Standard EquipmentTechnical SpecificationOptional ExtrasIndependent Review

Driver Convenience

  • Easy fuel capless refuelling system
  • PAS
  • Trip computer

Entertainment

  • Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Exterior Features

  • Body coloured front bumper
  • Electric windows - one touch lowering drivers side
  • Front fog lights
  • Quickclear heated windscreen

Interior Features

  • 4 way adjustable passenger seat
  • 8 way adjustable drivers seat
  • Cargo area tie down loops
  • Dual fold flat passenger seat with storage box
  • Easy clean floor
  • Glovebox with lid
  • Overhead stowage
  • Plastic cargo area lining
  • Reach and rake adjustable steering column

Safety

  • Driver seatbelt reminder
  • Drivers airbag

Security

  • Immobiliser
  • Remote central double locking

Technical

  • ABS + EBD
  • ESP + EBA
  • Heavy duty battery
  • Hill start assist

Wheels

  • Full wheel covers

Emissions

Standard Euro Emissions

EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Automatic Transmission

1

Cylinders - Bore (mm)

75

Catalytic Convertor

1

CC

1498

Compression Ratio

16:1

Cooling System

WATER

Cylinder Layout

IN-LINE

Cylinders

4

Engine Layout

FRONT TRANSVERSE

Engine Make

Fuel Delivery

COMMON RAIL

Fuel Delivery

DIESEL

Gears

8 SPEED

Manual Transmission

1

Number of Valves

8

Cylinders - Stroke (mm)

88.3

Camshaft

SOHC

General

Safety Concerns?

1

Badge Engine CC

1.5

Badge Power

120

Based On ID

Chassis Engine Number

Clutch

SINGLE DRY PLATE

Coin Description

Coin Gross Vehicle Weight Code

Coin Power Output Code

Coin Series

Coin Wheelbase Description Code

Coin Wheelbase Name Code

Front Brakes

DISCS

Front Suspension

MACPHERSON STRUTS

Timing Belt Interval Mileage

0

Hand Brake

REAR

Insurance Group 1

Insurance Group 2

Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years

12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years

3

NCAP Safety Assist %

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Badge Power

Badge Engine CC

Vehicle Homologation Class

Running Cost League Headings

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %

12

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months

20000

Special Edition

1

Special Order

1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

100000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years

3

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %

120

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %

120000

Vehicle Homologation Class

N1

Vin/Frame No.

Performance

Engine Power - BHP

120

Engine Power - KW

88

Engine Power - RPM

3600

Engine Torque - LBS.FT

221

Engine Torque - MKG

30.6

Engine Torque - NM

300

Engine Torque - RPM

1750

Tyres

Alloys?

1

Automatic Clutch

1

Plated 3rd Axle

Plated 4th Axle

Space Saver?

1

Tyre Make

Tyre Size Front

205/60 R16

Tyre Size Rear

205/60 R16

Tyre Size Spare

FULL SIZE

Wheel Style

Wheel Type

16" STEEL

Vehicle Dimensions

Height

1828

Length

4825

Load Height

1269

Load Length

2231

Load Space Width Between Wheel Arches

1226

Side Load Door Height

1228

Side Load Door Width

839

Wheelbase

3062

Width

1835

Width (including mirrors)

2137

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up)

Gross Train Weight

3260

Gross Vehicle Weight

2380

Load Space Volume

3

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down)

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down)

Luggage Capacity - 2nd Row Seats Removed

Luggage Capacity - 2nd Row Seats Up

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Down

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Removed

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Up

Max. Towing Weight - Braked

1395

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked

750

Minimum Kerbweight

1611

No. of Seats

2

Max. Loading Weight

769

On The Road

Driver Convenience

Entertainment

Exterior Features

Interior Features

Packs

Paintwork

Safety

Security

Technical

Wheels

Summary

The improved Transit Connect remains a practical, no-nonsense, well-rounded package that still does a very effective job for Ford in appealing to business customers in both the small and not so small panel van sectors. The practicalities still stack up well against obvious rivals in both segments who clearly looked very carefully at what this model has to offer but in many respects, failed to improve upon it. It was just as well though, that the changes wrought upon this improved model were introduced. The introduction of a greener, more refined 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel is welcome, as is the availability of an improved version of Ford's clever 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit. With electric power in its future, this Connect will continue as an alternative that all small and compact van buyers need to consider. Tough, practical and ready for anything. Just as any Transit should be.

Background

It was the Transit Connect that really galvanised the small van sector when it was launched in the UK back in 2003. A whole host of copycat rivals - Citroen's Nemo, Peugeot's Bipper and Fiat's Fiorino - quickly followed. But despite tough competition, this Ford has continued to find a ready band of buyers. The Blue Oval brand says that's because, unless its competitors, it uses fewer car-derived components in its construction, leading to a less compromised commercial vehicle result. Originally, this design had to cover both small (think Peugeot Bipper or Citroen Nemo) and compact (think Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo) sectors of the LCV market, segments covered by other brands with two separate models. That was a bit of a stretch. These days though, Ford too, has separate models to offer, with the little Transit Courier slotting in beneath this Transit Connect to form a four-strong Transit offering for UK van buyers.

Driving Experience

You don't buy any van prioritising ride and handling but with Ford's strong reputation in this department when it comes to passenger cars, then it's fair to expect this Transit Connect to dynamically, be one of the class leaders. Which broadly, it is. Like any LCV, this one handles better fully loaded, but even in the unladen state, cornering response is predictable and bodyroll well controlled. Once you've dropped off your load, you could even imagine rather enjoying yourself on the way home around the twisty stuff in one of these. To a point. Of course, to a certain extent, you'll be limited by the modest output of the new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel powerplant that most Transit Connect customers go for. There's also an improved 1.0 Ecooost petrol engine option. An upgraded six-speed manual transmission is now fitted to all engines as standard and the 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine can also be specified with an advanced new eight-speed automatic transmission, which has been engineered to deliver smooth, swift gearshifts. If you're towing, then the top diesel's the variant to choose, offering a braked trailer towing capacity of up to 800kg. Depending on the variant you choose, the turning circle is between 11 and 11.9m. There's plenty of hi-tech here as well. Safety-wise, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard across the entire range, plus there's Hill Launch Assist to stop you drifting backwards on uphill junctions, Anti Lock Brakes with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Active Yaw Control (that assists with oversteer and understeer),Roll Movement Intervention (to reduce body roll) and, if the worst comes to the worst, Roll Over Mitigation.

Design and Build

From the outside, it's clear that Ford's development team have prioritised function over form in this design. So though the front end is these days sleeker and smarter, the overall look is still very boxy and practical-looking. Styling changes made to this revised model adopt the latest Ford design DNA. An imposing three-bar Transit grille combined with slimmer headlamps - with powerful HID Xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights available on high series models - combine with a more aerodynamic lower fascia and front spoiler to deliver a fresher look. Inside, where build quality from the Turkish factory remains solid, it's much as before, though there's now a wider use of switchgear and design cues from plush Ford passenger car models like the S-MAX. The upgraded cabin features a revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a floating, tablet-inspired six-inch colour touchscreen on high series models, featuring Ford's SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. New trim materials provide a stylish and hard-wearing working environment for long working days in the cab. Getting comfortable at the wheel is easy thanks to a steering wheel adjustable for both reach and rake. And there's plenty of cabin storage space. Though it's difficult to know where you would put a sandwich box, a flask or a big bottle of water, there are compartments both in front of the gearstick and behind the handbrake, then between them in the centre area between the seats, a holder for coins and tokens and two large cupholders, narrow bins in each door, a lidded glovebox, an optional tray under the front passenger seat and a shelf at the top of the facia capable of holding A4 documents. Oh and a curry hook for your Friday night takeaway. A load-through hatch in the bulkhead and fold-flat passenger seat enable 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.

Market and Model

Pricing starts at around £16,000 excluding VAT and there's a premium of around £1,000 to go from the 'L1' short wheelbase bodystyle to the 'L2' long wheelbase version. If you're looking to carry people as well as packages, there's a 'Double Cab-in-Van' option with a fold-out rear bench. Or you could go for a full Kombi version with proper rear seats. Trim levels run from 'Base' (where there's the option of a frugal 'ECOnetic version) to 'Trend' and on to 'Limited'. Whichever Transit Connect you choose, equipment levels run to a reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel, see-you-home lights that stay on at night to guide you to your front door, remote central locking that allows you to lock and unlock the cab and load area separately, Hill-Start Assist to stop you drifting backwards on uphill junctions, a full steel bulkhead and a sliding side door. There's also a DAB digital radio, a trip computer and steering wheel stereo controls. This revised model introduces a comprehensive range of segment-first driver assistance features, including an Intelligent Speed Limiter - that enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits. There's also a Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation and Active Park Assist that helps to steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.