Ford Transit Connect Van Review

Since 1965 Ford has been supplying their Ford Transit vans to customers across the world. A light commercial vehicle aimed at the worker, it has been consistently popular for many years, becoming one of the best-selling vans of all time.

Its popularity has meant it has seen quite a few facelifts and alterations over the years and has even spun off to vans of other types. The Transit family spreads itself between vans, light commercial vehicles and leisure activity vehicles. This range of vehicles includes the Transit Courier, Transit Custom and Transit Connect.

This review today is focusing on the Transit Connect, an LCV/LAV first sold in 2002 to replace car-derived vans based on the Escort and Fiesta. While it shares part of a name with the Ford Transit, the car shares no engineering commonality with the full-size transit, instead paving its own path as a smaller panel van.

It’s the second-smallest vehicle of the Ford Transit range, but don’t let this fool you into thinking the van is not a great choice. Van Sales UK has put together this helpful guide to tell you more about the Ford Transit Connect and why it’s a great choice for your business.

Engines and Spec

The van utilises the Ford EcoBlue Diesel engine, which offers refined power and superb efficiency. It makes for a smooth ride no matter where you’re driving, whether it’s short trips through urban areas or longer journeys through the countryside. A facelift in 2018 introduced more efficient 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engines, making the drive even better.

The Ford Transit Connect uses the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engine in 75PS, 100PS and 120PS options. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, but automatic options are also available on the higher horsepower guises. All models of the Transit Connect have a 60-litre fuel tank, giving it an incredibly long range between refuelling.

The Ford Transit Connect can carry a max gross payload of 982kg, with the max load length being 2152cm. This means even though the van may seem small, it can still hold an impressive load.

One of the unique benefits of the Ford Transit Connect is that you can utilise Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in place of regular diesel. HVO is based on waste oils and offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels.

Interior

The interior of the van has been comprehensively upgraded since its first release, making it more technologically advanced but focusing on comfort and practicality. This includes flexible front passenger seating and an ingenious load-through bulkhead.

This bulkhead allows you to carry items up to 3 metres long in the standard model, and 3.4 metres long in the longer wheelbase. The cab is great for working on the move, with plenty of space and storage for documents, tools and more.

In terms of the load space, while it may seem small compared to rivals, it can still carry two Euro pallets, and the ingenious load-through bulkhead means you can carry longer items with ease. In terms of access, there are split back doors and a sliding side door. There are also options to replace the rear doors with a top-hinged tailgate.

Body types include a classic van and a double cab in case you have workers or passengers that need transporting. The double cab adds an extra row of three seats behind the front row, with a movable mesh bulkhead to separate them from the loadspace.

Standard models come with a DAB radio with Bluetooth phone connectivity, while other models feature Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High payload for size
• Great miles per gallon
• Value for money

Cons

• Base model lacks extras
• Torque could be improve
• Seating can feel cramped

The Verdict

If you’re after a van that will offer high performance in a compact shape, the Ford Transit Connect is a great choice for you. It drives extremely well with a strong diesel engine that packs a punch.

The great storage and flexible dual passenger seat make it great for working on the go, perfect for contractors who will spend a lot of time on the go.

If this review has persuaded you why the Ford Transit Connect is a great choice for you or your business, work with Van Sales UK for great deals on Transit Connect vehicles. We offer amazing lease deals, starting at only £219 + VAT. Prices for buying a Ford Transit Connect outright usually begin at around £17,000. We have options for different lengths and even PowerShift transmission for greater fuel efficiency.

With free nationwide delivery and great warranties on all of our vehicles, Van Sales UK is the ideal choice for those looking for a brand-new or used van. If you’d like to purchase or lease a Ford Transit Connect from us, call 0117 205 2617 today to find out more.