New Transit Connect from Ford

The new Ford Transit Connect light commercial vehicle has arrived in Ireland with stylish new designs, advanced driver assistance technologies, and fuel-efficient powertrains that improve fuel efficiency and C02 emissions by up to 12pc, writes Trish Whelan.

Transit Connect is now better equipped than ever to help owners and operators reduce running costs with Ford’s latest EcoBlue and TDCi diesel and EcoBoost petrol engine technologies.

Short and long wheelbase options provide load volumes up to 3.6m3; payloads are from 410kg to 900kg. Body styles are van, kombi and double-cab-in-van.

New Transit Connect in Ireland will be available in three series: Base, Trend, and Limited.

The Base spec includes a single side load door, 16-inch wheels, overhead stowage, power windows, radio with USB and Bluetooth; DIN cargo tie downs; slimline full steel bulkhead; remote central/double locking; Auto Start Stop; and EcoSelect function.

The Trend adds front fog lamps, driver 8-way adjustable seat; heated windscreen; 4.2-inch TFT screen; electric heated door mirrors; and a plastic cargo floor liner.

The top Limited adds adaptive cornering front fog lamps; heated front seats; leather steering wheel; cruise control; adjustable speed limiter; rear parking sensors; and a perimeter alarm.

In looks, the new Transit Connect comes with a new front-end look that adopts the latest Ford design DNA. A three-bar grille, slim, powerful high-intensity discharge xenon headlights; and LED daytime running lights are available on high series models.

The upgraded car-like cabin features a revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a floating, tablet-like 6-inch colour touchscreen on high series models, supporting Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. New trim materials provide a hard-wearing environment.

Driver assistance features include Intelligent Speed Limiter, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist that helps to steer the van into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

A new powertrain line-up meets Euro 6 emissions standards calculated using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Powertrains will include the 1.0 EcoBoost petrol 100hp (6.4L/100kms), and the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel outputting 75hp (4.7 L/100kms), 100hp (4.7 L/100kms) and 120hp (5.0 L/100kms).

A six-speed manual transmission is standard for all engines but customers have the option of Ford’s new eight-speed automatic transmission offered with the 100hp and 120hp 1.5 EcoBlue engine variants.

Diesel prices are from €17,995-€23,760; the petrol is from €17,995.

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