Overview: This is the 2015 Ram Promaster City Wagon SLT. “Versatility” – from an SUV look and feel to a work van this is one that will stand out in my memory. Utility is its main benefit for use. For me it was an SUV for the most part, during the week of testing, but I did find it useful around the ranch. It is a cross between a Mini-Van with the sliding side doors, a panel truck for business, and an SUV for usual individual / family use.
Well this is the first vehicle I’ve ever tested that was manufactured / assembled in Turkey. Times they are a change’n in a global economy. That is a good thing. There is nothing that brings people together better than commerce built on free trade and capitalism as a form of economic theory. One only needs to witness the advances in South Korea as opposed to North Korea. Japan (after Imperialism), Philippines, Poland (after Communism). There are many other examples but I have experienced these countries up close and personal.
General Information: It is assembled in Bursa, Turkey; Parts – US/Canadian 34%, Turkey 44%, Italy 18% Engine and transmission – USA; Classification is Special Purpose. Cars from RAM: ProMaster Cargo Van, ProMaster City, ProMaster Window Van, Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 Chassis Cab, Ram 3500, 4500 Chassis Cab and Cargo van.
Opinion: Well I have to make an observation about the state of the Auto Industry and how it positively affects the world at large.
As you may recall, I discussed my tour of a Hyundai Manufacturing plant in Tijuana, Mexico. And I have to say it is private enterprise that drives industry to transform the world most effectively. While in Mexico I witnessed a fantastic growth of American and other capitalist countries setting up their companies to manufacture, assemble and even distribution companies buoying up the Mexican economy. It is precisely that move that can solve many problems facing both Mexico and the US over border issues. That is true of all other countries who embrace free enterprise.
Manufacturing in Mexico grew rapidly in the late 1960s with the end of the US farm labor agreement known as the bracero program. This sent many unskilled farm laborers back into the Northern border region with no source of income. As a result, the US and Mexican governments agreed to The Border Industrialization Program, which permitted US companies to assemble products in Mexico using raw materials and components from the US with reduced duties. The Border Industrialization Program became known popularly as The Maquiladora Program or shortened to The Maquila Program.
The important thing to consider in this expansion of products being made or assembled in Mexico is this:
1. Mexican Nationals love their homeland and prefer living there.
2. Migration to the north is mostly Economic in motivation to cross the border into the US
Sure, some will go north to America for the American Dream and the opportunity to have a better life. But the vast majority are only looking for employment.
This in my mind is the great hope that Mexicans will have options of where they want to live and work.
Handling & Performance: This is a pretty basic utility vehicle and for all that it does it is powerful enough and handles much like most SUV’s in class.
Styling: All of the competition is very similar. But the Nissan and Chevrolet are two (2) seater versions and thus are more for commercial use. Ram and Ford versions seat 5 and 7 respectively.
Fit and Finish: Pretty basic but good. No complaints.
Cost: Well priced.
Conveniences and comfort: I was annoyed by two things: first the instrument cluster was hard to read and the speedometer and RPM gauge should be reversed. Second – okay I know you should buckle up but the reminder bell is flat annoying. It is too loud and too long. Yes, it forces you to put your seat belt on but if I’m driving around the ranch it is not needed and simply irritating.
Consumer Recommendations: Whether it is for business or personal family use, this is a van to consider.
Recognized Competition: Ram ProMaster City $26,000, Ford Transit $26,000, Chevrolet City Express $23,000, Nissan NV200 $23,000.
Good News: Well priced, good utility value, flexible for business and personal use.
Bad News: Instrument cluster wanting and the seat belt warning signal is annoying.
Standard Equipment: 2.4 liter 178 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 9 speed FWD Automatic transmission, front, side curtain and driver knee airgags, stability control, 4-wheel ABS power assist brake system, hill start assist, traction control, elect. Roll Mitigation, trailer sway damping, heavy duty suspension, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, Uconnect AM/FM Bluetooth, 5” touch screen display, voice command, cruise control, USB and Auxilary input hub, 60/40 fold and tumble rear seat, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, tilt and delescopic steering column, two 12 vold power outlets in console and one rear outlet, driver lumbar and heiught adjustable seat with armrest, front overhead storage bin, power front windows, deep tint sunscreen glass, power heated mirrors with manual fold away and 180 degree opening rear hinged doors.
Gas Stats:
$2.49/ Gal avg. October 10, 2015
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
21 City and 29 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $25,655.