Fiat hopes to increase its share of the UK light commercial vehicle market from 3.5% to 5% with the arrival of the new Punto van and all-new Doblo.

The Doblo, which replaces the Fiorino, will be launched in February with a choice of 1.2-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesel and turbodiesel engines.

Steve Barker, LCV operations manager for Fiat Auto UK, said at the Birmingham motor show: “The Fiorino never had power steering which was its big drawback.”

He is anticipating sales of 1,800-2,000 Doblos next year with the Punto van, due for launch in January, notching around 800 sales.