Ford has launched the latest version of its two-tonne Transit line at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show.

New Transit has up to 80kg more load-carrying capability

First seen at the 2018 Hanover Show in Germany and on sale from mid-2019, the new Transit is the result of a comprehensive programme of weight savings that has helped to deliver up to 80kg more load-carrying capability.

Innovations include Ford’s first aluminium bonnet for a commercial vehicle in Europe, while hundreds of components were optimised for weight, strength and durability using aerospace industry CAD software. Major savings of 14.7kg were achieved by redesigning the rear axle for the rear-wheel drive model, and a new high-strength, lightweight composite bulkhead* saves 4.4kg compared with a steel equivalent.

Overall savings delivered a total saving of up to 80kg like-for-like, enhancing payload.

Also benefiting from a revised exterior look and a new interior that echoes the latest Transit Custom, the new Transit gets an upgraded 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel line-up that sees units move to Euro 6.2 emissions levels and delivers CO2 emissions from 156g/km, along with a more powerful 185hp variant and a new 10‑speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive models.

Ford will also offer a segment-first 48-volt mild hybrid on both full-size Transit and on Custom models. In the case of the Transit, this further improves upon 2.0-litre EcoBlue fuel efficiency by up to an additional 8% in stop-start urban applications, delivering CO2 emissions from 144g/km.

And for the first time, Transit drivers will be able to choose from Selectable Drive Modes to match driving performance to conditions.

New driver assistance tech and advanced new connectivity features will also debut, including FordPass Connect on-board modem technology, which brings a variety of connected features.