Ram ProMaster City: Americanized Doblò Maxi
See our test drive
With the ProMaster City, Ram finally has a small cargo van designed for commercial use - something that's been missing since the A-vans were dropped. Dodge and Ram have been selling a "cargo-ized" version of the minivans, but it was designed primarily for passengers and never took off among commercial buyers. The ProMaster City sells against (but is slightly larger inside than) Ford Transit Connect, Nissan NV200, and Chevrolet City Express.
With power coming from a four-cylinder Chrysler engine, hooked up to a Chrysler-made, ZF nine-speed transmission, Ram claims best-in-class combined gas mileage, a 1,883 pound payload, and 132 cubic feet of cargo volume. The van is based on the Fiat Doblò Maxi, an expanded version of the popular-in-Europe Doblò van. Chrysler materials show 0-60 coming in 9.8 seconds with the 2.4 liter engine.
To avoid the "chicken tax," all the U.S. vans are made as passenger vans; cargo versions are then "converted" in Baltimore, Maryland.
Made in a two-seat cargo van or a five-passenger wagon (like the original Caravan), the ProMaster City has 48.4 inches of space between its wheel-wells, which, with an 87-inch cargo length, lets buyers easily load in pallets and such; the class-exclusive extra 0.4 inches help with loading and unloading.
Above the wheel wells, the ProMaster City has a best-in-class width of 60.4 inches and an interior roof height of 51.8 inches, for best-in-class volume of 131.7 cubic feet (cargo van). The sides are upfitter-friendly, to help buyers add shelves or storage racks. The roof is prepped for load rails or roof racks, with a weight capacity of 154 pounds. See chart with comparison to Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster, below.
The cargo van's 87.2 inch long floor has six standard D-ring tie downs (the wagon has four) and an optional flush-fit, non-slip vinyl mat. The sliding doors latch in the open position, and have a 26-inch opening.
With the seats in place, the five-passenger ProMaster City Wagon has close to four feet of cargo length to the rear doors; with seats folded and tumbled, the wagon has nearly six feet of cargo length.
The rear has 60/40 split swing doors; the larger door swings open toward the traffic (driver) side of the van, making it easy to quickly access larger cargo items without blocking the path to the curb. Both rear doors swing open 90 degrees; with the press of a button, they can open to 180 degrees.
Powertrain: Tigershark Engine and 9-Speed Transmission
Ram claims that the 2015 Ram ProMaster City's power, torque, fuel economy, and performance will "trump any competitor's standard-equipment package."
The ProMaster City is the first commercial van with a nine-speed automatic; the standard "948TE" has a wide gear ratio spread and 3.73:1 final-drive ratio. Its 4.70 first-gear ratio delivers 0-to-30 mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and 0-to-60 mph in 9.8 seconds (estimated). Even without the wide range and nine gears, the fast-shifting nine-speed's efficient design would make it a worthy choice.
The 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine generates best-in-class 178 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, with peak torque (174 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm) greater than any standard engine in the segment and close to Ford's optional turbocharged engine.
For durability, the engine has a forged steel crankshaft with 53 mm pin diameters, two-bolt main bearing caps, a cast-iron bearing beam to reduce flexing, piston oil squirters to prevent hot spots, powder-forged steel rods, and the ability to cross 12 inches of standing water (slowly) to prevent damage during sudden downpours. To increase efficiency, the engine has MultiAir 2, an electro-hydraulic valve lift and timing system that adjusts each cylinder individually.
Both the ProMaster City and Ram 1500 have variable a/c compressors, "smart alternators," and pulse-width modulated (PWM) fuel pumps that operate on demand, cutting parasitic demand. The 160-amp "smart alternators" use moments of deceleration or braking to run the alternator at capacity, cutting the load during acceleration and improving fuel mileage.
Using front wheel drive cuts weight and the number of parts, provides more predictable emergency and low-traction handling, and eliminates the prop-shaft tunnel to allow a low, flat floor.
Compact Van Engineering: Body and Brakes
This chassis diagram incorrectly shows disc brakes in the rear; rear brakes are actually drums (thanks, Harry Andersen)
Ram tested the best-selling Doblò for severe-duty use, from the blazing desert heat of Las Vegas to frigid Northern Michigan, from traffic in Los Angeles to mountain roads in Colorado. Key Ram changes include:
The floor pan, cross members, side panels, and (fully boxed) frame rails are welded together for higher structural rigidity, cutting noise and vibration, and allowing better handling; unibody construction reduces weight.
The 12-inch front disc brakes include pad wear sensors; a larger pad-to-disc swept area, combined with thicker linings (compared with competitors) increase durability. The rear 10-inch drum brakes also have thicker long-wear linings.
ProMaster City suspension and steering
The Ram ProMaster City's MacPherson strut suspension was retuned for rougher North American roads, includes large-diameter shock absorbers, steel springs and a solid stabilizer bar. Stamped steel clamshell control arms are strong and weight efficient. The front suspension components are specifically tuned to handle the ProMaster City's class-leading payload capacity. An optional package provides a 2,000 pound towing capacity.
While most Class 1 vans including the old Ram C/V use rear leaf springs, Ram ProMaster City has an independent, bi-link rear suspension to increase comfort, stability, and safety under all loads, while enabling the van's low 21.5-inch step-in height; it is the only bi-link rear suspension in the class.
The hydraulic-assist rack-and-pinion steering system is connected to a standard tilt and telescoping steering column.
Safety devices
A four-channel electronic stability control (ESC) is standard and includes antilock brakes. The setup uses the steering wheel angle sensor to minimize yaw, and has a brake-lock differential for side to side pressure control and sway control; integrated traction control; rollover prevention; and trailer sway control.
On low traction surfaces, there can be a difference in wheel speeds when the driver lifts off the throttle. Engine drag control senses that difference and sends more torque to the driven wheels to keep them at the same relative speed as the rear wheels to boost vehicle stability.
Using brake pedal sensing and the steering angle sensor, the ProMaster City also senses emergency braking and automatically lights and flashes the tail lamps to alert other drivers.
The van also has brake assist (to engage full braking earlier); and hill-start assist, which holds the van in place for up to two seconds after the brake is released on a hill.
Finally, an optional rear camera and backup alarm can prevent drivers from hitting pedestrians or other vehicles.
Wagon and Van Design
Although the cargo area is carry-over from the Fiat Doblò, from the front door cut forward, the Ram ProMaster City is new. Badges are large, chrome-finished, and three-dimensional. The driver can easily see the front corners, while cladding on the side and rear protect the body from knee-level bumps. Doors are durable yet lightweight, with handles designed for easy gripping with gloves. Optional oversized power side mirrors have adjustable wide-angle sections; the standard, segment-exclusive marker lights light dark areas on the side of the van when working from either side.
See our test drive
With the ProMaster City, Ram finally has a small cargo van designed for commercial use - something that's been missing since the A-vans were dropped. Dodge and Ram have been selling a "cargo-ized" version of the minivans, but it was designed primarily for passengers and never took off among commercial buyers. The ProMaster City sells against (but is slightly larger inside than) Ford Transit Connect, Nissan NV200, and Chevrolet City Express.
With power coming from a four-cylinder Chrysler engine, hooked up to a Chrysler-made, ZF nine-speed transmission, Ram claims best-in-class combined gas mileage, a 1,883 pound payload, and 132 cubic feet of cargo volume. The van is based on the Fiat Doblò Maxi, an expanded version of the popular-in-Europe Doblò van. Chrysler materials show 0-60 coming in 9.8 seconds with the 2.4 liter engine.
To avoid the "chicken tax," all the U.S. vans are made as passenger vans; cargo versions are then "converted" in Baltimore, Maryland.
Made in a two-seat cargo van or a five-passenger wagon (like the original Caravan), the ProMaster City has 48.4 inches of space between its wheel-wells, which, with an 87-inch cargo length, lets buyers easily load in pallets and such; the class-exclusive extra 0.4 inches help with loading and unloading.
Above the wheel wells, the ProMaster City has a best-in-class width of 60.4 inches and an interior roof height of 51.8 inches, for best-in-class volume of 131.7 cubic feet (cargo van). The sides are upfitter-friendly, to help buyers add shelves or storage racks. The roof is prepped for load rails or roof racks, with a weight capacity of 154 pounds. See chart with comparison to Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster, below.
The cargo van's 87.2 inch long floor has six standard D-ring tie downs (the wagon has four) and an optional flush-fit, non-slip vinyl mat. The sliding doors latch in the open position, and have a 26-inch opening.
With the seats in place, the five-passenger ProMaster City Wagon has close to four feet of cargo length to the rear doors; with seats folded and tumbled, the wagon has nearly six feet of cargo length.
The rear has 60/40 split swing doors; the larger door swings open toward the traffic (driver) side of the van, making it easy to quickly access larger cargo items without blocking the path to the curb. Both rear doors swing open 90 degrees; with the press of a button, they can open to 180 degrees.
Powertrain: Tigershark Engine and 9-Speed Transmission
Ram claims that the 2015 Ram ProMaster City's power, torque, fuel economy, and performance will "trump any competitor's standard-equipment package."
The 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine generates best-in-class 178 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, with peak torque (174 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm) greater than any standard engine in the segment and close to Ford's optional turbocharged engine.
For durability, the engine has a forged steel crankshaft with 53 mm pin diameters, two-bolt main bearing caps, a cast-iron bearing beam to reduce flexing, piston oil squirters to prevent hot spots, powder-forged steel rods, and the ability to cross 12 inches of standing water (slowly) to prevent damage during sudden downpours. To increase efficiency, the engine has MultiAir 2, an electro-hydraulic valve lift and timing system that adjusts each cylinder individually.
Cargo Vans | ProMaster City | Doblò XL (UK) | Ram C/V | Ram ProMaster |
---|---|---|---|---|
Horsepower | 178 @ 6,400 | 90-135 | 283 | 174-280 |
Torque | 174 @ 3,900 | 148-236 | 260 | 258-295 |
Transmission | 9 speed auto | 6 spd man/auto | 6 spd auto | 6 speed auto |
EPA city/highway (combined) mpg | 21/29 (24) | (n/a)* | 18/26 (21) | 18/26 (21) gas ? diesel |
Fuel $/100 miles | < $15.36 | ? | $17.56 | $17.56 / ? |
Both the ProMaster City and Ram 1500 have variable a/c compressors, "smart alternators," and pulse-width modulated (PWM) fuel pumps that operate on demand, cutting parasitic demand. The 160-amp "smart alternators" use moments of deceleration or braking to run the alternator at capacity, cutting the load during acceleration and improving fuel mileage.
Using front wheel drive cuts weight and the number of parts, provides more predictable emergency and low-traction handling, and eliminates the prop-shaft tunnel to allow a low, flat floor.
Compact Van Engineering: Body and Brakes
This chassis diagram incorrectly shows disc brakes in the rear; rear brakes are actually drums (thanks, Harry Andersen)
Ram tested the best-selling Doblò for severe-duty use, from the blazing desert heat of Las Vegas to frigid Northern Michigan, from traffic in Los Angeles to mountain roads in Colorado. Key Ram changes include:
- Raising the ride height by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches), to manage the greater vertical loads of bad roads.
- Upgrading chassis components and anchor points for durability.
- Widening the engine box and front track to fit the bigger engine and the nine-speed transmission.
- Strengthing body structures to comply with safety rules.
- Using tires rated to handle higher weights.
The floor pan, cross members, side panels, and (fully boxed) frame rails are welded together for higher structural rigidity, cutting noise and vibration, and allowing better handling; unibody construction reduces weight.
The 12-inch front disc brakes include pad wear sensors; a larger pad-to-disc swept area, combined with thicker linings (compared with competitors) increase durability. The rear 10-inch drum brakes also have thicker long-wear linings.
ProMaster City suspension and steering
The Ram ProMaster City's MacPherson strut suspension was retuned for rougher North American roads, includes large-diameter shock absorbers, steel springs and a solid stabilizer bar. Stamped steel clamshell control arms are strong and weight efficient. The front suspension components are specifically tuned to handle the ProMaster City's class-leading payload capacity. An optional package provides a 2,000 pound towing capacity.
While most Class 1 vans including the old Ram C/V use rear leaf springs, Ram ProMaster City has an independent, bi-link rear suspension to increase comfort, stability, and safety under all loads, while enabling the van's low 21.5-inch step-in height; it is the only bi-link rear suspension in the class.
The hydraulic-assist rack-and-pinion steering system is connected to a standard tilt and telescoping steering column.
Safety devices
A four-channel electronic stability control (ESC) is standard and includes antilock brakes. The setup uses the steering wheel angle sensor to minimize yaw, and has a brake-lock differential for side to side pressure control and sway control; integrated traction control; rollover prevention; and trailer sway control.
On low traction surfaces, there can be a difference in wheel speeds when the driver lifts off the throttle. Engine drag control senses that difference and sends more torque to the driven wheels to keep them at the same relative speed as the rear wheels to boost vehicle stability.
Using brake pedal sensing and the steering angle sensor, the ProMaster City also senses emergency braking and automatically lights and flashes the tail lamps to alert other drivers.
The van also has brake assist (to engage full braking earlier); and hill-start assist, which holds the van in place for up to two seconds after the brake is released on a hill.
Finally, an optional rear camera and backup alarm can prevent drivers from hitting pedestrians or other vehicles.
Wagon and Van Design
Although the cargo area is carry-over from the Fiat Doblò, from the front door cut forward, the Ram ProMaster City is new. Badges are large, chrome-finished, and three-dimensional. The driver can easily see the front corners, while cladding on the side and rear protect the body from knee-level bumps. Doors are durable yet lightweight, with handles designed for easy gripping with gloves. Optional oversized power side mirrors have adjustable wide-angle sections; the standard, segment-exclusive marker lights light dark areas on the side of the van when working from either side.
Cargo Vans | ProMaster City | Doblò XL (UK) | Ram C/V | Nissan NV200 | Chevy City Express | Ford Transit Connect | Ram ProMaster |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheelbase (in.) | 122 | 122 | 121.2 | 115.2 | < | 104.8 or 120.6 | 136 (Medium) |
Length x Width | 186.6 x 72.1 | 187 x 72 | 203 x 78.7 | 174 or 190 x 72 | 213 x 80 | ||
Height | 74.0 | 83.7 | 69.0 | 72.6 | 89 | ||
Max load | 1,883 lb | 2,204 | 1,800 lb | 1,500 | 1,477 | 1,813 | 3,852 - 4,113 |
Cargo length | 87.2 | 85 | 96 | 82.8 | < | 71.5/87.3 | 123 |
Cargo width | 60.4 | 60-67.5 | n/a | 48.0 | < | Not listed | 73.4 |
Min cargo width | 48.4 | 48.4 | 48.7 | 48.0 | 48.0 | 48.3 | 56 |
Cargo bay height | 51.4 | 61.0 | 48.2 | 53.0 | < | 49.7 | 65-76 inch. |
Cargo area | 131.7 cubic ft | (n/a)* | 155.5 | 103.9 or 122.7 | 106 or 130.7 | TBD |