Chevrolet’s full-size Express van is a stalwart in the commercial vehicle segment; although it’s dependable and simple to run, not all businesses need something as big or as capable. Enter the City Express.
Launched just last year as a more urban-friendly alternative, the City Express goes toe-to-toe with small commercial vehicles like the Ram ProMaster City, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and of course, the Nissan NV200. The City Express carries over into 2016 unchanged.
Speaking of the NV200, if the City Express looks familiar that’s because it is — it’s just an NV200 with a Chevy bowtie on the grille. Both the City Express and the NV200 roll off the same assembly line in Mexico, and come featuring a 2.0-litre 131-hp four-cylinder motor mated to a CVT, packaged in a cargo-optimized body.
As with the NV, the City Express is one of the smaller vehicles in the segment. Its turning circle is very tight at just 11.2 metres, yet it can handle a payload of 680 kg (1,500 lbs). Like its Nissan sibling, the City Express is only available in two-seat cargo van form.
The City Express can be purchased in 1LS and 1LT trims. Both versions come with sliding doors that can be fitted with or without windows, and rear doors that can be had with or without glass. The rear doors open to 90 and 180 degrees for easy access.
The base 1LS has all the basics covered – and includes more standard equipment than most entry-level small cars. Air conditioning, power windows, a six-way driver’s seat with lumbar support, are all standard, while Bluetooth, parking sensors, and cruise control can be added on at extra cost. 15-inch steel wheels, manual side mirrors, and black plastic bumpers indicate a base-level vehicle. The 1LS also has an AM/FM CD player with aux-in jack, wipe-down vinyl floors, plenty of in-cabin storage including seat-back pockets and under-seat storage trays, plus a flat-folding front passenger seat that can double as a work surface. Every NV200 also gets six D-ring hooks and reinforced mounting points.
The 1LT adds power door locks with keyless entry, cruise control, Bluetooth, heated power-adjustable side-view mirrors, second 12-volt power outlet, and rear park assist. The Technology Package includes infotainment system with navigation, USB port, parking camera, and Bluetooth audio. 15-inch aluminum wheels are optional.
Both 1LS and 1LT models can be had with an Appearance Package that adds body-colour bumpers, door handles, and mirrors, a chrome grille, and plastic wheel covers — if 1LT’s alloy wheels are not selected.
Pricing for the City Express starts at $25,995 and goes up to $27,925 for the 1LT, which is slightly more than what Nissan commands for its NV200. However, the Chevy maintains a price advantage over its other rivals; a fully loaded City Express costs less than even the most basic Ram ProMaster City, Ford Transit Connect, or Benz Metris.
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