Less is more

The triple ‘Engine of the Year’ winner has been dropped into the even smaller Transit Courier. Does it add up to an even better package?

The newest member of the revitalised Ford Transit range takes a name which has enjoyed a long and successful association with the US brand. The ‘Courier’ part of the Transit Courier was first used on an American Ford commercial vehicle in as long ago as 1952. European van operators will remember it from the small Mk III and IV Fiesta-based van which first appeared in 1991. That was replaced in 2002 by the slightly larger and more practical Transit Connect, the latest version of which we drove back in issue 77. However, now the Courier is reborn, this time with a Transit prefix. Like the petrol-powered Connect models, it also has Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and is a winner itself, scooping the What Van? Van of the Year 2015 prize.

Impressive carrying capacity
With the Connect the second smallest model in Ford’s 2015 Transit range, the latest Courier slips in underneath. Short wheelbase versions of the larger Connect have a 2.9m3 load capacity; the Courier manages a close 2.4m3 which rises to 2.6m3 if the flexible bulkhead is fitted. A maximum payload of 660kg eclipses that of even its larger brother when in short wheelbase guise. This means the Courier is able to both nip around city streets a little easier thanks to its smaller dimensions, but still carry impressively large loads. A load-through length of 2.59m makes for easier passage of long items. Overall, the Courier is 261mm shorter and 114mm lower than the Connect, with a 173mm shorter wheelbase. Unlike the Connect, though, only one wheelbase variation is available. A Kombi version with an extra row of seats which can carry five passengers can also be chosen.

Choose the 1,000cc 98bhp EcoBoost‑engined Courier with the optional £150 Auto-Stop‑Start system and CO2 emissions fall to 119g/km. That may not be as clean as the 97g/km 1.6 Duratorq TDCi model with optional Auto-Start-Stop and
62mph speed limiter, but, it’s a useful 10g/km less than the similarly-engined Connect. Ford claims that the turbocharged three-cylinder engine achieves around 24 per cent better fuel economy and 25 per cent lower CO2 emissions than a more conventional naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre unit.

Thanks in part to weight reduction of 222kg over the 1.0-litre Connect, the Transit Courier feels even more sprightly. The reduction in mass plays dividends when it comes to fuel economy, too, the smaller model being a claimed 4mpg more efficient on the combined cycle than its larger sibling.

Real-word economy on our 325-mile test distance was 39.2mpg. On that basis a full tank of fuel should last just under 400 miles. A fuel computer which informs the driver of average mpg figures, range to empty and other driving data is standard. On even more eco-friendly diesel-powered versions of the Courier, fuel economy packages can be fitted which include a Auto-Start-Stop system, Active Grille Shutter and Battery Management System technology as well as Smart Regenerative Charging.

Highly manoeuvrable
With a tight turning circle of 10.5m and 2.6 turns of the steering wheel from lock-to‑lock, the Transit Connect is highly manoeuvrable. Just like other models in Ford’s passenger car and commercial vehicle ranges, it feels engineered for driving pleasure. Direct and perfectly-weighted steering adds up to a driving experience more like a car than a van. The Courier feels very tied down to the road with a keen turn-in, more in keeping with a warm hatchback. The engine does most of its work between 2,500 and 4,000rpm, but work the little EcoBoost engine towards its higher rev range and it really comes alive. Torque is 125lb ft (170Nm) and a direct-shifting five-speed manual gearbox also adds to the driving fun.

Externally and specifically in ‘Trend’ specification, the Transit Courier looks every inch the smart delivery van. The highest specification available, EN14 AWY was also enhanced by its £300 ‘Iceberg’ metallic paint finish and 15-inch alloy wheels which were part of a £400 ‘Sport Pack’ (also including silver finish roof rails and a rear parking aid).

A folding mesh load-through bulkhead with fold flat passenger seat, driver underseat storage drawer and a rubber load cover made up the £200 ‘Seat Pack 6’, while manual air-conditioning (£400), a tyre pressure monitoring system (£75) and an LED loadspace light (£40) bring the overall price to £13,360. The base price of the Transit Courier Trend 1.0-litre EcoBoost S/S is £11,745.

Eco Mode display
The cabin of the Transit Courier will be familiar to drivers who are used to small, modern Fords. Similar in style to the Fiesta supermini as well as the Transit Connect, the dashboard features Ford’s mobile phone-like centre console with a 3.5-inch dot-matrix mono display.

The Ford SYNC system is standard and includes DAB/CD/USB/Bluetooth with voice control, as well as Eco Mode display to make achieving an economical driving style easier. Practical touches include a full‑width overhead stowage shelf, rain‑sensing wipers, auto headlamps, map lights, and A4 document storage.

With an aperture of 453mm, a single 1,044mm high sliding door on the passenger side makes for easy loading, while twin asymmetric rear cargo doors open at angles up to 158 degrees, ensuring unrestricted access to the loadspace behind them. Loading area cargo tie-downs stop cargo from sliding around while on the move.

As with the Transit Connect, Ford has played a masterstroke coupling the even lighter Transit Courier with its 1.0-litre petrol engine. Just as with the other application, a big draw for the EcoBoost‑powered Courier is the smoothness and refinement of the three-cylinder unit. Add in zingy performance, 20,000-mile/1‑year service intervals, a 12‑year anti‑perforation warranty and smart looks, and the Transit Courier represents a small and stylish way to ferry about cargo.

The fact that driving pleasure hasn’t been sacrificed means Ford’s smallest purpose‑built van lives up to the meaning of its name: never has carrying packages in haste been so much fun.

Ford Transit Courier Trend 1.0-litre EcoBoost S/S

GROSS PAYLOAD: 660kg
LOAD VOLUME: 2.4m3
ENGINE: 1,000cc, three-cylinder petrol
CO2: 119g/km
MPG (combined): 54.3
VED: £225
PRICE (ex-VAT): £11,745 (£13,360 as tested)

Further information
www.ford.co.uk/CommercialVehicles