A lot has happened since Ford introduced the very first Ford Transit in 1965. At that time, the most optimistic of the Blue Oval's marketeers could not have predicted the impact it would have around the world. Over four decades on, it still leads the way in the one to two-tonne segment - the place where the majority of business people buy their vans. Current Transit users would testify to the van's legendary reputation for robustness and strength and the latest changes, the most significant for six years, are designed to keep it firmly ahead of the pack. The vehicle’s fresh exterior styling underlines that this is a thoroughly contemporary commercial vehicle.Interior and exterior, back to front, on the surface and under the skin, every area of Ford's popular workhorse has been examined and improved. "When setting out to improve the Transit, we paid particular attention to an increasingly important customer base, the artisan or single-vehicle owner," explained Barry Gale, chief engineer, commercial vehicles. "These customers told us their van was a statement about them and their company, so it not only needed to be functional, reliable and durable, but stylish too.”Additionally, they wanted a vehicle that was pleasant to drive - that it should never feel like taking a step down from a passenger car." In terms of driving dynamics, Ford engineers have worked hard to ensure the new Transit has driving and handling characteristics that are even closer to the Company's acclaimed passenger cars. Detailed changes in the suspension have made a significant change to the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), cutting it by some 20 per cent.
The most noticeable changes are at the front where the bold new three-bar grille sits between new, more vertical headlamps and a nine inch Ford oval badge on the grille, the largest on a European Ford vehicle. Major improvements have been made to the Transit interior, reflecting the demand for the same level of user-friendly features as passenger cars. A completely new dashboard, instruments, switches and a new steering wheel face the driver, while new, considerate and innovative storage solutions ensure that Transit is now an even more convenient workplace. A significant change in cabin ergonomics sees the gear lever moved up to the dashboard - giving a more car-like driving position. It also gives a completely clear floor area from the driver's side to the passenger's side for "walk through" access. A two-tone instrument panel and higher-grade cloth trim complete the changes.
The new high-tech TDCi diesel engines are the first dedicated commercial vehicle powertrains to be developed as part of the partnership between Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroen and will be built at Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre. The new Transit range will offer six diesel engines and one LPG-compatible petrol engine. The diesel options include new 2.2-litre and 2.4-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, matched with either five-speed or six-speed Durashift manual transmissions. All Transit diesel power units are compliant with Euro IV emissions standards and feature latest generation common-rail technology.
The outgoing Transit received many international awards for its outstanding security features. The new Transit builds on this success with an even more comprehensive list of security features, engineered to frustrate and deter would-be thieves and so improve insurance ratings and lower insurance costs for owners.
Two levels of alarm are available, including Thatcham Category 1, while the Transit also features Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), hood lock, cable-free doors and the industry's first configurable unlocking security system. Configurable unlocking means customers can choose which doors unlock in which order, when selected buttons are pressed. There are three combinations to choose from at purchase. Safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) and an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Protecting the occupants in an accident is an important function of the vehicle's structure and Ford engineers were keen to improve on the already high standards set by the Transit. Driver's airbag is standard while seat-mounted side, head and thorax airbags are available as options for the first time. In addition, the redesigned front structure further enhances low speed impact resistance. The Transit has become famous for offering customers exactly what they need, with a huge range of body and engine variations. With the new improvements, Ford is providing even more choice. There are 60 basic structures and body styles. Ford's Special Vehicle Operations team can also handle any further specifications.
