The all-new Ford Transit Connect is now available to order for delivery late in 2013.
The all-new Ford Transit Connect is now available to order, for delivery late 2013.
The new Transit Connect is part of Ford’s completely new commercial vehicle range, which started with the launch of the Transit Custom, and will be followed by a new two-tonne Transit and a new Transit Courier in 2014.
Available in Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi bodystyles with short-wheelbase (L1) and long-wheelbase (L2) versions, the Ford Transit Connect offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3 with a full bulkhead, or 3.7m3 and 4.4m3 including the front loadspace area.
The new vehicle can carry payloads of up to 1,000kg matching best in class figures.
A load-through hatch in the bulkhead and fold-flat passenger seat enable long loads up to 3.0m (L1) and 3.4m (L2) to be safely carried in the vehicle. In addition, a multi-fold dual passenger seat (like the Citroen Berlingo) now enables van models to carry up to three people in the cab. With a width between the wheelarches of 1,226mm, both models can accommodate two Europallets in the load area.
The Kombi and Double-Cab-in-Van models offer seating for five, or seven in the L2 Kombi model, and deliver flexible rear seat configurations. DCiV versions feature a movable mesh bulkhead. The L2 model also offers a unique fold-flat seat capability that optimises loadspace from the front passenger seats rearwards and accommodates loads of up to 2m.
When Ford says the cabin offers car-like design and comfort, it isn’t joking.
The Transit Connect delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency, with the ECOnetic model capable of 70.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 105g/km when fitted with a fixed 62mph speed limiter (with other fixed and switchable speed limiters available as options) – a 34 per cent improvement versus the current model.
Ford ECOnetic Technologies, including Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shutter, help to minimise fuel consumption on selected models.
The full powertrain line-up includes the highly-efficient, Dagenham-built 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with a choice of 75, 95 and 115PS power outputs, and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with 100PS power output.
Finally, unlike many rivals which are tested like passenger cars, the all-new Transit Connect has been subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering the equivalent of three million miles in arduous testing, including at least 250,000 miles in tough real-world fleet conditions.
Developed under the One Ford global product strategy at Ford’s commercial vehicle centre of excellence in Dunton, Essex, the all-new Transit Connect will be produced at Ford’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain for sale across Europe, North America and other worldwide markets.
Something tells me it could be a big hit with van hire companies and is likely to gain market share from the Vauxhall Combo / Citroen Berlingo families.