RAM 700

Creating FCA has brought many changes for both Fiat and Chrysler’s operations. In a great example of “taking the lemons and making lemonade”, the companies embraced their cultural differences and converted them into a solid first step towards the global approach which both wanted to execute for a long time. Some results of this strategy concern RAM: not only did it deserve to be spun off of Dodge, a couple of years ago, as it was also born completely under these new directions: this is its third offspring whose English is spoken with a strong Latin accent.

For those who do not know too much about RAM’s latest ventures, here is a quick introduction. While the big pick-up trucks are still as North-American as ever, the commercial range started to rely on the Italians’ expertise. That is, Ducato crossed the Atlantic as ProMaster, being followed by Doblò shortly afterwards (rebadged ProMaster City). This way, the first group of cars continues to respect the preferences of the world’s best pick-up truck buyers while the other takes advantage of Europeans’ experience concerning fuel and space efficiency. However, as explanatory as this text might be, there is still a small detail left out: even though Fiat is Italian, the first paragraph described that fictional accent with a more general adjective.

The reason why? This car was developed by the Italian company in Brazil, and will be sold under the RAM brand in Mexico. The intention is to offer a (much) smaller option than 1500, with prices and capabilities good enough to suit any urban driver’s needs. Since the intention was to keep all the costs to a minimum, anyone who knows the original Strada will have a very strong déjà vu: RAM literally replaced Fiat’s badges and nothing more. On the other hand, the compact pick-up has just went through a heavy facelift, which gave it retouched sheetmetal, a taller bed, new tail lights and a third door: Strada was the first of its class to offer extended and double cabs in the whole world, along with semi-automatic transmission and differential lock.

While there are six trim levels in Brazil (a number that had two digits few years ago, including a sporty variation), the Mexican market will receive two. Cabina Sencilla costs $ 182,900 and expresses its orientation with the very name. The no-frills look is composed by steel wheels, black-plastic protectors and the biggest bed available: you can take up to 705 kg, distributed in 1,220 liters. The two-seater cabin follows the first-generation Palio’s design and features ABS brakes, audio system, climate control, front airbags and power steering as standard equipments. The engine, in turn, is a four-cylinder, sixteen-valve 1.6L which only burns gasoline. It is good for 115 hp of power and 11.9 kgfm of torque, and is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

Using the same powertrain, Club Cab focuses on those who drive pick-up trucks for leisure. There is a completely different external decoration, with stylized plastic protectors, darkened headlights, 15” alloy wheels, chrome front grille, exclusive rearview mirrors with integrated turn lights and four auxiliary lights. But the most important item will surely be the cabin: the rear bench seats two, and its exclusive door has an inverse opening. The interior also brings a different trim, with new seat upholstery and exclusive instruments. When it comes to equipments, the previous list was increased with several comfort and visual items and Locker, which is the aforementioned differential lock. This version costs 241,900 pesos.