Ford is hoping to repeat the success of its Transit Custom range with the launch of the smaller Transit Connect. The van is off to a flying start, picking up the International Van of the Year 2014 award before it hits the streets.
As before there are short and long wheelbase models, though both share the standard roof height, with no plans for a high-roof version. Ford believes this will push sales of the longer model, with L2 Connect expected to grab up to 40% of UK buyers.
The L1 van has a load volume of 2.9m3 with a full steel bulkhead fitted, or 3.7m3 without the bulkhead, but with a fold-flat passenger seat. L2 Connect can handle 3.7m3 with the bulkhead and up to 4.4m3 without. As with Custom, you can also have a load-through flap in the bulkhead, allowing longer loads up to 3.4m long in the L2 to be carried when the passenger seat is folded forwards.
Payloads have been increased, with L1 vans capable of hauling 625-925kg and the larger van 700-1,000kg. Both can take two Euro pallets in the rear, with the L2 model capable of loading a Euro pallet through the sliding side door.
As with other manufacturers, Ford has downsized under the bonnet, moving from its venerable 1.8-litre Duratorq engine to a 1.6-litre diesel. Power remains pretty much unchanged, with the TDCi engine available at 75hp, 95hp and 115hp. The two lower powered motors drive through a five-speed manual gearbox, while the range-topping 115hp engine gets a six-speed box.
There will be an ECOnetic version of the van, based on the L1 chassis with the 95hp engine. This is said to achieve up to a class best 70.6mpg, with 105g/km of CO2.
Ford will also offer its EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol engine in Connect for the first time. This compact three-cylinder engine develops 100hp and will also drive through a six-speed manual gearbox. EcoBoost offers an impressive 50.4mpg and 129g/km emissions.
Another first for the compact Ford is a dual folding passenger seat, standard from Trend specification upwards. Connect is also available as a double-cab-in-van model, with five seats, on both L1 and L2 chassis. The L2 van can also be had as a seven-seat Kombi.
There are three trim levels – Base, Trend and Limited. Base models get a single side loading door, power windows, a DAB radio with Bluetooth and steering wheel audio controls, a driver’s airbag, six DIN tie-down points, a full steel bulkhead and load adaptive ESP with torque vector control.
Trend adds front fog lamps, wheel covers, a body-coloured bumper, the bulkhead through-load hatch, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, Ford’s SYNC audio and emergency assistance, a heated windscreen, powered and heated mirrors and a plastic cargo floor liner.
Limited models come with alloy wheels, chrome headlamp bezels and radiator insert, body-coloured mirror housings, door handles and side mouldings, static cornering lamps, dual zone air-con, a heated driver’s seat, cruise control, rear parking sensors, auto wipers and lights and an adjustable speed limiter.
Prices start at £13,150 for a Base L1, rising to Limited vans from £15,750. Service intervals have been extended to 20,000 miles and the firm is hoping for a 5% rise in residual values.
What we think
The bad news for the competition is that Ford has once again hit the spot with Connect. It drives well, costs less to run and carries more in the back. Job done.
Specification
MODEL Ford Transit Connect 210 L2 95hp Trend
BASIC PRICE £15,550
ENGINE 4-cyl/1,560cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 155hp @ 3,600rpm
TORQUE 230Nm @1,500-2,000rpm
Weights (kg)
GVW 1,950
KERB WEIGHT 1,340
PAYLOAD 715
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,200
Dimensions (mm)
LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,153
LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,538
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,269
LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 599
LOAD VOLUME 3.6m3
Cost considerations
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 60 litres
COMBINED MPG & CO2 57.6mpg/128g/km
OIL CHANGE 2 yr/20,000 miles
WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles