Ford today unveiled details of an updated Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit Courier for the European market. Both light-duty vans will go on sale in mid-2018, as part of a total revamp of Ford Europe’s commercial vehicle lineup over the next 18 months.
Ford Transit Connect
The updated Transit Connect boasts a redesigned front end with a three-bar grille, a more aerodynamic lower fascia, a new front spoiler, and slim headlights with HID Xenon main lamps and available LED daytime running lights for higher-trim variants. Inside, those higher-cost models now feature a floating 6-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3 on the center console, and the materials selection throughout has been upgraded.
The Ford Transit Connect’s powertrain options have been overhauled, as well, with an all-new, low-friction-design EcoBlue diesel (1.5L) now available, alongside an updated version of the classic, gasoline-sipping 1.0L EcoBoost I3, now with cylinder-deactivation. An upgraded, 6-speed manual transmission now comes standard, while the EcoBlue also offers the option of an 8-speed automatic.
Perhaps best of all, Ford has taken strides to keep service intervals in check, in a bid to reduce the hassle and overall cost of ownership for fleet customers especially. Manual-equipped Transit Connect models with the 1.5L EcoBlue now offer best-in-class variable intervals of up to 2 years or 40,000 km (25,000 miles).
Ford Transit Courier
Like the Connect, the new Ford Transit Courier is graced with a new grille and a revised lower front fascia. Likewise, the center console has been enhanced, with higher trim models now including the same 6-inch touchscreen as is offered on the Connect. Engine options are limited to the same familiar 1.5L Duratorq diesel and 1.0L EcoBoost petrol engine, but the old 5-speed manual is no more, replaced with the all-new 6-speed stick.
A new fuel-efficiency package, standard equipment on diesel models, further helps bolster efficiency by incorporating active grille shutters that reduce aerodynamic drag at cruising speeds. They carry the added benefit of decreasing diesel engine warm-up times, as well.
Ford’s focus on its European commercial vehicle range is prudent, as the Blue Oval has become Europe’s No. 1 best-selling commercial vehicle brand, with more than 276k sales this year through October. That’s eight percent more than Ford sold over the same period last year.
Ford is no doubt hoping this trend will continue when the revamped Ford Transit Connect and Transit Courier launch next year.
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