So long as you’re not in a hurry, the Doblo makes a reasonable tow car. However, it takes a tedious 28.2 seconds to go from 30-60mph with a caravan in tow. The Doblo stops better than it goes, needing 11.8 metres to come to a standstill from 30mph in damp conditions.
In a straight line at a steady 60mph, the Doblo needed some steering correction to hold its course, but it wasn’t alarming. Bells did begin to ring in the lane-change test, though, when the caravan pulled the back of the car out during the fastest run.
As you’d expect of a van-based MPV, the Fiat has plenty of room for luggage, with space for a full load of holiday kit. However, the low towball limit is disappointing and the handbook is short on towing info. Surprisingly, it warns drivers not to exceed 80kph (50mph) when towing.
The keen price is appealing, and official figures promise strong fuel economy, but the Doblo is some way off the best in this weight class.