New Fiat Doblo COMING to USA as a Chrysler

2013 Chrysler Doblo ( aka Fiat Doblo ) should be making its way to our shores by this Summer or Fall. No official date has been set as of yet, but the likelihood of an easy rebadging is assured with the recent unveiling of the Chrysler Lancia at the Detroit Auto Show. The Chrysler Lancia is really just a rebadged Lancia Delta also part of the Fiat group which is on its ways to our shores. This cost cutting factor will save Fiat millions of Euros (dollars) by rebadging their current European line-up here in the USA as Chrysler and Dodge models. Fiat designs are uniquely European and have a more solidly built feel overall than the current Chrysler line up. This will hopefully move Chrysler away from the cheap plastic and tin feel most people associate with the brand. The strong characteristics of the Fiat cars are their easy to maneuver and tight steering feeling. It is very much a driver’s car.

The Doblo will be the first of its kind to make it to the states from Europe in the small boxy hatch category also officially known as the small wagons. It will be competing with the well established leader like the Scion Xb, Honda Element, and Mazda 5 with recent new comers the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube. In the American field of competition it will be going up against the Chevy HHR and the new Ford Transit from the UK which is really a commercial vehicle. Fiat may need to kill off some of the current models already in the Chrysler field like the old folks home PT Cruiser and tin can on wheels Dodge Caliber. Those will be little competition to the Chrysler Doblo, but having them around may only remind people why not to buy a Chrysler or Dodge product.

The stateside model should see few changes as the front end grill will probably see changes along with minor rear treatment. It is also worthy to note that Fiat may offer an electric version of this vehicle and/or a Hybrid version. The interior is Chrysler and Dodge ready with a change out of the steering wheel and odometer this car will be ride ready to put Mopar back in the auto game.