Ford Transit (2006–2014)

June 2006

Fifth generation Ford Transit launched

With a starting price of £13,130, there are short, medium and long wheelbase models, as well as a choice of different roof heights for the panel van, plus chassis cab and dropside options. All new Transit models come with CD stereo, ABS anti-lock brakes, full steel bulkhead and high output alternator. There are front, rear and four-wheel drive versions.

First launched in 1965, the Ford Transit can rightly claim to have revolutionised the van market. Its initial success was built around it being good to drive and offering a load bay purpose-designed to suit trades people. The UK took the Transit to heart and it’s been the best seller ever since, accounting for one in four vans sold in this country.

A second generation Transit arrived in 1978 to offer more of the same and this was then replaced by the third generation in 1986. Bigger changes were afoot for the fourth generation model in 2000, which led on to the current fifth iteration that arrived in 2006. This version was then comprehensively revised in late 2011 with an improved 2.2-litre turbodiesel replacing all other engines and meeting Euro 5 emissions regulations, so no worries for the Transit where the London Low Emissions Zone is concerned.

February 2007

Ford adds two new minibus variants to the Transit range with nine and 17-seat versions. The nine-seat Shuttle Bus is based on a standard wheelbase model, while the 17-seat version is a on a long wheelbase chassis and has a new high roof for added practicality.

April 2007

Transit Sportvan makes it debut

Shown at the Commercial Vehicle Show it costs from £18,750 and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, side skirts, spoilers and white stripes outside and air conditioning, cruise control and CD stereo inside. It’s based on the 260 short wheelbase Transit and has a 130PS diesel engine. Ford also adds a new 200PS 3.2-litre engine to normal Transit range.

September 2007

A pair of three-way tipper models join the Transit range along with two new curtainside versions.

December 2008

New Doublecab model becomes part of Transit line-up. There is also a new front-wheel drive medium wheelbase model with low roof and choice of 85PS, 115PS and 140PS 2.2-litre diesel engines.

April 2009

Ford launches ECOnetic model with 115PS 2.2 diesel engine that offers 189g/km CO2 emissions and 39.2mpg average economy. This model has a gear shift indicator, 70mph speed limiter and low drag wheel covers to help it meet Euro 5 emissions regulations.

August 2010

A new 14-seat Transit Minibus went on sale priced from £25,400 with a choice of three 2.4-litre TDCi powertrains ranging from the new 100PS unit with six-speed transmission to the 140PS six-speed. At 3.5 tonnes GVM, this addition to the range means that it can be driven on a category B car licence (on a non hire and reward basis). his increases the number of minibuses for non category D licence holders to three; a nine-seat shuttle, a 12-seat minibus and a 14-seat minibus. The 17-seat Transit Minibus has a 150kg increase in payload taking it from 4.1 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes.

September 2010

Upgrades to the Transit range

From September 2010 all rear-wheel-drive Transits from 100PS to 200PS come with six-speed transmission as standard. The wider spread of gear ratios on the six-speed transmission means easier initial pull away in first gear, and with reduced stress on the clutch, its life is usefully extended. The new six-speed transmission will also deliver improved mpg and lower CO2 figures.

DAB radio is also made available and lets the owner operator to enjoy many stations more clearly, including the favourites for van drivers (5 Live and Talksport). Transit SportVan will be the first medium commercial vehicle to come with DAB radio as standard. DAB radio is a £200 option on all "Limited" series.

September 2010

Ford's new Transit Motorhome Chassis adds to its range of dedicated vehicles for the motorhome industry. Designed for specialist converters, the new, lightweight chassis offers enhanced payload and fuel efficiency for motorhome enthusiasts in Europe.

The new Transit Motorhome Chassis joins the broad variety of existing Ford chassis cabs with front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive, and single and double rear wheel configurations. It has been eagerly awaited by some manufacturer partners who want to design new stylish and contemporary motorhomes using the proven foundation of the Ford Transit.

October 2010

A new tipper version of the Transit is added to the range with improved payload and lower loading height. It has body lock down and costs from £26,726.

April 2011

New 3.2 litre 5-cylinder 200PS Transit Supervan shown at Commercial Vehicle Show at NEC. Also a new generation of Duratorq TDCi engines and comprehensive range of new ECOnetic technologies, including wide availability of optional Auto-Start-Stop and Speed Limiter systems, ensure that the iconic Ford Transit remains a top choice for commercial vehicle operators. With its low cost of ownership and improved environmental performance the new Transit further enhances its legendary durability and versatility.

November 2011

New 2.2-litre turbodiesel becomes only engine option in Transit and meets Euro 5 emissions regulations. It comes in 100PS, 125PS, 140PS and 155PS guises with emissions ranging from 173g/km to 252g/km, with fuel economy from 29.4mpg to 43.5mpg. The engine uses a new high pressure direct injection system and diesel particulate filter.