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New Ford Transit Connect Small Van Revealed
Ford Pro has revealed the all-new Transit Connect small van, which sits just between the all-new Transit Courier smaller-than-small van and the best-selling Transit Custom medium van in the range. Auto Trader’s Tom Roberts reports.
Words by: Tom Roberts
Published on 30 January 2024 | 0 min read
The new Ford Transit Connect is being positioned as the van that completes the company’s electrification of the Transit van family in Europe, with the new Transit Connect being offered in a plug-in hybrid version alongside those fitted with diesel engines. Order books are opening up in spring 2024, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the summer.
Next-Generation Transit Connect
This Connect is the third generation of the popular Transit Connect van, with this all-new model sitting alongside the all-new Transit Courier and the upcoming electric E-Transit Courier - more on that in my Ford Courier First Impressions article. It will enter production in spring 2024, with deliveries of the diesel van scheduled for summer this year. The PHEV models will arrive before the end of the year, with Kombi models joining the lineup in early 2025.
Arriving in the same year as the new and larger Courier, there may be some asking to whom Ford intends these two small vans to be sold. My opinion is that the standard Courier will overlap with the smaller Connect and most will go for the Courier based on price. However, the larger Connect and smaller Courier will feel distinctly different based on the sizes and spec I’ve seen - having personally seen them both in the flesh, I can confirm that they are. Ford’s view is that another van in-market is another chance at market domination - and with the new PHEV powertrain, the new Connect is the next step in that plan.
Arriving in the same year as the new and larger Courier, there may be some asking to whom Ford intends these two small vans to be sold. My opinion is that the standard Courier will overlap with the smaller Connect and most will go for the Courier based on price. However, the larger Connect and smaller Courier will feel distinctly different based on the sizes and spec I’ve seen - having personally seen them both in the flesh, I can confirm that they are. Ford’s view is that another van in-market is another chance at market domination - and with the new PHEV powertrain, the new Connect is the next step in that plan.
New PHEV Powertrains
Let’s start with the new PHEV powertrains available on the new Transit Connect. They will offer a 68-mile electric range, and AC and DC fast charging capability. The system links a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to a battery and electric motor delivering 150PS and 350Nm of torque through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission - if this gearbox is anywhere near as good as the seven-speed in the Courier, then we’re potentially in for a treat. Maximum payload in the PHEV version is 770kg and maximum trailer weight is 1,400kg. Three drive modes will be available:
- EV Now, which uses the electric motor only. - EV Auto, which balances both the EV and petrol motors to adapt to driving conditions. - EV Later, which saves EV power for later use.
- EV Now, which uses the electric motor only. - EV Auto, which balances both the EV and petrol motors to adapt to driving conditions. - EV Later, which saves EV power for later use.
Solid Load Volumes And Folding Seats
This next-generation Connect will offer load volumes of up to 3.7m3, and a new fold-down seating system in Kombi models. The clever new folding seat assembly for the second row of seats will allow users to switch from a five-seater to a work van.
This writer was lucky enough to see the Connect in Barcelona alongside the new Courier, and I can confirm that the second row of seats is incredibly easy to deploy and stow - it’s a nice touch. The system allows the rear seats to easily fold forward and upward to increase the load volume to 2.5 cubic metres in the L1 version, or 3.1 cubic metres in the L2 version - with the seats stowed, the L2 models will still have space for up to two Euro pallets - and when folded, the rear seats become a full-height bulkhead.
This writer was lucky enough to see the Connect in Barcelona alongside the new Courier, and I can confirm that the second row of seats is incredibly easy to deploy and stow - it’s a nice touch. The system allows the rear seats to easily fold forward and upward to increase the load volume to 2.5 cubic metres in the L1 version, or 3.1 cubic metres in the L2 version - with the seats stowed, the L2 models will still have space for up to two Euro pallets - and when folded, the rear seats become a full-height bulkhead.
Diesel Engines Still Available
Users can choose to spec the new Transit Connect with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel engine in two power outputs: a 122PS unit mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a 102PS variant equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox only.
Two Length Options, Two Body Styles
Broadly, the Ford Transit Connect will be offered in short or long wheelbase options, in either two‑seat Van or five‑seat Kombi body styles.
The panel van’s new load area offers a load volume of 3.1 or 3.7 cubic metres depending on what wheelbase length is chosen. Maximum payload is 820kg and towing ability is 1,500kg.
The panel van’s new load area offers a load volume of 3.1 or 3.7 cubic metres depending on what wheelbase length is chosen. Maximum payload is 820kg and towing ability is 1,500kg.
Three Trim Levels
The new Ford Transit Connect is available in three trim levels. They are:
- Trend: Available on Van and Kombi models, this is the base trim level. - Limited: Slightly more upmarket with 17-inch alloy wheels and a work surface in passenger seat back. - Active: A more rugged Kombi version featuring SUV-inspired styling, LED lights and roof rails.
- Trend: Available on Van and Kombi models, this is the base trim level. - Limited: Slightly more upmarket with 17-inch alloy wheels and a work surface in passenger seat back. - Active: A more rugged Kombi version featuring SUV-inspired styling, LED lights and roof rails.
Features And Connectivity
As standard, the new Ford Transit Connect features a 10-inch digital instrument cluster with a configurable main display behind the steering wheel, combined with a 10‑inch colour central touchscreen running Ford’s latest SYNC system for satnav and other features.This enables wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto mirroring, with wireless device charging also available on the Limited and Active trim levels.
There are also several USB-C ports dotted around the interior, and users can also add heated seats to their heated steering wheel. The seats themselves feature four-way electric lumbar and adjustable extended leg supports for optimum comfort.
There are also several USB-C ports dotted around the interior, and users can also add heated seats to their heated steering wheel. The seats themselves feature four-way electric lumbar and adjustable extended leg supports for optimum comfort.
Driver Assistance Systems
Standard systems include Pre-Collision Assist with Auto Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steer Assist, and Intersection Assist. A rear-view camera and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert are standard on high-series models, and Exit Warning can also be added to prevent ‘dooring’ incidents.
There are other optional systems available, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist to help prevent trailers from jack-knifing.
There are other optional systems available, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist to help prevent trailers from jack-knifing.
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