Ford Transit Connect (2014 – 2024) Review

Ford Transit Connect (2014 – 2024) At A Glance

5/5

+Good to drive, comfortable cabin, practical load area, option of LED loadspace lighting.

-Can't match the payload of key rivals, three-seat versions will be an uncomfortable fit for adults.

Easy to drive, practical and well-equipped as standard, the Ford Transit Connect is one of the best all-rounders in the small van market. Admittedly, it can't match the payload of the Vauxhall Combo or Peugeot Partner, but it still has enough in its locker to nudge its way to the front of the small van pack.

Ford offers the Connect van in two wheelbases - L1 and L2 - with panel van, double-cab in-van and Kombi variants. Older versions will carry up to 1000kg, but payloads are lower for post- 2018 facelift models - at 865kg for the L1 panel van and 833kg for L2. The largest versions provide 4.4 cubic metres of loadspace and there are also some really clever details, like folding front seats and a hatch in the bulkhead to make carrying metal pipes possible.

The Transit Connect was launched with Ford's trusty 1.6-litre TDCi in 2014 with 75, 95 or 115PS. For those who cover shorter distances on a daily basis, 1.0-litre 100PS EcoBoost petrol is also offered. In late-2016 Ford replaced the 1.6 TDCi with the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engine, lowering tailpipe emissions and increasing torque across the board.

The 1.5 diesel produces more power - 75, 100 or 120PS - while maximum torque increases to 300Nm for the most-powerful version. Buyers can also inject some high octane style with the Transit Connect Sport. All models get Ford's Easy Fuel capless refuelling system that makes it (almost) impossible to put the wrong type of fuel into the van. 

On the road, the Transit Connect drives like a good family car with nicely weighted steering and plenty of low-gear torque for hauling heavy payloads. Some of the older 1.6 diesels can get quite vocal under hard acceleration, but general refinement is fine with the newer 1.5 four-cylinder engines. Most of the older versions of the Transit Connect use a five-speed manual gearbox, but updates to the model range in 2018 saw the introduction of a six-speed transmission, along with an eight-speed auto.

The dashboard layout is easy to master and there is lots of useful storage for maps, loose documents and cups. All vans get Ford's Quickclear windscreen as standard, which heats small wires within the glass to de-ice the screen without the need for manual scraping. 

Panel van version of the Transit Connect get two-seats, while crew cab versions add an extra bench with three additional seats but cut the loadspace to just 1.2 cubic metres in L1 and 1.6 cubic metres in L2. Newer versions do get some useful optional tech that includes wireless phone charging, climate control and a three pin plug in the cabin for charging tools. High spec vans also get touchscreen infotainment and navigation. 

Long Term Test - Transit Connect

Ask Honest John

How do I carry out a DPF regeneration on an automatic?

"I have an 8-speed automatic Ford Transit Connect. A NOX sensor recently failed and resulted in diesel finding its way into the oil because a regeneration was being called for but not triggered. I contacted Ford's customer care centre who advised me to contact a technician at a Ford main dealer. I asked the question about how an auto regen was triggered. I was told it needed 2000+ revs for about 20 minutes. The problem is, being an 8-speed auto, that in order to reach 2000+ revs, I would have to break the speed limit on a motorway because every time the engine gets any where near the 2000 revs it changes up a gear. There is no mention of this in the vehicle's handbook. Does this suggest there may be problems ahead for drivers of 8-speed auto Fords - and perhaps similarly specced vehicles made by other manufacturers?"
The best way to do this would be to drive the Connect in manual mode, which is a feature of the eight-speed auto. You need to shift to manual (M) to switch the feature on. Press the upper + button to upshift. Press the lower – button to downshift and shift back to drive (D) to switch the feature off. You can then drive the van at legal motorway speeds in a lower gear if you need to do a DPF regen. We agree that Ford should put this in the vehicle's handbook.
Answered by Craig Cheetham

What's the best small used van to buy?

"I am buying a used small van, Ford Transit Connect size. What would you recommend in either petrol or diesel options?"
Our favourite small van is the Ford Transit Courier. It is offered with petrol or diesel engines and is surprisingly practical, with 2.3 cubic metres and payloads peaking at 660kg: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/transit-courier-2014/ The Citroen Nemo/Peugeot Bipper are also good little vans. They can't carry as much payload as the Ford, but have more loadspace and are cheaper to buy second-hand: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/citroen/nemo-2008/
Answered by David Ross

Is the 2015 Transit Connect a reliable van?

"I am considering buying a 2015 Ford Transit Connect 1.6 diesel with 57,000 miles on the clock, I have noticed that it has had a new clutch at 47,000 miles, is this something to be concerned about? Is there anything else I should look out for?"
The Ford Transit Connect has a very good reputation for reliability. A new clutch at 47,000 miles is uncommon, but it may simply be down to the driving style of the previous keeper. Problems selecting gear can be a result of grime and corrosion in the remote selector. Listen out for any knocks when test-driving the van (as this will suggest worn wheel bearings or suspension). Check the tyres, particularly the rear ones. Excessive wear on the inside edges points to the tracking being poorly adjusted.
Answered by Dan Powell

Cam belt failure after 100,000 miles - who should pay for the repair?

"I have a 2020 Ford Transit Connect 1.5 diesel. It is just out of warranty at 106,500 miles and the cam belt has failed. My local mechanic says the cam belt should be changed at 108,000 miles, that’s approximately 1,500 miles longer than mine lasted. The van has had all its required services and has not been treated harshly, spending most of its life on the motorway. Ford says it’s unfortunate that the cam belt failed prior to the service interval of 108,000 miles but the mileage they quote is only a “guide”. After some further discussion, they have offered a £250 Ford voucher towards any parts needed. Bearing in mind I could be looking at a cost of over £2,000 what is your opinion of Ford's response to my misfortune?"
Ford is correct, the 108,000/10-year cam belt change is a guide and not a guarantee. In reality, the cam belt (and the water pump) should be replaced every 60,000 miles or five years (whichever comes first). The Ford dealer that sold you the car may be willing to contribute further to the cost of the repair but I don't think you have any grounds to demand a free repair from either the original seller or Ford UK. I would suggest getting further quotes from outside of the Ford dealer network. An independent garage may be able to complete the repair at a much lower price than the dealer, even after you've deducted the £250 voucher.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Ford Transit Connect (2014 – 2024) cost?