Has anyone ever recommended something to you, whether it is a movie, restaurant or holiday destination?
I’m sure the answer is yes and no doubt when the time comes you would do the same, because when you like something and you are satisfied that it does tick the boxes, you want to share it don’t you. There always comes a time with clients that you are asked for recommendations and guidance on various subjects. Although we have what we call “Strategic Alliances” with many experts from all disciplines within the Fleet Industry that we use and recommend to benefit our clients, giving Fleet Management Solutions a full portfolio of services available to choose from. We do like to stay impartial when it comes to specific brands such as manufacturers etc as this makes us unique as an independent company as we have no allegiances to anyone. However, I was fortunate to attend the launch of a new LCV van, which will become available early March. Now the perception of me being an expert and knowing everything about vans and what one is better than the other is debatable. My strengths lie in the health and safety compliance and management of fleets for clients and if you read the article last month, you will know that this is an area that is more often neglected and even more so during this economical downturn.
There are certain areas that you need to look at when choosing a new vehicle especially a van, things like payload, economy, ergonomics, practicality and more. One of the areas that you may never have considered before was the safety aspect and what is available. Now there has been a great leap forward by all manufactures in this area in recent times with many features such as airbags and ABS being fitted to vehicles as standard. Now many of you will have at some point suffered by posture and comfort issues when travelling during your daily runs. Although I have driven many vans for various reasons over the years, I was never in the vehicles long enough and was glad of that aspect as I could see why many of our clients have issues with drivers and back problems. Therefore, I was surprised at the comfort and the attention to detail that the manufacturer had taken on the driver. The seat was very comfortable and easily adjusted and there was plenty room in the cab. Storage in the cab is great and very easy to access especially for all your delivery notes etc. There is also a lockable glove box, which is big enough to accommodate a 14-inch laptop. There are even two coat hooks on the bulkhead, which is great for hanging your Hi Visibility jacket. The interior has an attractive hard wearing and practical finish that wouldn’t look out of place in a family car. So the ergonomics were well thought out and the driver will have a great experience using the vehicle on a daily basis.
To cater for a wider range of commercial vehicle users than ever before, the Doblo Cargo will be available in six different body styles, short wheelbase with regular or high top bodies, a long wheelbase Maxi Cargo, the regular and Maxi five-seater Combi model, and the Maxi platform cab. To broaden its appeal there are two trim levels across the range base and SX. The high level of standard equipment includes power steering, height adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, adjustable headlights, passenger seat undertray, side rubbing strips and central locking. Four engines are available, starting with a punchy 1.4-litre 95bhp petrol unit. However, with 95 per cent of sales expected to be diesel there are three all-new state-of-the-art and class-leading MultiJet engines in the range. These include a 1.3-litre 90bhp, 1.6-litre 105bhp and 2.0-litre 135bhp. All can be ordered with Start&Stop (standard on 2.0-litre versions), a first in this sector. Perhaps most importantly for the everyday user, Doblo Cargo’s innovative design means the load compartment is now roomy and square. All are 171cm wide inside and 130cm high while the high top is 155cm tall. Even the low threshold that makes loading simple is class topping. These dimensions mean two Euro pallets can be easily accommodated inside the Doblo Cargo. Payload too is segment leading at 750kg, with the option to boost it to 1000kg.
Now from my perspective I was interested in how the vehicle would stack up from a safety point of view. Yet again I was surprised that no stone had been left unturned in producing a vehicle that had the driver’s airbag and ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) as standard also with passenger and side airbags and ESP available as an option. The crumple zones are designed to shield the passengers from the worst-case scenario making the cab a safe place to be in. Whilst driving the vehicle the large windscreen made for excellent all round visibility. There are many options available that would make the driving experience better, parking sensors, air con, climate and cruise control. However by far the best introduction is the Blue&Me hands free system option, although this is a must for me. It can include TomTom and the whole system works as a control centre for mobile communications and navigation. The driver can access the voice activating system easily and safely via the steering wheel. This interface is fantastic and allows the driver to stay compliant with the law and the company compliant with the legislation.
Another thing, how many times have you tried to open the doors of the van fully laden or with gloves on and the grief that this can cause, well they have made them easier to open even the rear doors can be opened with one finger. The loading area has six hooks on the floor to allow for securing the load easily and they even have as an option a handy detachable torch to allow for extra lighting if required. The threshold of the rear compartment is one of the lowest in its class and will help with the manual handling issues normally associated when loading the vehicle. There is so much I could go on about regarding other areas such as the economy, value for money, but I won’t, as the main point I am trying to get across is the active and passive systems used to ensure that not only the driver and passenger are protected but the load too. In summary then if you are looking at changing your van in the near future have a look at the Fiat DOBLO, as I am sure that this will be a winner and tick all the boxes that you require. It is a vehicle that will lead where others will follow. When looking at it from a health & safety compliance view this vehicle ticks the boxes for me and it can for your business and employee too.
