Ford decided to drop the Transit Connect in America last year and that’s a bummer after seeing the redesigned van that was recently introduced in Europe.
Sporting available all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid power, the new Transit Connect is a significant step forward. However, it doesn’t look terribly remarkable as it sports a wide grille, sweptback headlights, and an evolutionary body.
The model will be offered with short and long wheelbases as well as two-seat Van and five-seat Kombi configurations. There will also be Trend, Limited, and Active trims.
Work is the primary focus and Ford said the “panel van’s new load area design delivers an increased load volume of 3.1 m3 (109.5 cubic feet) or 3.7 m3 (130.7 cubic feet) depending on wheelbase choice.” The automaker added the van has a maximum payload of 1,808 lbs (820 kg) and a towing capacity of up to 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg).
The interior is ‘plastic fantastic’ but it comes equipped with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system. Buyers can also get a wireless smartphone charger as well as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
However, the van is more notable for having a “flexible seating concept” on the Kombi. Designed to appeal to dual-use customers, the rear seats fold flat vertically and move forward to quickly convert the Transit Connect from a five-seat passenger vehicle to a two-seat work van. Ford says the conversion takes mere seconds and, when folded, the rear seats form a “protective full-height bulkhead.”
Under the hood, there’s a newly available plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter EcoBoost petrol engine, a battery, an electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup gives the van a combined output of 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.
More importantly, the model is targeted to have an electric-only range of up to 68 miles (110 km). When the battery is depleted, it can be recharged by either an AC outlet or a 50 kW DC fast charger. Ford also said the plug-in hybrid will have three modes – EV Auto, EV Now, and EV Later – that enable drivers to maximize efficiency.
Besides the eco-friendly powertrain, the van can be equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbodiesel engine. The entry-level variant has 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and is connected to a six-speed manual that sends power to the front wheels.
The aforementioned all-wheel drive variant has a diesel with an increased output of 120 hp (90 kW / 122 PS). It can be paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Putting powertrains aside, the redesigned Transit Connect has been equipped with the “broadest-ever suite of advanced driver assistance systems.” Highlights include Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Assist, and Pre-Collision Assist with Auto Emergency Braking. They’re joined by a rearview camera, Exit Warning, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert.
The Transit Connect will go into production this spring and deliveries of diesel-powered vans are slated to begin in the summer. The plug-in hybrid variant will then arrive towards the end of the year, while all-wheel drive and Kombi models land in early 2025.
