Ford’s popular workhorse gets new heart
EFFICIENT: TRANSIT CONNECT’S SMALLER POWERPLANT PACKS EVEN MORE OOMPH
The new-gen 1.5 TDCi offers better performance, fuel consumption and has lower running costs.
The award-winning Ford Transit Connect has proved successful with businesses, thanks to its smart looks, high level of standard features, great fuel economy and versatile load space. But now it is more capable than ever, thanks to a new 1.5-litre TDCi engine and better power output.
“As a winner of International Van of the Year, the Ford Transit Connect is an extremely capable and practical panel van, designed to suit the needs of business owners who require a compact vehicle that offers a robust, practical and cost-effective solution for their day-to-day operations,” says Tracey Delate, the general manager of marketing at Ford Motor Company’s Sub-Saharan Africa region.
“The introduction of the new-generation 1.5 TDCi, replacing the outgoing 1.6 TDCi unit, offers benefits in terms of performance, fuel consumption and running costs. This is complimented by a variety of factory-fitted options, thereby allowing customers to adapt the Transit Connect to suit their specific needs.”
Matching improved efficiency with greater performance, the power output of the new turbocharged direct injection 1.5 TDCi diesel engine climbs from 85- to 88kW, while the maximum torque is an impressive 270Nm. Combined with a sixspeed manual transmission, it ensures outstanding load-lugging capability matched to budget-friendly improvements in fuel economy and emissions.
Adding to the Transit Connect’s segment-defining versatility, the standard full-width steel bulkhead separating the load compartment from the cabin can now be ordered with a load-through hatch and window, coupled with a dual passenger seat, available as a no-cost option in place of the single bench-type seat.
Available only in long-wheelbase configuration, the Transit Connect Van boasts a payload of 1 000kg and a cargo volume of 3.6m3, with six tie-down points provided to safely secure loads. Easy access to the load compartment is via side-hinged rear doors and a kerbside sliding door.
The list of standard features incorporated in the Transit Connect’s Ambiente specification is comprehensive. On the safety front, it comes equipped with ABS and disc brakes, along with Electronic Stability Programme, including Hill Launch Assist, Load Adaptive Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Emergency Brake Warning and Roll-Over Mitigation. A driver’s airbag is standard, with a passenger airbag available as an option.
Driver comfort and convenience is bolstered with the likes of air-conditioning, power steering and electrically operated front windows. There’s also a built-in radio with two speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, AUX input and remote audio controls on the steering wheel.
In addition, the Ambiente Option Pack is available for Transit Connect buyers, providing enhanced convenience and safety. This extends to a useful LED load compart-
As a winner of International Van of the Year, the Ford Transit Connect is an extremely capable and practical panel van.
Tracey Delate General manager of marketing at Ford Motor Company’s Sub-Saharan Africa region
ment light, front and rear parking sensors linked to an integrated reversing camera with a full-colour display in the rear-view mirror, as well as Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, advising the driver of a change in tyre pressure.
The Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi Ambiente Van six-speed manual carries a recommended retail price of R323 900, including VAT and emissions tax.
All Transit Connect models are sold with Ford Protect, which provides a holistic suite of maintenance, warranty and roadside assistance products.
This includes a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, four-year/60 000km service plan, three-year unlimited distance Roadside Assistance, and a fiveyear unlimited kilometre corrosion warranty.
Service intervals are set at 15 000km.