Ford has revealed its updated Transit Connect and Courier LCVs, which will get updated engines and styling as well as new driver assistance technologies when they launch next year.
Part of a product revamp that will see the company’s entire commercial line-up in Europe renewed during the next 18 months, the refresh brings a new front-end for the Transit Connect, while the upgraded cabin features new trim materials and a revised instrument panel with a six-inch colour touchscreen featuring Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system on high series models.
Engine line-up brings Ford’s new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel featuring fuel injection, turbocharging and emission-control technologies, said to bring improved performance alongside reduced fuel consumption although fuel figures aren’t available yet.
The engine line-up also includes the latest version of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which incorporates various changes to drive fuel efficiency, notably cylinder deactivation, which enables the engine to run on two cylinders at low loads. All engines come with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission as standard and the 1.5‑litre EcoBlue engine can also be specified with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both engines also bring increased service intervals, with manual diesel vehicles now offering variable intervals of up to 2 years/40,000 km (25,000 miles) – said to be best-in-class.
Technologies now on offer include Intelligent Speed Limiter, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist.
The Transit Connect will continue to be offered in short and long wheelbase options providing load volumes up to 3.6m3 (VDA), payload capacity ranging from 520-890 kg and bodystyles including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van.
The Transit Courier has also been updated with revised styling and a redesigned centre console design with a six-inch colour touchscreen offered with Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system on higher series model. The line-up also adds in a new Limited variant as well as the high-end Sport model.
As with the Transit Connect, the updated powertrain line-up brings the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, with the new six-speed manual transmission in place of the outgoing model’s five-speed gearbox.
A new fuel-efficiency package is offered as standard on diesel models to offer improved warm-up times and reduced aero-drag.
The updated model will be offered with a payload capacity ranging from 500-590 kg, load volumes up to 2.4 m3 (VDA), and a choice of van and kombi bodystyles.
Both new Transit models will be available to order in spring 2018 for customer delivery from the middle of the year.
