2018 Ram ProMaster City

The corporate tie-up that created Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has brought some interesting vehicles to North America in the last couple of years. While the return of the Alfa Romeo brand is the most compelling result, the merger has also introduced some Euro-inspired utility vehicles, like the Ram Promaster City.

Based on a European Fiat model called the Doblo, the Promaster City is a compact van tailored for the needs of commercial fleets and handypersons looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle with the space and payload to haul their stuff from jobsite to jobsite.

This little vehicle largely carries over from its 2017 specification, but for the addition of a new version of Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system with a five-inch touchscreen that also brings standard Bluetooth, features that used to be optional. Also standard is a backup camera as Ram gets in line with a law coming into effect next year that will require that safety item in all new cars.

The Promaster City’s slightly awkward styling isn’t an accident: It houses a utilitarian interior that’s finished in bare metal aft of the two seats. If you want more comfort than this, Ram sells a passenger version called the Promaster City Wagon, which is covered in a separate buyer’s guide entry.

Power comes from a 2.4L four-cylinder engine capable of 178 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Ram quotes a tow rating of 907 kg, but the more important figure is Promaster City’s 862-kg payload.

Entry-level SL trim comes with air conditioning, steel wheels, cloth seats and vinyl flooring, power door locks and windows, Uconnect 5.0, backup camera, Bluetooth with streaming audio, four-speaker stereo with radio and media hub functions, black exterior trim, keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring with warning light.

The SLT model adds plastic wheel covers, body colour side mirrors and front and rear fascias, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, and power-adjustable and heated side mirrors.

Options in both trims include a rear wiper/washer and defroster, satellite radio and navigation. SLT models can be optioned with heated front seats and a lights and wheels group.

Fuel consumption estimates are 11.2/8.3 L/100 km (city/highway).