Important updates for Ford Transit Connect and Courier vans

Ford has announced significant changes for the Ford Transit Connect and Transit Courier, with new engines, updated styling and revised fuel economy figures.

The four-cylinder 1.5 TDCI engine in the Transit Connect has been heavily revised for 2018 - it has also been rebranded, EcoBlue. But, due to the tougher WLTP rules for measuring fuel consumption, economy claims for the updated van are lower than the outgoing version.

This means the advertised 58-71mpg for the old TDCI range of engines are replaced with figures that span from 56-60mpg; Ford says these will be more reflective of everyday driving. Harmful emissions are also lower, with the updated engine meeting the latest Euro 6.2 emission standards. Power outputs are unchanged,however, at 75PS, 100PS and 120PS.

There are no power ratings for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, but official economy is 44.1mpg, which is roughly 6mpg short of Ford's pre-2018 figure for the old 100PS petrol. All engines are paired to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with an all-new eight-speed auto available as an option on 100PS and 120PS versions of the EcoBlue diesel.

The Transit Connect also gets styling updates, with a more streamlined front-end profile. LED daytime running lights should be fitted as standard, along with Active Grille Shutter technology – which automatically closes to reduce drag when cooling airflow to the radiator is not needed.

The smallest panel van in Ford's commercial vehicle range - the Transit Courier - gets mild styling updates too, and revised engine options.

The 95PS 1.6 TDCI has been dropped, with the 1.5 TDCI now available with 75PS or 100PS. Advertised fuel economy starts at 65.6mpg and 112g/km CO2 for the 1.5 diesel and 53.2mpg and 119g/km for the 1.0 EcoBoost. A six-speed manual transmission replaces the previous five-speed offering.

All-important payload ratings for the Transit Connect remain largely the same as before, but the Transit Courier loses carrying capacity with its peak payload rating dropping from 660kg to 590kg.

The new Transit Connect Sport offers an exterior styling kit, signature matt black sports stripes with silver or orange accents and 16-inch Dark Stainless alloy wheels. There's no performance upgrade however.

The standard Connect Sport specification includes a cabin enhanced with partial leather trim, a Ford Power starter button, Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, Cruise Control with Automatic Speed Limiter and static cornering fog lights.