2015 Ram Promaster City Wagon

For the small business owner looking for an affordable, practical vehicle that can double as both a cargo van and people-hauler, Ram's new ProMaster City Wagon is worth a look. Sold abroad as the Fiat Doblo, the ProMaster City's proven workhorse roots make it a compelling alternative to large traditional vans or pickups.

The primary rival of the ProMaster City Wagon is the Ford Transit Connect, though they target different audiences. The Ram skews fairly heavily towards the business side of the equation; it features solid rear panels behind the second row of seats, making it appear like a cargo van. It is also only available with two rows of seats instead of three, like the Ford.

Another advantage for the Ram is with its versatility. Its max payload rating of 1,700 lbs (771 kg) is above its Blue Oval rival, while its flat, wide cargo area offers four feet of cargo length behind the rear seats, and six feet when the second row is tumbled forward. In addition, the ProMaster City Wagon also has minimal rear wheel well intrusion due to its independent coil-sprung rear suspension design.

The Ram ProMaster Wagon is available exclusively with one engine, a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder that develops 178 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, a small power advantage over the Transit Connect Wagon which features a 169-hp, 171 lb-ft of torque 2.5-litre four-cylinder. The Ram's powertrain advantage continues with a nine-speed automatic transmission; not only is this a class exclusive, it's a van exclusive.

Equipment levels on the base ST trim are complete for the class, and include dual sliding doors, a rear 60/40 split opening rear door, tilt and telescoping steering column, air conditioning, full-length headliner, carpeted floors, four cargo tie-down rings, power windows, power locks, a four-speaker audio system with USB port and Bluetooth.

The SLT trim adds premium cloth upholstery, body-coloured bumpers, cruise control, premium cloth upholstery, touchscreen audio system, heated mirrors, Bluetooth audio streaming, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and UV-reflective glass.

A reverse camera and navigation are available as options, but advanced active safety features like blind-spot monitoring or collision warning are not available.

Pricing for the Turkish-built Ram ProMaster City Wagon starts at $28,995 with the premium SLT trim selling for just $1,000 more.