2012 Transit Connect Overview
06/22/2011
Ford
The Ford Transit Connect compact van - named the 2010 North American Truck of the Year at launch - is enhanced for 2012, making a key safety feature standard. In addition, the personal-use XLT Premium Wagon model adds some attractive new exterior colors.
"Transit Connect has been a game changer for small business proprietors, a 'rookie of the year' in commercial fleets both large and small, and the ideal basis for the fuel-efficient urban taxi of the future," said Ford Transit Connect Marketing Manager Damoni Hurt. "Building on the platform of Transit Connect commercial and fleet success, we're putting some additional emphasis on the XLT Premium Wagon personal-use model."
New for 2012
Transit Connect enters its third model year in North America with a significant expansion of Ford's acclaimed electronic stability control system. AdvanceTrac(R) with RSC(R) (Roll Stability Control(TM)) - Ford's most advanced system - is now standard across the Transit Connect nameplate. This driver assistance technology is designed to help a driver keep the vehicle under control in a wide variety of dynamic driving conditions.
This feature has been optional on some previous Transit Connect models. For 2012, it is now offered as standard equipment on every Transit Connect sold in North America.
In response to strong consumer demand, Ford has added a personal-use Transit Connect variant, the XLT Premium Wagon. It is ideal for the buyer needing a vehicle to bring along four passengers while still requiring the versatility and dependability that is designed into every Transit Connect compact van.
The Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon features first-row bucket seats and a second-row three-passenger bench seat, all trimmed in durable, comfortable cloth. In addition, this versatile wagon adds side- and rear-door privacy glass, flip-open third-row quarter windows, beltline trim and interior wheelhouse covers. Across the Transit Connect lineup, audio speakers have been improved.
Fashionable new colors for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon include Winter Blue Metallic, Noisette Metallic and Dark Micastone Metallic.
Quality
Transit Connect quality is underscored by design, durability and driving dynamics.
Within its compact overall length of 180.6 inches, Transit Connect is cleverly configured to provide up to 129.6 cubic feet of cargo space and a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds. The generous interior space can be equipped with a second-row seat or upfitted from a broad range of specialized cargo-management systems.
Ford Transit Connect offers more than double the cargo space of the Chevrolet HHR Panel and a higher payload capacity than the Ram 1500 short-box pickup.
Cargo space is conveniently accessible through sliding side doors and rear doors swinging open at a standard 180 degrees. Rear doors that open to a full 255 degrees can be specified on an optional basis.
Durability is assured as the Transit Connect is tested to tough global Ford light utility vehicle standards and features a high-strength steel front crossmember, a high-strength steel reinforced body shell, twin side crossmembers and side-impact protection.
Several areas of the body are double-skinned for additional strength, increasing resistance to minor scrapes inherent in urban delivery situations.
Transit Connect driving dynamics raise the bar for commercial vehicles, offering precise rack-and-pinion power-assisted steering, MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar and rear multi-leaf springs and stabilizer bar.
Riding on 15-inch road wheels fitted with fuel economy-optimized P205/65R-15 radial tires, Transit Connect dynamics reflect a thoughtful balance between generous cargo capacity, a smooth ride with easy handling and low operating costs.
Transit Connect vehicle size and responsive dynamics allow exceptional maneuverability, underscored by the 39-foot curb-to-curb turning circle.
Green
Transit Connect is powered by a proven 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 136 horsepower and 128 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle with overdrive. This combination yields a projected 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the Transit Connect Van, with Wagon models delivering 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Transit Connect fuel economy has incrementally improved since North American introduction in 2010 thanks to a final drive ratio reduction from 4.20 to 1 to 3.96 to 1, aerodynamic revisions to the rear cargo door upper seal, and the inclusion of low-rolling-resistance tires.
This class-leading fuel economy combines with 7,500-mile service intervals and a 97,500-mile tuneup interval to keep operating costs low. Responsible fuel consumption and low operating costs have made Transit Connect a favorite of fleet managers, taxi operators and small business proprietors alike.
The Transit Connect Taxi variant can also be specified with an alternative-fuel preparation package, enabling the vehicle to be operated on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane gas (LPG) after upfit.
Safe
Transit Connect features standard first-row front and side airbags, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), four-wheel anti-lock brakes and Ford's acclaimed AdvanceTrac with RSC to help drivers keep the vehicle in control under a wide variety of dynamic driving conditions.
For security, Transit Connect features an electronic passive anti-theft system and a locking exterior hood release.
Smart
The 2012 Transit Connect is offered with Crew Chief(TM), a fleet management tool designed to reduce downtime, conserve fuel and increase fleet administrator control with geo-fencing tools and reporting of excessive vehicle idle time or speed.
A Motoring Mobility package is available to prepare the vehicle for upfitted modifications to help assist physically challenged drivers and/or passengers.
A Reverse Sensing System and a rear view camera are also available. Transit Connect is equipped with a standard AM/FM stereo audio system with two speakers, while the XLT series adds a single CD player and the Wagon XLT model adds two more speakers.
Production location
Transit Connect is manufactured in a dedicated Ford commercial vehicle production facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, and is available from North American Ford dealerships.