Talented Transit

Once described as the ‘backbone of Britain’, 2.3 million Ford Transits have been sold in the UK. The sixth-generation has just arrived

If you see a van on the roads in Britain, the chances are it’s a Ford Transit. First launched in 1965, one in four vans sold in the UK is a Transit. In its 39-year lifespan, Ford has sold over seven million units of the Transit family. It’s the sixth best-selling vehicle in the UK, and the third most popular Ford in Britain.

The Transit family is now so large, that the latest version is somewhat larger than what most people would consider a Transit to be. The Transit range now starts with the Courier compact van, rises through the Connect medium van and Custom (which most would consider Transit size) to the all-new Transit, which sits at the top of the Transit tree. As before, the Transit will be sold in Europe but for the first time, it will be available in North America, making it a truly global vehicle. Buyers will be able to choose between a bewildering 450 variations, made up of vans, chassis cabs and minibuses. Two wheelbases, two roof lengths and three vehicle lengths offer myriad combinations. Front, rear and all-wheel drive powertrains distill choices still further.

Load volume is up, ranging from 10.0 to 15.1m3 and even the smallest versions can hold four Euro pallets. A 10 per cent loadspace improvement and a three-metre load length and two‑metre load height make the new model more capable than before. Larger door openings at the side and rear make for easier loading and unloading. A useful touch is LED lighting in the loadspace area. All-new Transit prices range from £20,795 to £33,145.

Emission-saving technologies
Eighty per cent of Transits are sold to UK fleet buyers. Ford says that many buyers are looking for low-emission versions, so variants boasting the company’s ECOnetic technology are available. All are powered by a 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, in 98, 123, and 153bhp outputs.

Ford claims a class-leading 169g/km and 44mpg for the greenest models, while non‑ECOnetic technology Transits start at 190g/km. All have a six-speed manual gearbox. ECOnetic models have an Auto-Start-Stop system (optional on other variants) as well as ‘Acceleration Control’ – a system that stops the driver accelerating faster when the vehicle is empty than when it is fully laden. Further fuel and emission-saving technologies include Smart Regenerative Charging, a gearshift indicator light, and a Battery Management System. Ford’s ‘Eco Mode’ – which encourages economical driving – is fitted to all versions.

To drive, the all-new Transit is surprisingly car-like. A high and comfortable driving position makes for good visibility. The dash-mounted gear lever has a slick changing action, while the controls are placed sensibly. The cabin takes many cues from Ford’s passenger car range, with a central console controlling the infotainment functions. Even base versions have steering wheel-mounted buttons, while the front dual passenger seat features a fold-out tabletop as well as an underseat storage compartment. Perfect for those moments in-between stops.
The TDCi engine pulls well in the 123bhp versions tested, the 258lb ft (350Nm) of torque making light work of acceleration in an unladen van. The steering is nicely weighted for accurate positioning, essential when driving a vehicle with a potential length of 6704mm. The new Transit looks after the driver, too, with safety systems offering high levels of protection.

Fulfills many fleet criteria
A three-year, 100,000-mile warranty is standard. With long 30,000-mile/2-year service intervals, Ford aims to keep the all-new Transit in service for longer. Translating to lower costs and fewer days out of service for fleets, the latest version of Ford’s flagship commercial vehicle nameplate fulfills many criteria sought by the fleet buyer. Add in lower-emitting technology, improved design and usability, and the all-new Transit should continue the Transit’s success story both in the UK and across the world.

Ford Transit ECOnetic FWD
GROSS PAYLOAD: 1479kg
LOAD VOLUME: 10.8m3
ENGINE: 2,198cc, four-cylinder diesel
CO2: 179g/km
MPG (combined): 40.9
VED: £225
PRICE (ex-VAT): £27,075