The Ram ProMaster Rapid returns to the Mexican market for the 2022 model year, with several changes. While the small city van is not available in either the American or Canadian markets, it continues to play an important role in the LATAM region for the Ram Commercial brand. The ProMaster Rapid has become synonymous with functionality and practicality in one of Mexico’s fastest-growing segments.
Virtually identical to the recently unveiled Fiat Fiorino and Peugeot Partner Rapid LCVs, it will be built alongside its Ram counterpart at the plant in Betim. The 2022 Ram ProMaster Rapid is loaded with novelities, starting with an updated design. At the front, there is a more aggressive look thanks to a set of new headlights, redesigned bumpers, fenders, and hood. The front grille bears a R-A-M script logo and features faux nostrils similar to the Ram 1500.
Its comfortable and functional interior now features a completely redesigned panel. The new cluster includes a 6-function onboard computer, tachometer, and digital partial odometer. With standard height adjustment, the steering wheel now features the Ram head logo. The cabin has also received darker tones and 4 new storage compartments, which brings the total to 13 compartments or 18.3 liters (10% more volume than last year). Among them is an exclusive space for a card machine in the door, in addition to an area above the illuminated glove box.
On the sides, ProMaster Rapid maintains an advertising space where the vehicle can be customized so that each user can present their services or products. In addition, it has high-strength polymer housings with a mechanism that allows the side mirror to be folded manually. Both the left and right mirrors integrate the directional and intermittent indicator light, thereby assisting in greater visibility to anticipate turning maneuvers or slowing down during driving days.
Since nothing is more important than safety, the updated ProMaster Rapid incorporates traction and stability control (ESC) as standard. The equipment uses several sensors that, upon detecting a risky situation for the vehicle, act on the brake and accelerator to allow the driver to regain control. Through the Emergency Brake Signal, the van automatically turns on the turn signal lights and flashes the brake lights, alerting other drivers and reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
The new ProMaster Rapid continues to use the 1.4-liter EVO Flex inline-four-cylinder engine, now tuned to meet the stricter emissions and noise rules. It generates up to 84 horsepower of power and 89 lb.-ft. of torque with regular unleaded gasoline. Recognized for its excellent torque at low revs, which makes the utility vehicle more agile and efficient when transporting loads, the engine has become even more economical, with a reduction of up to 11.8% in gasoline consumption. It manages to give the ProMaster Rapid an official fuel economy rating of 14.92 km/l city (35 MPG) – 18.60 km/l highway (44 MPG) – 16.38 km/l (39 MPG) combined.
The driver also benefits from the new adjustments of the 5-speed manual transmission. The 2nd and 3rd gears are now shorter, giving more agility in urban traffic while reducing the need for changes in retakes and climbs. The 5th gear has been extended by 5%, which reduces engine speed at cruising speeds, thus improving consumption and reducing noise in the cabin. The reverse gear was shortened by 14%, making it easier to maneuver on hills even with the vehicle fully loaded.
The ProMaster Rapid has a load capacity of 650 kilograms (or 1,433 lbs) and a volumetric capacity of 3,100 liters (or about 109.5 cubic feet of space). The Rapid offers 6 fastening hooks in the cargo area. The small van has a cargo space on the roof of the cab, that can hold up to 10 kilograms (or 22 pounds).
ProMaster Rapid also has a McPherson front suspension and a rigid axle rear suspension. It can make U-turns on tight city streets with its 5.7-meter (18.7 feet) turning radius.
The new 2022 Ram ProMaster Rapid has a starting price of $284,900 pesos (or $14,340 USD).
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