All-New Ford Transit Connect Delivers Unmatched Load-Carrying Ability, Lower Fuel Costs and Dynamic New Looks
09/18/2012
Ford
The stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect sets new standards for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability in the compact van segment, and will extend the success of the current model.
Making its global public debut at the Hanover IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, the Transit Connect forms part of a new generation of global Transit vans, developed under the One Ford product strategy for sale in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets.
With its dynamic new looks, innovative load-carrying features and advanced technologies - including the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, Active City Stop and Ford SNYC - the all-new Transit Connect will provide van customers with a hard-working and desirable new vehicle.
"This is a great-looking, hard-working new van, which will be a perfect fit for a wide range of businesses," said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe.
"We've taken the toughness and dependability of the current model, and added some smart new loadspace features, much-improved fuel efficiency, and a dynamic new style inside and out. We're confident the all-new Transit Connect will bring new customers to the Ford brand."
Stylish, capable and versatile
Showcasing Ford's latest design language, the all-new Transit Connect has a dynamic and modern appearance, from the signature trapezoidal grille and slim, technical headlamps at the front, through the powerful rising shoulder line, to the distinctive vertical tail lamps at the rear.
The stylish body is available in short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) versions, offering a spacious and practical load area with total volume of 2.9 m3 and 3.6 m3 (SAE) respectively. Customers can choose between Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi derivatives, to suit their exact business requirements.
Smart design and engineering ensure the new Transit Connect delivers best-in-class load carrying ability. Features including a load-through hatch in the bulkhead and fold-flat passenger seat enable long loads up to 3.0 m (SWB) and 3.5 m (LWB) to be safely carried in the vehicle.
Additional new features to boost everyday productivity include a dual passenger seat, so that van models can now carry three people in the cab.
For Kombi and Double-Cab-in-Van models, maximum seating capacity is five (SWB) or seven (LWB) people; versatile rear seating and a movable mesh bulkhead allow the load area to be configured as required. In addition, the LWB model features a unique fold-flat seat capability that optimises the loadspace from front passenger space rearwards, and enables loads up to 3 m long to be carried.
The new model has a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, a range of smart stowage solutions, and the latest Ford driver assistance features and interior technologies. Transit Connect is the first in its class to offer Active City Stop, and features the Ford SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system with Emergency Assistance.
Class-leading fuel economy and dependability
Minimising overall cost-of-ownership was a high priority throughout the vehicle design and development, and the all-new Transit Connect targets best-in-class fuel economy, along with minimised maintenance and repair costs with extended service intervals.
The powertrain line-up in Europe includes the highly-efficient 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel with a choice of 75, 95 and 115 PS versions, and the remarkable new 100 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine - 2012 "International Engine of the Year", plus a version of the acclaimed 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine available with a six-speed automatic transmission. The latest low-CO2 Ford ECOnetic Technologies help to minimise fuel consumption, including Auto-Start-Stop available on both diesel and petrol models.
A range of efficient petrol engines with automatic transmission will be made available in the U.S. to meet local market needs.
Since its 2002 launch, the Transit Connect has established a reputation for toughness and reliability. The new model has been engineered to extend this tradition of class-leading dependability, using customer feedback from around the globe to ensure that toughness and durability are designed in from the start.
Unlike many rivals which are tested like passenger cars, the vehicle has been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets.
Next-generation global platform
The all-new Transit Connect is based on a global platform that is derived from the state-of-the-art C-segment platform shared by models like the Focus and Kuga/Escape.
Innovative technologies include an advanced Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system featuring Load Adaptive Control, which adjusts the operation of the ESP stability systems to take account of variations in vehicle load, so the systems remain fully effective whether the vehicle is partially or fully laden.
The vehicle was engineered in Ford's commercial vehicle development centre in Europe - building on decades of experience developing market-leading Transit models - supported by the company's full global product development resources. During development, the vehicle was carefully tailored to the different needs of customers around the world, including unique features and powertrains to meet local market requirements.
In Europe, deliveries of the all-new Transit Connect are due to start by the end of 2013.
In North America, the all-new Transit Connect is scheduled to go on sale by the fourth quarter of 2013.