Ford Transit Leader test
Review: Mark Bursa
Ford Transit Leader 260 SWB LR
What is it?
SUB-£12,000 Transit version designed to give small businesses a low-cost entry point to the Ford Transit range. Basic spec is heavy on safety features, but light on luxury – no air-con, for a start.
What’s hot?
- Comfortable cab has shaped cloth seats
- Dash has familiar Transit cubbyholes, cupholders and document storage
- Steel bulkhead is standard feature – so cab noise is low
- Build quality is typically excellent – very few rattles and squeaks
- Dash-mounted five-speed gearbox is delightful, with short, precise shift
- 2.2-litre Duratorq engine is lively and smooth; economy good at 34.9mpg
- Low-revving engine means 40mph cruising at 1,500rpm
- 901kg payload and 6.55cu m loadspace – a good fit for most businesses
- Steering is light and precise
- Good safety spec: anti-skid ESP with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)…
- … as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and ABS brakes with EBD
What’s not?
- No air-con – so a bit steamy in summer…
- …and no sat-nav: Ford had to keep the price down somehow
- Only available in white – you’re white van man whether you like it or not!
- Mobile holders are so 2006: they’ll take an old Nokia, not an iPhone
- 15in steel wheels are a bit basic
- Only one side-door, on the nearside
What you need to Know
| P11D Value: | £11,995 |
| Monthly Rental: * | £n/a |
| What will it be worth: ** | £n/a |
| GVW: | 2840 |
| Payload: | 901kg |
| Loadspace Volume: | 6.55cu m |
| Basic Loadspace Dimensions: | 2,582mm Length |
| Engine: | 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi Diesel |
| CO2 Emissions: | 214g/km |
| Power/torque: | 85PS/250Nm |
| Economy: | 34.9mpg |
*Monthly contract hire rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.
** Trade value of van if purchased after three years and 60,000 miles.
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Business Van Manager Road Test Rating
The Transit Leader is part of Ford’s 45th birthday celebrations for the Transit – and boy, has the best-selling van come a long way in that time. Leader is an excellent entry-level model, though the lack of air-con and sat-nav might mean residuals will be lower too. Apart from these items – which some might consider a luxury – it’s an excellent combination of engine, load carrying ability and comfort for the price.
