2015 Ram ProMaster City unveiled

Expanding the scope of its commercial truck lineup, Ram has taken the wraps off of its new 2015 ProMaster City entry. As indicated in our original preview story, this new Class 1 rival to vehicles like the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200 is based on the highly successful Fiat Doblo, a two-time International Van of the Year winner. To be offered in a 2-passenger Tradesman Van and 5-passenger Wagon configuration, the front-drive Ram ProMaster City has been strategically redesigned to make it more durable, comfortable, functional and cost-effective for buyers here in the U.S. market. 

Setting new class benchmarks 

Ram has high expectations for the new ProMaster City, which it says will have numerous best-in-class stats including a 122.4-inch standard wheelbase, 131.7 cubic feet of cargo space, a 1,883-lb maximum payload, a 48.4-inch span between its rear wheelwells and an unsurpassed 2,000-lb towing capability in addition to top – although not-yet-announced — EPA combined mileage numbers. Key changes for America include reinforcements to its lightweight unit body and retuning of its full-coil-spring suspension, a higher ride height to accommodate our rougher roads and upgraded all-season tires plus additional safety features.

Sole powertrain for the 2015 ProMaster City is the 2.4-liter/4-cylinder Tigershark engine also used in the Jeep Cherokee and Chrysler 200. Featuring the MultiAir2 electro-hydraulic fully variable valve system, it develops class-topping 178 horsepower and 174 lb-ft torque ratings. Here, too, it’s backed by the Chrysler Group’s new ZF automatic transmission – the first 9-speed to be used in any commercial van. 

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While sharing its basic cargo-box design with the Doblo, the ProMaster City features unique styling from the A-pillar forward. Lighting and bumper cues are reminiscent of its larger Ram ProMaster. The upmarket ProMaster City SLT packages add body-color fascias, integrated fog lamps and a silver grille as well as unique steel or alloy wheels. Large sliding side doors are matched with a 60/40 split rear door configuration that can open out to a full 180 degrees.  

An impressive inside game 

Tastefully finished in black and grey with chrome and silver accents, the ProMaster City’s cabin features ergonomically contoured front buckets designed for long-range comfort and loads of covered and open storage spaces. ProMaster City Wagons feature a 60/40 rear bench that increases cargo floor length from over four feet to more than six feet when folded flat. In addition to the standard AM/FM radio, USB port and Bluetooth, the ProMaster City can be upgraded with an available Uconnect telematics/infotainment system featuring a 5.0-inch screen, GPS navigation and internet connectivity. The aftermarket Mopar division also offers buyers over 60 different accessory items.  

On the safety front, the new Ram ProMaster City comes with seven airbags and a sophisticated Electronic Stability Control suite that includes traction control, trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS), panic brake assist, brake-lock differential, roll mitigation, autonomous brake lamp activation and drift compensation. A ParkView backup camera and ParkSense assist system with audible warning are available as options.  

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City will start arriving in dealers late this year, but availability will be somewhat limited until early 2015. Pricing and EPA numbers will be released closer to the actual on-sale date. 

More Truck and Van News…

We’ve just driven the new 2015 Ford Transit Connect

We just put a 2014 Nissan NV200 through its paces on a moving mission 

The 2014 Ram ProMaster Van is the ProMaster City’s big brother