New Ram compact van will take on Ford Transit Connect

Fiat Chrysler's Ram Truck brand unveils on Thursday the Ram ProMaster City -- the brand's entry in the expanding field of Euro-style compact commercial vans aimed at small businesses and urban markets.

The leading rival is the Transit Connect from Ford -- which pioneered the compact cargo van segment in 2009 with its European import and just rolled out a redesigned second generation.

Also competing is the the Nissan NV200 small van -- which also has become the base vehicle for New York City's new taxicabs.

And Chevrolet has cut a deal with Nissan to start selling this year a version of the NV200 as the Chevrolet City Express.

What they all share is a smaller footprint and smaller engine than traditional panel vans for lower purchase and operating costs. Also common are city-capable designs with big bumpers all around and more car-like safety and convenience features.

The Ram ProMaster City is based on the Fiat Doblo from Europe, a longtime success there, and is powered by Chrysler's 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder. It is front-drive and will use the company's new, fuel-efficient nine-speed automatic. The engine and transmission also are used in the new Chrysler 200 sedan and the Jeep Cherokee.

Built in Turkey, the City will be sold in two-seat cargo and five-seat passenger versions and be able to carry 1,883 pounds in its 131.7 cubic feet of space. The cargo area measures 60.4 inches and 87.2 inches and has a building panel-friendly 48 inches between the wheel wells.

The new van joins the Ram van lineup that includes the big Ram ProMaster Euro van and the Ram C/V, a commercial version of he Chrysler minivan.

Ram said the total Class 1-4 commercial van market is expected to be about 400,000 a year over the next five years, with the new compact vans taking about 25% of the market.

The City goes on sale in early 2015. Pricing and fuel economy ratings will be announced later.

Below is Ram video with details of the new van.