Ford Transit Connect (2014–)

September 2012

New Transit Connect unveiled

The all-new Ford Transit Connect was launched with Ford saying it will set new standards for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability in the compact van segment.

It will be available with the new Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and gets new technology like Active City Stop. Short wheelbase and long wheelbase versions will be offered with a load area total volume of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3. Along with the panel van will be a double-cab-in-van and Kombi people carrier versions.

Features including a load-through hatch in the bulkhead and fold-flat passenger seat enable long loads up to 3.0m (SWB) and 3.5m (LWB) to be safely carried in the vehicle. Additional new features to boost everyday productivity include a dual passenger seat, so that van models can now carry three people in the cab.

For Kombi and Double-Cab-in-Van models, maximum seating capacity is five (SWB) or seven (LWB) people and versatile rear seating and a movable mesh bulkhead allow the load area to be configured as required. In addition, the LWB model features a unique fold-flat seat capability that optimises the loadspace from front passenger space rearwards, and enables loads up to 3 metres long to be carried.

The powertrain line-up includes the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel with a choice of 75PS, 95PS and 115PS versions, and the new 100 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine plus a version of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

July 2013

Transit Connect available to order

Prices range from £13,921 to £19,130 with the first vans arriving late in 2013. The Econetic model is fitted with start/stop and an active grille shutter, which helps boost official economy to 70.6mpg and drop CO2 to 105g/km, although only when fitted with a 62mph speed limiter.

June 2015

Transit Connect gets 1.5-litre TDCI engines

Ford introduces a new 1.5 TDCI diesel with improved economy and lower CO2 emissions over the outgoing 1.6 TDCI. The new four-cylinder engine gets more power and torque with the range-topper offering 120PS. The 150PS 1.6 EcoBoost is also discontinued, making the Grand Tourneo Connect diesel only.

December 2017

2018 Ford Transit Connect unveiled

Updated Transit Connect introduces a smart new front-end appearance that a three-bar Transit grille combined with slimmer headlamps – with powerful HID xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights available on high series models, combine with a more aerodynamic lower fascia and front spoiler to deliver the fresh new look.

Inside the Transit Connect, an upgraded cabin features a revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a floating, tablet-inspired six-inch colour touchscreen on high series models, featuring Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. New trim materials provide a stylish and hard-wearing working environment for long working days in the cab.

Ford’s a 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine combines the latest fuel injection, turbocharging and emission-control technologies with a low-friction engine design to deliver improved performance alongside reduced fuel-consumption.

For customers requiring a petrol option, new Transit Connect offers an advanced version of the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which incorporates significant changes to the cylinder head, fuel injection and emission-control systems to provide further improvements in fuel-efficiency. Technologies also include cylinder deactivation, which enables the engine to run on two cylinders at low loads, to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel-efficiency.

An upgraded six-speed manual transmission is now fitted to all engines as standard. The 1.5‑litre EcoBlue engine can also be specified with an advanced new eight-speed automatic transmission, which has been engineered to deliver optimised fuel-efficiency alongside responsive performance and smooth, swift gearshifts.

The Transit Connect introduces a comprehensive range of segment-first driver assistance features including Intelligent Speed Limiter – that enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist that helps to steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

Like the outgoing model, new Transit Connect offers commercial vehicle operators an outstanding breadth of capabilities, with short and long wheelbase options providing load volumes up to 3.6 m 3 (VDA), payload capacity ranging from 520-890 kg, and bodystyles including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van.

September 2018

Midlife updates for Transit Connect range

Ford gives its van new bumpers, wheel options and Active Grille Shutter technology – which automatically closes to reduce drag when cooling airflow to the radiator is not needed as standard.

Transit Connect features a six-speed manual transmission as standard for all engines. Customers who prefer an automatic gearbox now have the option of Ford’s all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, offered with the 100PS and 120PS 1.5 EcoBlue engine variants, and engineered to further optimise fuel efficiency and deliver responsive performance. Features include:

• Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which assesses individual driving styles to optimise gearshift timings. The system can identify uphill and downhill gradients and hard cornering, and adjust gearshifts accordingly for a more stable, engaging and refined driving experience.

• Adaptive Shift Quality Control, which assesses vehicle and environmental information to help adjust clutch pressures for consistently smooth gearshifts. The technology can also adjust shift smoothness to suit driving style

EcoSelect and EcoMode driver assistance technologies help drivers to further improve fuel efficiency of powertrain line-up that meets latest stringent Euro6 WLTP emissions standards

The 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine is offered with three power outputs: 75PS delivering fuel efficiency from 60.1mpg and 124g/km CO2 emissions; 100PS delivering from 60.1mpg and 123g/km CO2; and 120 PS delivering from 56.4mpg and 130g/km CO2.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine also introduces cylinder deactivation technology to the Transit range for the first time, helping achieve fuel efficiency from 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions from 146g/km.

May 2019

Transit Custom takes Most Popular Small Van title at Honest John Awards.

Ford's compact panel van proved to be the most popular in its class with more page views than any of its rivals at Honest John Vans.

Dan Powell, Editor of Honest John Vans said: “The Ford Transit Connect is a proven winner in the small van class, thanks to its low running costs, practical load area and comfortable cabin. Easy to drive and available with some of the best engines in the businesses, the Transit Connect is a more than worthy winner.”

July 2020

Ford’s van-based Tourneo Connect and Transit Connect are now available to order in the rugged Active trim.

Priced from ££25,542 and £26,010 (including VAT) respectively, the Active MPVs join the Active and Trail versions of the larger Transit and Tourneo Custom.

The Active trim get mostly cosmetic updates - including front and rear skidplates along with plastic cladding on the body sides, mirror caps, wheel arches, rear bumper and roof rails. The ride height is raised by 24mm, too.

Active models get a bespoke trim, with 17-inch alloy wheels, a signature mesh grille and new seat patterns with blue detailing. Safety features include Intelligent Speed Limiter, Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist.

The vehicles can also be specified with a mechanical limited-slip differential (mLSD), which transfers engine torque to the wheel with the most traction in low-grip scenarios. Similar differential technology is used to better the traction and handling of models like the Focus RS and Fiesta ST.

All new Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active models are powered by Ford’s 1.5‑litre EcoBlue diesel engine. Available in 100PS or 120PS power outputs, the engine is offered alongside a choice of eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions.

The mLSD is available on both Tourneo and Transit Connect models as an option with the 120PS manual powertrain.

The five-seat Tourneo Connect Active features a 60/40 split second row bench that folds flat for easy equipment loading and optimised luggage space. The longer Tourneo Grand Connect Active adds two more seats in a third row that folds into the floor when not in use. Load volume remains at 2.9m or 3.6m depending on the wheelbase specified, with payloads reaching 982kg.