New Ford Transit Connect to lead way on fuel efficiency & load carrying

Available to order now for late 2013 delivery, the new Transit Connect is priced from £13,921 to £19,130 – representing up to a 7% saving compared to equivalent outgoing models.

Available in van, double-cab-in-van and Kombi bodystyles with short-wheelbase (L1) and long-wheelbase (L2) versions, the Ford Transit Connect offers total volumes of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3 with a full bulkhead, or 3.7m3 and 4.4m3 including the front loadspace area (L1/L2, measured to SAE). Payloads of up to 1,000kg put it on par with best-in-class figures.

The Transit Connect features a load-through hatch in the bulkhead and fold-flat passenger seat, enabling long loads up to 3.0m (L1) and 3.4m (L2) to be safely carried in the vehicle. In addition, a multi-fold dual passenger seat now enables van models to carry up to three people in the cab. With a width between the wheelarches of 1,226mm, both models can accommodate two Europallets in the load area.

The Kombi and Double-Cab-in-Van models offer seating for five, or seven in the L2 Kombi model, and deliver flexible rear seat configurations. DCiV versions feature a movable mesh bulkhead. The L2 model also offers a fold-flat seat capability that optimises loadspace from the front passenger seats rearwards and accommodates loads of up to 2m.

Ford claims best-in-class fuel efficiency for the new model, with the ECOnetic capable of 70.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 105g/km when fitted with a fixed 62mph speed limiter (with other fixed and switchable speed limiters available as options) – a 34% improvement versus the current model.

The new model is also the first Ford van to offer customers the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine already seen in passenger cars, which delivers claimed class-leading petrol economy of 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km. Ford also says further improvements in routine servicing and maintenance costs also ensure that the new Transit Connect delivers significant savings in overall cost of ownership.

Ford ECOnetic Technologies, including Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shutter, help to minimise fuel consumption on selected models. The full powertrain line-up includes the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with a choice of 75, 95 and 115hp power outputs, and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with 100hp power output.

The Transit Connect will be produced at Ford’s manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain for sale across Europe, North America and other worldwide markets.

‘Ford has taken the toughness and dependability of the current Transit Connect, made considerable improvements to the fuel efficiency, added smart new loadspace features, and delivered a dynamic new style,’ said Barb Samardzich, vice president product development, Ford of Europe. ‘The all-new Transit Connect sets new standards for compact vans and provides the perfect partner for a wide range of businesses.’