FORD have released prices for the new model Transit Connect and on average have reduced its price by 7%. With an expected improvement in future value over the outgoing model, we are expecting some great value Ford Vanlease deals by Autumn of this year.
The new van is up with the best in class in all key statistics. Fabulous load carrying and great fuel efficiency.
It will be available in short L1 and long L2 wheelbases with load volumes of 2.9 cu m and 3.6 cu m respectively. A crew cab option is available as well. The space from wheel arch to wheel arch is now 1.226m, this means a pallet can be carried and in the case of the L2, two. Payload is up to 1000kg. Conscious of other manufacturers marketing, Ford has also targeted servicing and maintenance costs to reduce cost of ownership.
The Mercedes-Benz Citan was a joint venture with Renault and points to the look of the face lifted Kangoo. Make no mistake though, this is not a Renault with Merc badges. The engine, gearbox,suspension and the interior are all Mercedes-Benz. Designed with some clever options, including a crew cab that still has a useful carrying capacity. Designed for use as a city van, the 10.1m turning circle will be class leading at launch and with the ability to load and carry a Euro pallet, 65.7 mpg and the promise of 24 hour/7 day a week servicing, the new Citan will be high on all buyers lists.
Another joint venture and another crew cab. The new Vauxhall Combo is a joint venture with Fiat on their new Doblo. Vauxhall are going after the crew cab market that the Citan and Connect are coveting. What Vauxhall have done is to leave the rear door windows solid, allowing VAT and tax to be reclained.
The 1.3 litre 90bhp diesel promises competitive fuel consumption but still sports five doors, although only a baby, the engine is strong. As with its competitors above, the Combo can carry the industry standard Euro pallet, size and weight wise. The cabin is comfortable and well equipped and Vauxhall have very cleverly increased the service interval to 21,000 miles or 2 years to rival the Mercedes-Benz.
