Ford Transit Review 2024

September 2012

New Ford Transit revealed

The all-new Ford Transit made its global public debut at the Hanover IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, marking the arrival of a new generation of global Transit commercial vehicles.

Offering a huge range of body styles and derivatives, the new Transit is engineered to deliver class-leading load-carrying ability, exceptional toughness and durability, and targets best-in-class fuel economy.

The new model replaces the heavier 2-tonne Transit derivatives and joins the 1-tonne Transit Custom in the line-up. Compared to the outgoing Transit, load volume has been increased by around 10 percent model-for-model, with the largest Jumbo van now capable of swallowing 15.1 m3 of cargo. In addition, an all-new Chassis Cab SuperJumbo derivative will enable 5m floats or box bodies to be accommodated.

Particular emphasis has been placed on making the vehicle simple to modify for body builders, upfitters and camper van converters, so all customer requirements can be satisfied. For Europe, the Transit is powered by the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel with a choice of three power ratings (100 PS, 125 PS, 155 PS), and a standard 6-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions will be available.

The comprehensive range of bodystyles and derivatives includes Van, Double Cab-in-Van (DCiV), Combi, Combi Van and Bus models, plus Chassis Cab and Chassis Cowl versions. Vans are available in three different lengths and two different roof heights with multiple gross vehicle mass options of up to 4.7 tonnes. This combines with the all-new Transit Custom 1-tonne range to deliver a significantly expanded overall line-up.

An all-new interior, with a stylish and functional instrument panel, incorporates a range of smart stowage solutions. The cabin is significantly more spacious than the outgoing model, with increased shoulder room, head clearance and visibility, plus a more comfortable driving position with a fully-adjustable steering column.

December 2013

New Transit arrives in early 2014

The all-new Ford Transit two-tonne model – available from £20,795 – offers customers significantly reduced maintenance and repair costs, exceptional durability, increased cargo volumes, and smart loadspace features, as well as best-in-class fuel efficiency with the extended choice of Transit ECOnetic models.

The Transit ECOnetic models deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions from 169g/km (with 62mph fixed speed limiter) , equivalent to combined fuel consumption from 44.1mpg. Compared to the already highly fuel efficient ECOnetic version of the outgoing Transit, fuel consumption has been reduced by a further six per cent.

Powered by a uniquely calibrated 125PS 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel from Dagenham, equipped with Auto-Start-Stop and Ford’s innovative Acceleration Control feature, the Transit ECOnetic range now extends to six different van models with gross vehicle mass (GVMs) of up to 3.5 tonnes.

September 2015

Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) now available in the larger Transit. The standard Ford Transit powertrain features the fuel-efficient 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine with a choice of three power ratings (100PS, 125PS, 155PS) and a 6-speed manual transmission; customers also have the option of 125PS and 155PS HDT6 engines which meet the Euro HDT VI emission standards.

Available in front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, the all-new Ford Transit also offers extended 2-year/30,000 miles service intervals, with the time required for scheduled maintenance over 90,000 miles cut from 5.4 to 4.2 hours over the outgoing model.

The new generation model has been engineered to deliver outstanding durability. Its immensely strong body construction features high-strength and ultra-high-strength boron steels, and offers a comprehensive 12-year anti-perforation warranty.

Subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent global commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, the all-new Transit has covered the equivalent of nearly seven million miles in arduous testing in Europe and North America – the same as driving around the globe 275 times – with more than 310,000 miles of that total covered by actual Transit customers.

The all-new Transit offers increased cargo capacity of up to 11 per cent more than the outgoing model and a range of innovative loadspace features for easier and more secure load carrying.

The purposeful, modern exterior design of the van model conceals a load area which can accommodate key standard-length items including pipes or building boards, and which has more vertical side walls and larger, more practical door openings. The side load doors now have a class-leading opening width of 1,300mm for easier loading and unloading with forklift trucks.

Model-for-model, load volume has been increased by around 10 per cent compared to the outgoing Transit: for example, the L2 van’s maximum volume with standard full steel bulkhead has risen from 10.3 to 11.2m3 , enabling it to now transport four Europallets and carry 3.0m length items along the floor. The largest Jumbo van can swallow 15.1m3 of cargo behind the bulkhead.

Vans are available in three different lengths and two different roof heights with multiple GVM options of up to 4.7 tonnes. Smart new features now include:

• Integrated high-grip rear bumper step offering a class-leading step height

• Easy to Clean Load Floor to protect both the van and the load; durable plastic floor covering rises 100mm up the side walls for easier washing and sweeping

• DIN/ISO compliant side-wall mounted tie-down points help keep the load floor clear

• Optional LED premium loadspace lighting provides maximum interior illumination

• High-visibility decals warn other road users when the rear doors are open at 90 degrees

• 3.5-tonne towing capacity for 350 HD and 470 L4 155PS models

Further Transit variants include Double Cab-in-Van (DCiV) models, plus Chassis Cab and Double Chassis Cab versions. A new Chassis Cab L5 derivative accommodates 5.0m floats or box bodies, and Transit people movers include the M2 Bus range with seating for up to 18 people.

Ford will be introducing the full new Transit range using a staggered approach, with a second phase including the DCiV, Chassis Cab L5 and Double Chassis Cab variants.

The vehicle provides the latest Electronic Stability Control technology with innovative features including Curve Control – a unique Ford-developed program designed to slow the vehicle in a safe and stable fashion when it enters a bend like a motorway exit ramp too quickly – along with Load Adaptive Control, Roll Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist.

September 2018

Ford confirms midlife update for Transit range

The 2019 Transit provides increased load-carrying capability and upgraded powertrains that optimises fuel efficiency by up to seven per cent. The new Transit also is introduced with a segment-first new diesel mild hybrid (mHEV) powertrain option that delivers an additional fuel efficiency improvement.

Ford’s advanced 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine has been further optimised to deliver fuel efficiency improvements. The choice of 105PS, 130PS and 170PS power ratings is expanded with the addition of a new 185PS variant, which delivers 415Nm of torque. All ratings benefit from an enhanced turbocharger design that helps to deliver a broader spread of torque across a wider speed range than before.

For the first time, Transit drivers will be able to choose from Selectable Drive Modes to match driving performance to conditions: Eco Mode, Slippery Mode, Mud/Rut Mode for all-wheel drive models and Tow/Haul Mode for smooth power delivery when towing large trailers or boats that weigh more than the vehicle kerb weight.

A comprehensive range of advanced driving assistance technologies have also been introduced to help reduce stress and tiredness, and to help avoid or mitigate the impact of collisions. These include:

• Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow system, featuring an extended blind spot zone that covers the vehicle plus a trailer of up to 10 metres in length

• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which combines the functionality of Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control to help drivers stay within legal speed limits

• Enhanced Lane-Keeping System

• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, now capable of detecting pedestrians at night when they are illuminated by the headlamps

New features are also provided to make life easier and less stressful when manoeuvring and parking within busy commercial and urban environments, and potentially avoid costly bumps and scrapes. These include:

• Front and Rear Wide-View Cameras to help drivers view oncoming traffic when edging out of a narrow parking space, on busy roads or when reversing

• High mounted rear-view camera, positioned to offer better visibility when reversing, in particular with the doors open

• Parking Aid, enhanced with additional side sensors

• Active Park Assist (APA), which helps drivers find suitable spaces and park hands‑free nose-to-tail or side-by-side with other vehicles

• Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers exit parallel parking spaces hands-free

• Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them.

The front panels and bumper have been re-profiled to improve aerodynamics and create a bolder appearance with uncluttered easy-to-clean surfaces. High-series models feature powerful xenon headlamps and new LED daytime running lights with a distinctive Transit family signature.