Ford has upgraded its European Transit commercial van model line with new front end styling and detail exterior detail changes, improved suspension and steering and a re-designed interior with new dashboard and fascia-mounted gear lever.
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A new range of ‘high-tech’ features for the driver, upgraded safety and security features including a claimed sector first re-charging key, and seven new Euro IV emissions-compliant engines are also new.
The six new diesel engines are built at Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre, east of London, which makes motors for both PSA and Ford models in a joint venture.
Ford stopped UK car assembly some years ago so the Transit is now Ford Europe’s most-British model – it was designed and engineered in Dunton, Essex, and is assembled in Southampton with transmissions made on Merseyside.
Gary Whittam, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain said: “Transit led the market once again in 2005 with 54,300 sales, outselling the nearest rivals by more than three to one. Customer needs have been a driving force behind the improvements in the new Transit and this is the secret of its success.”
Detailed changes in the suspension have made a significant change to the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), cutting it by around 20%.
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 Duratorq TDCi-branded diesel engines are the first dedicated commercial vehicle powertrains to be developed as part of the partnership between Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroen.
The latest Transit range will offer six diesel engines and one LPG-compatible petrol engine. The diesels include new 2.2-litre and 2.4-litre variants matched to either five-speed or six-speed ‘Durashift’ manual transmissions.
All are compliant with Euro IV emissions standards and feature latest generation common-rail technology. They have been designed to accommodate forthcoming emissions legislation and to deliver improved performance with reduced fuel consumption, while the engine layout has been revised for ease of maintenance.
The outgoing Transit received many international awards for its outstanding security features and the new model improves on this.
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 which allows driver to 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 brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake traction control system and electronic stability control.
A 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.
New interior features include three grades of heating, ventilation and air conditioner, four trim options including leather, 10 seating arrangements, cruise control availability for the first time, and a new instrument cluster.
The new Transit also boasts a self-charging waterproof ignition key – the first vehicle in its sector to have this.
There are 60 basic structures and body styles and Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations can also provide custom-built models.
