Needing a smaller cargo van to slot below the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana and compete in the small commercial van segment, General Motors struck an agreement with Nissan to rebadge the Nissan NV200 as the Chevrolet City Express. The Chevrolet edition brings unique styling touches and option packages and matches the NV200’s class-leading stop-and-go fuel economy.

The van’s 2.0-liter inline four delivers 131 horsepower (hp), 139 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.) and 24 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and 26 on the highway, for 26 mpg combined. That beats the 2.5-liter-equipped Ford Transit Connect and the 2.4-liter Ram ProMaster City’s combined fuel economy of 24 mpg.

The City Express boasts 122.7 cubic feet of interior cargo capacity, falling short of the Transit Connect (128.6) and ProMaster City (131.7). But the cargo area is configured to fit items as long as 6 feet, 10 inches between the front seats and rear doors; folding the passenger seat adds nearly 3 feet.

The space between the side walls is 4 feet, 6 inches, and a standard 40- by 48-inch pallet can lie flat between the wheel wells. The cargo area also includes six D-ring tie-downs, 20 cargo-mounting points and a 12-volt outlet, and there are six roof-rack mounting points up top.

Fleet buyers can choose between dual rear sliding doors or solid rear doors with windows. The rear cargo doors are split 40/60 to keep the driver’s side door out of traffic; both doors open to 90 and 180 degrees.

The cabin carries over largely unchanged from the NV200, right down to an available 5.8-inch touchscreen interface. The driver’s seat offers an impressive ride height and the fold-flat passenger seat has a spill-proof work/lunch table on the back. Between the seats, a storage console can hold hanging files or a 15-inch laptop.

The base LS trim includes power windows, Bluetooth connectivity and available cruise control and backup sensors, both of which come standard on the LT. The higher trim also brings power locks, heated and powered side mirrors, an additional 12-volt outlet and remote keyless entry. A Technology package — available only on the LT — adds the touchscreen, USB input, rearview camera and more.

The 2015 Chevrolet City Express is available now. MSRPs start at $21,995 for the LS and $23,515 for the LT.

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Tariq Kamal

Tariq Kamal

Contributing Editor

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