Ford’s Transit range is pretty legendary. Over eight million have hit the road since 1965, second only to the Volkswagen Transporter. In 2016 it became the most popular van worldwide thanks in part to its launch in the huge US market, and in Europe it dominates sales.
Yet in New Zealand it remains a bit of a rarity. Kiwi tradies have traditionally stuck with Utes, or with the arguably more affordable Toyota Hiace – particularly thanks to cheap used import availability.
While those are hard buyers to win over, an update to the Ford Transit range has made the move a little more compelling. And with a five-star Euro NCAP lately rating and new driver assistance features it is likely to appeal to health and safety focused corporates even more.
Most of the safety technology now available in the model are hard to find in a commercial van.
This includes front, side and curtain airbags, adaptive cruise control, speed limiter, traffic sign recognition and a lane-keeping alert system. Low-speed incidents are mitigated with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
While not technically a safety feature, the eight-inch touch screen mounted high on the dash certainly has the ability to keep eyes on the road. It features Ford’s Sync3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The speech functions in all three software packages mean that with a linked smartphone you can communicate via text with customers or staff without eyes or even hands leaving the wheel.
Under the bonnet is a new Ecoblue engine which is more powerful, and yet should be more efficient. It produces 125kW of power and a huge 405Nm of torque while using from 6.1 litres of diesel per 100km. The manual transmission option is gone, with only a six-speed automatic now on offer.
The engine is brilliant. It is the same basic unit as seen in the new Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak – though without the twin turbochargers. Its super punchy, and the huge lump of torque is great to have under your right foot. Our only complaint is with front wheel drive, the Custom can get a little frisky on loose or damp surfaces before the traction control steps in to tidy things up.
It does require an Adblue catalyst for low emissions. Fuel consumption on this is 7.2 litres per 100km.
The loss of the manual should not be mourned. The six-speed automatic is smooth and shifts far better than your apprentice will. The shifter is high on the dash and easy to reach – while you can sequentially select gears manually through a button if you really miss the old days.
The handling itself is excellent, to the point where it probably outshines many name brand SUVs. The steering has a nice heft to it, with a short ratio and good feel. Body roll is surprisingly limited, and rear end bounce unloaded is not bad at all.
The cabin gets a redesign as well, with updated gauges, a new steering wheel and the aforementioned touchscreen. There is flip down storage and a document holder in the centre seat.
The air-conditioning is a manual system. Bonus points for the additional USB ports Ford, particularly one in the cubby forward of the driver.
There is seating for three, and while they are comfortable, taller drivers may find the setback a little upright because of the bulkhead. We like that the steering wheel is not only tilt adjustable, but also telescopic for reach.
Ford has made a number of the load area items option on competitors standard on the transit, like a floor protector and wooden wall cladding. The tie down points are sturdy and well placed.
In the short-wheel base 300 model tested there is just short of six cubic metres of load space, with a length of 2555mm, width of 1775mm and height of 1406. A hatch under the passenger seats allows longer items to be carried up to around three metres.
The rear doors are barn style, though a lift-up door is available on some models, and they open well past 90 degrees with safety stays for better access.
Need to tow? The Transit’s 300’s braked rating is a modest 1700kg – other models can pull up to 2050kg. Trailer sway control helps keep the whole rig heading in a straight line.
At $54,990 the Transit range is not the cheapest van you can buy – Renault has a Trafic manual for $49,990, while Volkswagen offer the Transporter Runner – discussed below – in manual for $43,990 and automatic for $49,990. Neither offer the power or specification the Ford does.
