Ford panel van gets a downsized diesel engine

Economical new 1.5 engine said to sip just 4.8 litres per 100km

THE TRANSIT Connect panel van has become the latest beneficiary of Ford’s small diesel rollout, as its 1.6-litre TDCi is replaced by a more economical new-generation 1.5-litre engine.

Peak power in this application is up from 85kW to 88kW, backed by 270Nm (formerly 285Nm), via a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s claimed to sip just 4.8 litres per 100km.

It’s available in South Africa in long- wheelbase Ambiente trim, with 3.6 cubic metres of cargo bay, accessed by hinged rear doors and a kerbside sliding door, a payload of 1000kg and six tie-down points.

Standard kit includes an electronic stability program control with hill hold, emergency brake warning and rollover mitigation, as well as aircon, power steering, power front windows and a twospeaker audio setup with Bluetooth connectivity, USB and Aux ports and satellite controls on the steering wheel

You can also order it, at no extra cost, with dual passenger seats and a load-through hatch and window in the standard steel bulkhead between the cabin and the load compartment, instead of the standard bench seat.

The extra-cost Ambiente Option Pack includes an LED load compartment light, tyre pressure monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera display in the rear-view mirror. PRICE The Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi LWB Ambiente sells for R323 900 which includes a four- year or 120 000km warranty, three year’s roadside assistance and a fouryear or 60 000km service plan. Service intervals are 15 000km, so that means the first four services are free.

- IOL Motoring