Practicality
Transit Courier offers a load volume of up to 2.3m3, and a load length of 1.62m with the standard full-height bulkhead in place. An optional folding mesh bulkhead, with fold and dive passenger seat, allows lengths of up to 2.59m to be carried, raising overall volume to 2.6m3.
Maximum carrying capacity is 660kg, on a par with some vans in the class above and Courier can be supplied with one or two sliding side doors. The van has six cargo tie-down points and Courier comes pre-installed with a range of bodyside fixing points for a range of racking and framework suppliers.
Design
The cab will be instantly familiar to anyone who has driven any of the latest Ford LCVs. With plenty of storage space, including a full width over windscreen shelf and a drawer under the passenger seat, the Transit Courier should provide a comfortable office space for delivery drivers.
The compact van can be ordered with a bewildering array of technology, from Ford’s SYNC with Emergency Assistance audio system, to the new MyFord Dock, which can be used to store, mount and charge mobile devices.
Automatic lights and wipers come with the Trend specification, while standard Bluetooth and DAB radio contribute to the car-like driving environment. Customers will also be able to opt for a Quickclear windscreen, climate control, sat-nav and a reversing camera.
As with all Transits, Courier also benefits from a raft of electronic safety features, including standard ESC with Hill Start Assist, Traction control and Roll-Over Mitigation.
Drivetrain
Ford will offer three engines in Courier, starting with a 75hp 1.5TDCi that boasts 190Nm of torque for 72.3mpg and 103g/km of CO2. Those looking for more power can opt for a 1.6-litre diesel with 95hp and 215Nm. This is said to offer up to 76.3mpg and just 97g/km. Alternatively, and possibly an increasingly popular choice with inner-city companies, Ford’s three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol engine can be supplied, delivering 100hp and 170Nm of torque, with 54.3mpg and 119g/km of CO2.
All three engines can be specified with Auto-Start-Stop and Ford’s Battery Management System and Smart Regenerative Charging are standard. They all drive the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Service intervals have been set at 20,000 miles or one year. A multi-piece rear bumper and rugged body side protection , plus high-mounted front and rear lights, should help to reduce the cost of accidents and keep insurance premiums low.
What we think
As with all of the latest-generation Transit models, and the Fiesta Van and Ranger pick-up for that matter, Courier delivers an enjoyable, comfortable drive. Fleet managers should be equally happy with the small Ford, if its headline fuel consumption figures come even close to real-world operation, while long service intervals and the promise of low-cost repairs will be just as welcome.
Though only expected to account for around 5% of sales, the innovative EcoBoost petrol engine could be quite a surprise, appealing to small businesses in the urban environment.
With the completion of the four-model Transit line-up, along with Fiesta Van and Ranger, Ford has an almost untouchable range to offer fleets. Little wonder that the company continues to dominate the sales charts.
Fleet fact
Though the smallest of the four Transit models, Courier can still handle a standard Euro pallet.