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In the present work, a 'soft-doped' PZT ceramic system with a near MPB Zr/Ti ratio of about 54/46, is characterized when simultaneously modified with Lanthanum (La) and Niobium (Nb) at the same doping level, x = 0.4, 1.0 and 1.4 mol%. X-rays diffraction patterns showed the rombohedral/tetragonal perovskite phase coexistence as reported for Zr/Ti ratios near the Morphotropic Phase Boundary (MPB). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed a decrease of the mean grain size when increasing the doping level. On the other hand, permittivity and AC conductivity were analysed in the ferro-and paraelectric phases. Samples showed a lower Curie temperature for higher doping levels as well as normal ferroelectric/paraelectric transitions. The piezoelectric response of thin polarized cylinder-shaped samples was measured for a near-saturation poling field. The behaviour of some electromechanical parameters and possible applications for these materials are also discussed herein.