It's a good time to be a tradesperson or fleet manager who values variety in the vehicles available through the commercial side of the auto industry. The Chevrolet City Express is one of a number of small vans that came on the market after the Ford Transit Connect proved there was a market for such compact workhorses.
The City Express enters its fourth model year in 2018 with a couple of minor changes: a backup camera is now standard per a Canadian safety regulation that requires one in all new vehicles, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity also becomes part of the basic package.
This van's fundamentals remain unchanged. Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission offered is a continuously variable automatic (CVT).
Ford and Ram (which makes the Fiat-based Promaster City) endow their little vans with larger, more powerful engines; the Chevy's upside is lower fuel consumption.
By the way, if you spotted a resemblance to the Nissan NV200, that's because the City Express is a clone of that model.
The City Express is one of the smaller vehicles in the segment, but 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 1LS includes air conditioning, power windows, six-way driver’s seat with lumbar support, 15-inch steel wheels, Bluetooth manual side mirrors, black plastic bumpers, AM/FM CD player with auxiliary input, vinyl floors, seat-back pockets and under-seat storage trays and 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. Parking sensors and cruise control can be added on at extra cost.
1LT trim adds power door locks with keyless entry, cruise control, 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, and upgraded Bluetooth with streaming audio. Aluminum wheels are optional.
An appearance package adds body-colour bumpers, door handles and mirrors, a chrome grille and plastic wheel covers — if the 1LT’s alloy wheels are not selected.
Fuel consumption estimates are best-in-class at 9.8/8.8 L/100 km (city/highway).
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
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