have driven them. The 2013 FIAT Doblò XL has two smaller diesels available too. This could be the start of something good for small American businesses and courier outfits. We will bring you the highlights when Chrysler/FIAT releases more information.

Here are the specifications directly from FIAT SpA

NEW DOBLÒ XL SPECIFICATIONS

Main features on Standard trim level:

  • ABS with EBD
  • Central door locking
  • Driver’s airbag
  • 12V front plug-in socket
  • Electric windows
  • Radio/CD with high-performance loudspeakers
  • Reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel
  • Reach and rate-adjustable seats
  • Ceiling storage shelf
  • Panelled bulkhead
  • Nearside/offside sliding doors
  • Lockable fuel cap
  • Side rubbing strips
  • Normal size spare wheel
  • Heated diesel filter
  • 16-inch 195/60 wheels

 

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Additional features on SX trim level:

  • Remote control central locking (Cargo)
  • Electric rear windows (Combi)
  • Fog lights
  • Passenger seat storage in cushion
  • Radio/CD/MP3 High
  • Passenger airbag (Combi)
  • Soundproofed bulkhead (Cargo)
  • Height-adjustable drivers’ seat & lumbar support
  • PVC load floor covering (Cargo)
  • Body colour exterior door mirrors

Additional features on Combi M1 vs N1:

  • ESP
  • Side airbags

 

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Cargo Combi N1/M1
Rear door (mm)
Width 1231 1231
Height 1455 1455
Sliding side door (mm)
Width 700 700
Height 1175 1175
Load compartment (mm)
Length 2170 1300
Width min-max 1518-1714 1191-1291
Width between wheelarches 1230 1230
Height 1550 1495
Height to parcel shelf NA 600
Rear loading height (unladen) 545
Load compartment capacity (m3)
Volume 5.0 1.05*
Engines
Engine 105 MultiJet 90 MultiJet Comfort Matic 135 MultiJet Power
Euro Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5
Fuel diesel diesel diesel
Displacement (cm3) 1598 1598 1956
Power hp (kW) at rpm 105 (77) 4000 90 (66) 4000 135 (99) 3500
Torque kgm (Nm) at rpm 29.6 (290) 1500 20.4 (200) 1500 32.6 (320) 1500
Cargo Combi N1/M1
Engine 105 MultiJet 90 MultiJet Comfort Matic 135 MultiJet Power
Weights
Kerb weight (kg) 1460 1460 1500 1600
Payload including driver (kg) 1000 1000 1000 800/615
GVW (kg) 2460 2460 2500 2400/2215
Maximum tow-able weight (kg) 1300 1300 1500 1500
Maximum front axle load (kg) 1200 1200 1200 1200
Maximum rear axle load (kg) 1450 1450 1450 1450

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The 2013 FIAT Doblò XL  will do battle against Nissan’s vans. So, here Roman and I are driving a Nissan NV van against a Porsche 911 – because we thought we were funny.

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.