The introduction of a revised Ford Fiesta car has led inevitably to the launch of an updated Fiesta Van range. That said, the move wasn’t perhaps as inevitable as in the past, as Ford has announced that it will build a second small commercial, the Courier, which we should see early next year.
The company continues to sell around 4,000 Fiesta Vans in the UK each year, so it is certainly a worthwhile exercise and the new vans offer updated looks inside and out, a range of new engines, improved technology and the promise of lower running costs. True, you can only carry 1.0m3 of load, but even with the half mesh steel bulkhead in place you still get a 1.3m long load area, with sturdy tie-down rings providing security for the load and driver. Payloads are around the 500kg mark, depending on engine and specification, but again, that will probably be more than sufficient for the target customer.
There are two diesel engines on offer, along with one petrol motor. The most popular engine is expected to be a new 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi, taking up to 55% of sales and producing 75hp and 185Nm of torque. This engine has a claimed consumption of 76.4mpg and CO2 levels of 98g/km.
The second diesel is a 1.6-litre TDCi delivering 95hp and 205Nm. In standard trim it delivers 78.5mpg and 95g/km and Ford expects this option to take up to 25% of sales. The 1.6-litre can also be had in ECOnetic trim, with standard Auto-Start-Stop, lowered suspension, an aerodynamic rear undertray and wheel trims, plus low rolling resistance tyres.
The ECOnetic model offers identical power and torque, but claims a combined fuel figure of 85.6mpg with emissions of just 87g/km. Ford expects the ECOnetic to account for 15% of UK sales.The 1.25-litre Duratec petrol engine delivers 82hp and 114Nm of torque and offers up to 54.3mpg and 120g/km, but is expected to appeal to just 5% of customers.
All models drive through a light and easy to use five-speed manual gearbox and both the diesel models have sprightly performance and sure-footed handling. The Fiesta Van is at home in the cut and thrust of urban driving, but is equally capable of tackling motorway work when required.
The Fiesta Van benefits from much of the technology that is appearing in the car, including the option of Active City Stop, which is designed to prevent low-speed collisions. You can also opt for Hill Start Assist, Easy Fuel and a rear view camera.
Ford’s MyKey technology is available too, allowing fleet managers to programme individual keys for specific drivers, restricting top speed, disabling the audio system if seatbelts are not used and preventing the deactivation of safety technologies such as the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that is standard on 1.6-litre vans.
The MyKey system recognises different keys for the same vehicle, allowing the vehicle settings to be adjusted for different drivers to suit fleet requirements.
The vans can also be had with Ford SYNC, an in-van connectivity system first seen in the new Transit Custom. SYNC features an Emergency Assistance function that directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services in the event of an accident. The Fiesta Van is available in Base, ECOnetic II, Trend and Sport specifications, with prices starting at £10,980 plus the VAT for a Base petrol model, rising to £13,470 for the 1.6-litre diesel Sport van.
Verdict
The Fiesta Van once again benefits from the majority of the car range upgrades, and continues to offer easy entry to the light commercial vehicle market for small businesses.
MODEL Ford Fiesta Van 1.5 Duratorq Trend
BASIC PRICE £11,870
ENGINE 4-cyl/1,498cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 75hp @ 3,750rpm
TORQUE 185Nm @ 1,750rpm
WEIGHT (kg) 1,062
PAYLOAD (kg) 508
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT (kg) 750
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 45 litres
COMBINED MPG 76.4mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS 98g/km
OIL CHANGE 1 yr/12,500 miles
WARRANTY 3 yr/60,000 miles