Last month, Ford revealed a pair of new SUV-inspired Transit models, the Trail and Custom. But the automaker isn’t finished toughening up its van lineup, and now has two more variants to add to the list – the Tourneo and Transit Connect Active. Both of these vehicles off a variety of unique styling touches, along with a raised ride height and mechanical upgrades designed to make them more capable off paved surfaces.
On the outside, both Connect Active versions of the Ford Tourneo Connect and Ford Transit Connect come with standard roof rails designed to carry oversized equipment like bike racks, canoes, or work tools. The Active models also come with front and rear skid plates and exclusive five-spoke, 17 inch alloy wheels with polished metal and dark contrast detailing
Both models feature a mesh grille, additional body side cladding, mirror caps, wheel arches, and a more rugged rear bumper designed to help prevent scuffs when negotiating trails or when loading tools or equipment. A full-width Active decal and Active badges adorn the front fenders. Two new colors – Sedona Orange and Solar Silver – are available as well.
On the inside, the Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active come with exclusive seat trim patterns and stitching, blue contrast detailing, Active badging, and metal scuff plates with the Active logo on the door sills.
Both new Connect Active models can be optioned with the same Mechanical Limited Slip Differential (mLSD) technology available on the larger Active models, which was developed in partnership with the driveline specialists at Quaife.
The mLSD automatically transfers engine torque in low-grip conditions to the wheel with the most traction, allowing drivers to more comfortably tackle slippery surfaces. Ford engineers also fine-tuned the Traction Control configuration to better work with the differential and optimize performance.
Both Connect Active models feature a ride height increase of 24 mm (one inch) at the front and 9 mm (0.35 inches) at the rear for improved ground clearance as well.
All new Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active models are powered by Ford’s 1.5‑liter EcoBlue diesel engine, which is available with two different power outputs – 100 PS (99 horsepower) or 120 PS (118 horsepower), and are coupled to either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The mLSD options is available on both models as an option with the 120 PS manual powertrain.
Ford says these new Connect Active models will be available to order “soon,” and deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2020.
We’ll have more on these and other new model variants soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Transit news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
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