Our Vans: Ford Transit Connect
17 May 2019: How much does it cost to run a Transit Connect?
The Details
| Current mileage | 1542 |
|---|---|
| Claimed economy | 56.5mpg |
| Actual economy | 48.3mpg |
When it comes to fuel costs, this 120PS 1.5 EcoBlue diesel is not a star performer. Indeed, while the best Transit Connect diesels return an official 60.1mpg, this version provides a 56.5mpg. And that's a figure that's well below the advertised 67.3mpg you'll get with the latest Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo.
Ford's official figures take a bit of a battering on the road too, with our van returning 48mpg with a full load and 50ish unladen. Those figures aren't bad, but there's no hiding from the fact that some other small vans will provide better running costs.
The Transit Connect does have an ace up its metallic red sleeve, however, with better handling and performance than any other small van. And for some buyers, having a van that's punchy and fun to drive, that's rather important.
It's no secret that vans have come a long way from the ratty old barges of the 1990s, but even by modern standards the Ford is head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to refinement and handling.
Sharp steering, responsive brakes and a light throttle make the Transit Connect a genuine joy to drive. And the 120PS engine, with 270Nm of torque from 1750-2000rpm, means even a fully laden van will have little trouble joining a fast flowing motorway.
All get hill start assist as standard, which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill. And this system is rather useful for prolonging the life of the clutch, especially when the van is fully laden and crawling along in start/stop traffic.
There is a small niggle, however, with the hill start system creaking a little when it disengages. This means the van feels like it's sticking as it pulls away. It doesn't happen often, but it is annoying when it does.
The optional blind spot information system - nicknamed BLIS by Ford - is very good though, with a bright yellow light switching on within the door mirror each time a car or motorbike is detected alongside the van. Admittedly, the blind spots are small on the short wheelbase Transit Connect, but at night the BLIS is perfect in town for picking up wayward cyclists.
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