Transit Connect road test Review: Mark Bursa
Ford Transit Connect LX 230 LWB 1.8TDCi 110PS
What is it?
Transit’s baby brother with its latest powerplant: a more powerful 110PS common-rail 1.8-litre turbodiesel. Our test van was the biggest and most powerful Connect, with long wheelbase and high roof. That gives it 3.4cu m of loadspace and a payload of 900kg – not bad for a van that was meant to replace the Courier!
What’s hot?
- It feels like a panel van in terms of build, rather than a car-derived van
- However, cab is roomy and comfortable, with a car-like driving position
- Lots of in-cab trays and storage areas come in handy
- Engine has plenty of power and low rev torque
- Handling and highway performance are excellent…
- …that torque is handy for overtaking or climbing hills
- Superb load access: wide-opening side doors on both sides…
- …and 250 degree twin rear doors that give unobstructed access
- High LX spec: electric mirrors/windows, mesh bulkhead, metallic paint
What’s not?
- Diesel engines are a little short on refinement
- There’s noticeable engine noise, especially when unladen
- There’s a lot of bonnet and cab in the overall length…
- …which perhaps restricts loadspace…
- …Connect offers 3.7cu m; but new rivals (Caddy Maxi) top that
- Size could be a problem – this a large vehicle for its class
What you need to Know
| P11D Value: | £13,800 (ex VAT) |
| Monthly Rental: * | £342 |
| What will it be worth: ** | £n/a |
| GVW: | 2,340kg |
| Payload: | 900kg |
| Loadspace Volume: | 3.7cu m |
| Basic Loadspace Dimensions: | 1,986mm long x 1,492mm wide x 1,364mm high |
| Engine: | 1.8 4-cyl TDCi turbodiesel, front-wheel drive |
| CO2 Emissions: | n/a |
| Power/torque: | 110PS/250Nm |
| Economy: | n/a |
** Trade value of van if purchased after three years and 60,000 miles. (Powered by Deltapoint)
Business Van Manager Road Test Rating
Not long ago, Ford offered three genuine car-derived vans – Fiesta, Escort and Courier. Now there’s nothing between Fiesta and Transit Connect. That’s fine for Ford fans looking for a large, rugged vehicle – Connect isn’t far off the size of an original Transit. But you can’t help thinking that Ford is missing a trick: think Bipper and Kangoo compacts. Ford doesn’t offer a genuine car-derived van in a sector it once owned with Escort. This doesn’t distract from the excellence of the Transit Connect – just a little more noise damping and it will be the complete package.
Options include: Diesel Particulate Filter, £525; front passenger airbag, £150; traction control and rear disc brakes, £100; reverse parking sensor, £150; 250 degree rear cargo doors, £250; driver’s side sliding rear door, £150; full-height steel bulkhead, £100; air conditioning, £550; auxiliary power socket in load area, £50; heated rear windows and rear wash wipe (hinged rear doors), £150.
Also Consider
Peugeot Partner SE L1 HDi 90 850 1.6 turbodiesel
Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Van 2.0-litre TDI PD
