Let's say you're a small business owner looking for a cost-effective solution for logistics. You could opt for a tried and true commercial vehicle like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit, but these half-ton and three-quarter ton vans might be a bit overkill. That's where something smaller and nimbler might come in handy. Chevrolet's City Express aims to attract this exact customer.
Developed and built by Nissan, but wearing a golden Chevrolet bowtie logo on its grille, the City Express is a thinly veiled NV200 cargo van. Like Nissan's variant, it's available exclusively as a commercial model with two seats. There is no wagon variant, as with rivals Ram ProMaster City, Ford Transit Connect, and Mercedes-Benz Metris. Side windows and rear windows are, however, available.
For 2017 the City Express carries over unchanged.
Power for the little Chevy van comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 131 horsepower. The only transmission offered is a CVT. The Express's powertrain is optimized for urban fuel economy, and is rated at 9.7 L/100 km; this bests rivals from Ford, Ram, and Benz. Highway consumption isn't as noteworthy. At 9.0 L/100 km, it's higher than its rivals.
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), and objects as long as 2.1 metres and as wide as 1.2 metres.
The City Express is offered in 1LS and 1LT trims.
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 City Express 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. Unusual for a GM, the City Express is not available with OnStar or 4G-LTE internet connectivity.
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 the 1LT’s alloy wheels are not selected.
Pricing for the City Express isn't yet available, but if prior model years are anything to go by, expect the 1LS to start at around $26,000 with the 1LT selling for $28,000. The City Express costs slightly more than its Nissan equivalent, but, maintains a substantial price advantage over its rivals.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
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