SUMMARY
When the Ford Transit Connect was launched in 2002, it quite simply took the small van market by storm. The cheap Ford Transit Connect offered a much needed alternative to the other cheap vans in its class such as the somewhat ageing Citroen Berlingo. The design of the Ford Transit Connect even meant that this small van attracted buyers who would otherwise have opted for a large panel van instead. The Ford Transit Connect is one of the most capable small vans in the market and is ideal for the owner-driver or small van fleet operator.The Driving Experience
Ford took no chances when designing the Ford Transit Connect. This cheap van provides a comfortable cabin with a seating position that maximises the view of the road ahead; indeed, the driver's seat has a six-way adjustment as standard. You can also choose to have a folding passenger seat fitted as an optional extra in your Ford Transit Connect (although Vansdirect.co.uk would highlight that this is standard among many of the small vans the Ford Transit Connect is up against).The Ford Transit Connect is well suited for both long-haul journeys and urban multi-drops. However, Vansdirect.co.uk questions the lack of punch offered by both the 75bhp diesel and the more powerful 90bhp common rail engine, especially when compared to other vans in the Ford Transit Connect's class. However, the 115bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine is a popular choice and can even be converted to run on LPG (bi-fuel).
Load & Security
The Ford Transit Connect comes with a Driver's Airbag and Remote Central Locking as standard. However, the Transit Connect van will force van buyers to shell out for optional extra such as ABS, despite this being standard in many of its cheap van competitors. Only a single side loading door is standard on the Ford Transit Connect with the second available as an optional van extra. However, the Transit Connect does offer ease of access with a rear-bumper step as standard.The low-roof versions of the Ford Transit Connect offer payloads of 625kg or 825kg and a load volume of 2.8 cubic metres. In contrast, the high-roof versions offer payloads of 825kg and 900kg with a load volume of 3.67 cubic metres. Internally, the Ford Transit Connect has six load lashing points in the van floor but these eyes can be moved to any one of 10 different holes around the van's sides. The roof of the Ford Transit Connect van is fitted with six hooks to provide an extra load option.
