In its present guise the Transit has been with us since 2000 with a facelift in 2011 when Ford started to fit the Duratorq diesel in all models, no matter what the layout. The new gearbox, a specially developed six speed unit, is fitted to all models and is well suited to the characteristics of the diesel engine.
Ford commercials are being developed with an eye to the emissions and economy demands that will be rolled out across Europe after 2014, with the Transit already surpassing what is expected. Ford are working hard to ensure that they maintain their position of 50 years, the best-selling van and Ford Van Lease deals simply reinforces the position.
The 100bhp Econetic achieves 44 mpg on the EU combined cycle in short wheel base layout, the long wheel base, with the 125bhp Econetic topping 40mpg on the same test. Service intervals are now 20,000 miles to match the main competitors with extended hour servicing being rolled out to rival the 24 hour offering of Mercedes-Benz.
The Transit has always been available with choice of three drive trains, FWD, RWD and AWD. The most popular is Front Wheel Drive, with a flat and low load area resulting. Vans that are commonly used heavily loaded are considered to be ideally suited to Rear Wheel Drive, but modern tyres and traction control has eroded the need to lose floor height and add weight unnecessarily.
In addition to drive options, the Transit can be ordered with a single or double cab and has 15 basic variations from minibuses to tippers and flat beds.
