Our Vans: Ford Transit Connect

19 April 2019: Ford Transit Connect joins the fleet

The Details

Current mileage	180
Claimed economy	56.5mpg
Actual economy	52.9mpg

The Transit Connect is the UK's favourite small van, with Ford shifting more than 17,000 of them in the UK last year. That figure puts it miles ahead of its key rivals, like the Peugeot Partner, Volkswagen Caddy and Citroen Berlingo.

Honest John Vans is running one to find out why British buyers love the Transit Connect so much. The model on test is the short wheelbase 1.5 TDCi, which one of the most popular models here in the UK. And on paper it's also the most powerful, in the Transit Connect line-up, with the four-cylinder engine producing 120PS. That means this potent little powerhouse will haul around 700kg and return an official 56.5mpg.

The Transit Connect is offered in four trim levels - Base, Trend, Limited and Sport - but we've decided to opt for the mid-spec Limited, as this appears to be a key sector for van buyers. In fact, according to the feedback we get from you, our readers via Ask HJ, a smart looking van is key when it comes to choosing a commercial vehicle that'll also project a professional image of your business to the general public.

We've also added a sprinkling of options to our van, to see if they warrant the extra money. That means our test van gets adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist and touchscreen navigation. Our van also has a handy 230v power socket, located between the driver's and passenger seat, for recharging tools or a laptop, without the need for a special adaptor.

Transit Connect _036

Unlike some of its rivals, the Transit Connect doesn't get three seats in the front, but you do get lots of space and storage for your money. Our van has a wireless charging dock in the dashboard, a pair of cup holders in centre console and space for a laptop in the glovebox. There's also a concealed area on the top of the dashboard to hide valuables and loose change when the van's parked up.

Ford vans are generally well-equipped as standard, which means you get the brilliant capless easy fuel system as standard on all versions of the Transit Connect. In short, it makes it impossible to misfuel the vehicle. And this has the potential to save operators thousands - and weeks of stressful repairs - if they regularly rotate drivers.

Since taking delivery, we've covered a modest 180 miles, but our (unladen) van is comfortably exceeding 50mpg. Its road manners and refinement are also on part with a large family car, which isn't surprising given that a lot of the van's platform has been lifted from the C-MAX.

Obviously, we'll need more than a few hundred miles to make an informed judgement on the Transit Connect, but the early signs are positive. The exterior styling has also attracted a few admiring glances from fellow van drivers.

Later: Cabin comforts - why Ford build the best van interiors »

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