The forthcoming Chevrolet City Express small van was on display here during a press preview for General Motors' redesigned heavy duty pickups.
While the van was not available for a test drive, journalists were given a sneak peek in advance of the unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show in February. Truck Fleet Management took the opportunity to sit in the vehicle and take note.
The most obvious difference between the City Express and the Nissan NV200 on which it is based is out front, where the Chevy gets new styling from the A-pillar forward. The horizontal grille featuring the Chevrolet bowtie logo brings the van in line with the rest of the manufacturer's lineup.
Inside, a Chevrolet steering wheel and some interior trim sets the truck apart from its Nissan roots.
The van's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. It features dual overhead cams and continuously variable valve timing. The engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
The City Express has left- and right-side sliding doors, solid rear doors with optional windows, six floor-mounted D-ring hooks, 20 interior cargo mounting points, a fold-down passenger seat and standard vinyl flooring. The tops of the rear-wheel housings are flat, and there is 6 feet, 10 inches of space from the rear doors to the back of the front seats, GM said.
