Ford has lifted the covers off the all-new 2014 Transit Connect Taxi for the North American market. Shown at the 2013 International Association of Transportation Regulators Conference in St. Louis, the new Transit Connect Taxi comes with a new engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit paired to a new six-speed automatic.
The Blue Oval claims the new model will be the only taxi offered with a compressed natural gas/liquefied petroleum gas engine prep package. Conversion to CNG/LPG is supported by a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier.
Based on the current Ford Transit Connect, the taxi version is longer than its predecessor, offering seating for five and increased cargo capacity. Although the luggage area includes a compressed gas tank, it offers 60.5 cubic feet (1,713 liters) of volume behind the second row of seats.
The 2014 Transit Connect Taxi also has a lower height, providing improved clearance for taxicab companies to place advertising on the cabin roof. Ford also added an interior hood release, allowing drivers easy access to check fluid levels prior to starting a shift.
Ford’s release includes a reference to “a competitor’s van-based taxi” (most likely the Nissan NV200) that uses a rear suspension with leaf springs and solid axle, while the Transit Connect Taxi uses “a modern, durable twist-beam rear suspension” that Ford says improves passenger comfort and cargo carrying capability.
Ford’s taxi features a lowered floor for improved access to the cabin and can be adapted for wheelchairs through Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier program. The driver benefits from options like rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch-screen display with navigation and Sync with MyFord Touch.
Production and deliveries of the 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi will begin early next year.
By Dan Mihalascu
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