2015 Ram 700 Newest Entrant In Mexican Compact Truck Market

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

For some, the Chevrolet Colorado’s “ technology and stuff” is just what they need in a truck. For others, however, the mid-size pickup’s footprint is still a tad too big.

If you call Mexico your home, Ram has just what you need.

According to Jalopnik subsidiary Truck Yeah, the Fiat Strada-based 2015 Ram 700 hails from Brazil — where the Strada is also assembled — and battles against the Chevrolet Tornado and Volkswagen Saveiro in the Mexican market. Both single- and extended-cab versions are available, beginning at $14,000 USD for the stripper model, $18,000 for the Adventure trim (which also offers a locking-diff and digital inclinometer for off-roading adventures).

Under the bonnet, a blast from the past moves the front wheels: the 115-horsepower 1.6-liter Fiat E.torQ. The four-pot 16-valve SOHC mill is derived from the Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Neon’s 2-liter unit, and has been in production as the E.TorQ since 2011.

Regarding its name, the 700 was planned to be called 750, but instead took the name to identify a payload capacity of 705 kilograms, or approximately 1,500 pounds.

As for the possibility of seeing the 700 in the United States, Ram and parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles haven’t said much on the subject. Though FCA could get around the Chicken Tax by assembling U.S.-bound units in Mexico if need be, low fuel prices and consumer demand outside of enthusiast circles are another matter.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • CJinSD CJinSD on Nov 03, 2014

    On the US market, this trucklet would be a lifestyle vehicle. A lifestyle vehicle is bought by someone that needs attention and kept until they figure out that their lifestyle actually demands the real utility of a sedan or CUV, at which point they buy one of those from a brand they think will command respect for them.

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    • RobertRyan RobertRyan on Nov 04, 2014

      @CJ in SD 801lbs! Glorified Station Wagon. Still it will sell as it is a "Truck"

  • Occam Occam on Nov 03, 2014

    Extended cab, manual transmission, rubberized interior like my old Element, fuel efficient engine, and an extendable gate like the Subaru Baja. Compact, efficient, easy to park in garages or in cramped lots when I go down to the hipster district for food and events, but easy to toss a couple of bicycles in the back and drive out to a state park. I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Take my money, FCA!

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    • Wolfinator Wolfinator on Nov 03, 2014

      @Sigivald The problem with the Baja (for me) is that it's bed was too darn small. To much on the sedan side of the equation, not enough pickup. It's the same problem I have with the Honda Ridgeline. The bed is too small! A bed has to be at least 5' (not including tailgate). 7' would be idea for me, but nobody else wants that it seems.

  • Sigivald Sigivald on Nov 03, 2014

    Why is there a sheep-skull badge on that Ridgeline?

  • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Nov 03, 2014

    The Strada um cough gasp Ram 700 is a decent looking little trucklet. As long as the price of fuel remains low this kind of vehicle would be a tough sell other than for a small niche market. There have been various rumours of this trucklet coming to the USA unless those rumours were fueled by pundits who do not know that Mexico IS IN North America. I'd rather buy a Tacoma or Colorado. That 1500lb payload would shrink to 700 lbs (not kilo's) in USA trim.

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