Ford Transit Connect Van Range
Like a Hollywood superstar attending the launch of their latest blockbuster movie, Ford arrived fashionably late into the modern small van market. But; instead of rolling up in a 40ft limousine complete with swimming pool, mini-bar and gymnasium, they brought us the Transit Connect. Now well established in the sector, the Connect has an impressive all-diesel engine Range and that trademark Transit strength.
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Fords largest light commercial vehicle has stood for years, as an immovable object protruding from the heart of the large panel van market. Many challengers and imitators have fallen by the wayside but the mighty Ford remains. The name has come to stand for affordability and dependability, lying dormant in the consciousnesses of small businessmen, fleet buyers and the self-employed, only to rear-up when the whiff of a new van purchase decision enters the air. "Yes", theyll say with a glazed, vacant look in their eye, "I think Ill just get another Transit". By entrusting the illustrious Transit title to the Connect, Ford gave it a violent shove up the ladder, but equally, if the smaller van was to falter, the brand image could have been irreparably tarnished. It was a risk but, in light of Fords glowing track record, probably not a big one.
"Issues of durability have been central to the designers thinking in creating the Connect,"
The men behind the famous blue oval must have been reasonably confident in the Transit Connects abilities when they asked it to take care of business in two distinct CV market segments. Every other major van maker shares responsibility for the small and medium sized van categories between two separate models. Ford have simply elected to produce small and medium-sized versions of the Transit Connect (as well as the 5-seater Torneo Connect). The short wheelbase/low-roof derivative will square up to the compact competition with its standard 625kg payload capacity.
Meanwhile, the long wheelbase/high-roof gets an invite to play with the bigger boys through its maximum capacity of 900kg. Should you need a bit more by way of choice, the SWB model can be upgraded to carry 825kg. That brings us on to the contents of the Transit Connect engine bay. For everyday use, punchy, economical diesel engines are preferred by seasoned van drivers and Ford have a real cracker in their Duratorq 1.
8 TDCI. With 220Nm of torque on offer at just 1,750rpm the mid-Range 89bhp powerplant pulls strongly and rarely feels overworked. The excellent TDCI configuration with its high-pressure common-rail fuel injection technology has gone down a storm in Ford passenger cars and van drivers have been similarly taken with it. As well as useful low-end performance, this TDCI manages to return 37mpg on the combined cycle.
A figure thats only marginally inferior to the entry-level diesel option a 74bhp 1.8-litre TDdi engine that produces the Connects best combined economy with almost 39mpg. The Range-topping option is a 109bhp version of the TDCi powerplant one of the strongest feeling engines youll find in this class of van. Ford are at pains to emphasise the careful consideration that has gone into the Connects construction.
As was mentioned, it employs the popular one-box shape to house load area and cabin. Models sharing this configuration were christened Integrated Style Vans by some bright spark at Ford. Issues of durability were central to the designers thinking in creating the Connect, a policy that will be appreciated by van users that like to ask a lot from their vehicles on a daily basis - over many years. High strength materials are common throughout and the cabin has a functional, no-frills appeal that manages to retain levels of comfort (six-way adjustable drivers seat/good heating and ventilation system) along with some nice details (coin tray/pen holder/take-away hook).
Its not unusual for a light van to be criticised for its ride quality or handling but recently, Ford have built a reputation for producing accomplished drivers cars, so were entitled to expect a bit more from the Connect. The suspension on commercial vehicles has to be tuned to handle large loads but Ford have taken steps to ensure a sharp, surefooted drive as well. When it comes to stopping, youll have to do without ABS in the entry-level model, unless you want to pay more and specify it as an option. The traction control system is optional on all models.
Standard safety features include drivers airbag, seat belt pretensioners and side impact protection. As a whole, the Transit Connect is a good-looking, well-rounded package with warranty cover galore and long service intervals. The Range might not be as diverse as that offered by some other manufacturers, especially considering that the Connect must appeal to buyers in both the light van and the medium panel van sectors. But youd have to back Fords CV expertise, along with the heritage of the Transit name, to carry it to the top.
Facts At A Glance VAN: Ford Transit Connect Range ENGINES: Deisel: 74bhp 1.8-Litre TDdi / 89bhp or 109bhp 1.8-Litre TDCi PAYLOADS: (SWB) 625/825Kg (LWB) 700/825/900Kg LOAD VOLUME: (cu. m) SWB: 2.8m. LWB 4.67m
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height. LWB: 4525/1795/1981
