The Ford Transit Connect is a small van that’s getting on now, but a new replacement is scheduled to be unveiled and available in 2022. Until then, drivers still get a cracking small van that delivers a great driving experience and is fairly cheap to run.
The Ford Ranger is an impressive pickup and while it’s not the cheapest to run, there’s a good range of models and decent off-roading performance. It’s also an award-winning offering and the UK’s bestselling pickup – there’s a reason for that. It’s one of the best-equipped pickups around with a comfortable drive and the double cab version is ideal for business users who want a workhorse for during the week, and a family-friendly utility vehicle when off the clock.
The ever-popular Ford Transit is a staple of van fleets around the UK, and the latest model is a great van to drive, packed with equipment and delivers impressive efficiency. It’s following in some big footsteps but with a wide range of payload weights and body styles, plus the no-nonsense abilities, the Ford Transit still sets the bar in an increasingly competitive segment.
One of the big attractions for the Ford Transit Custom PHEV is that it is an ideal step for businesses or van drivers considering switching to an electric van – but without having the hefty price tag. This is a plug-in hybrid electric van with a small petrol engine and an electric motor so there’s the potential for zero-emissions driving but for short periods. The van has been extensively tested in the real world by Ford and it’s a clever and capable plug-in van worth considering.
It might be the smallest member of the impressive Ford Transit line-up but the new Transit Courier offers more than a fresh look. There are improved engines on offer, a new transmission plus new engines with excellent low running costs. The cabin is also a great place to spend time after being revamped and the overall impression is of a small van that’s easy to drive and is responsive around town with a great carrying ability.
The new Transit Courier also marks the design that Ford will be introducing for all of its future Transit re-incarnations. Along with the Courier, the Connect has also been freshened-up for buyers as part of this redesign revolution. Since Ford is Europe’s number one bestseller for commercial vehicles, the firm is keen to keep ahead of its rivals and the Courier offers not just a stylish new design, but improved engines and driver assistance technology. The Courier, for those who need a small van, is highly recommended.
The Ford Transit Connect has proven itself in a competitive segment and the new model offers a bold design but it’s for the new engines that will really draw attention from potential buyers for the van. There’s a new 1.5 litre EcoBlue diesel unit plus a 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine which has cylinder deactivation; both are sound engines with low running costs. The build quality for the new Connect is also impressive and it’s a great van to drive around town and on the open road.
The popular Ford Transit Custom is being revamped for 2018 with a range of impressive improvements and news that a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be introduced in 2019. There are some styling tweaks and an improved cabin, particularly for connectivity. There’s also a new engine, it’s a version of the British-built EcoBlue 2.0 litre diesel unit developing 105 HP and returning fuel economy of around 50 mpg. It’s also going to be a sound choice for those owners who want car-like handling, a comfortable cabin with lots of stowage and a stylish exterior design – fleet operators will love the intelligent speed limiter to ensure their drivers stay within the law. In a competitive segment the new Ford Transit Custom is going to be heard to beat.
In an increasingly competitive segment, the new Ford Tourneo Custom offers those wanting nine seats and a premium interior a sound business proposition. The Tourneo Custom delivers a spacious cabin with rear seating consisting of six individual seats that can be rearranged into a conference format. Ford says this is a unique feature for the segment. There’s also an impressive 10 speaker audio system and six USB ports for those sat in the rear. The people mover was revamped for the 2018 model year with new technology and improved handling with self-levelling rear air suspension being introduced. For the money, the Tourneo Custom is a great offering and certainly takes the upmarket people carrier game to the premium offerings from Mercedes and VW.
The market for stylish and large pick-ups is growing and the Ford Ranger manages to meet the demands of those wanting a workhorse during the week for work purposes and a lifestyle vehicle for the family at weekends. It’s not cheap to run, but few pick-ups are, but it does have lots of equipment and it handles well.
The Ford Transit Connect is nothing short of brilliant for the market it’s aimed at and underlines why it won the ‘International Van of the Year 2014’.