Ford has released details of its next-gen Transit Connect, including its first plug-in hybrid option offering up to 68 miles of electric range.
The third-generation Transit Connect, which borrows heavily from its industry partners at Volkswagen, completes the electrification of Ford’s commercial vehicle range: Every model, from the new Transit Courier to the large Transit, now includes a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric option.
Ford Transit Connect: High-Tech Interior
Ford had kept the cabin of the Transit Connect surprisingly fresh, but it’s long been time for a refresh. The new model throws out the early-2000s-car design language and introduces new technology, most obviously demonstrated by the large 10.0-inch infotainment screen mounted in the centre.
Ford has gone for a connected cabin, offering wireless smartphone charging alongside wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, ensuring those using work phones for their day-to-day life can seamlessly switch to the Transit Connect. Built-in navigation is available, and a DAB radio and USB connection are standard. For charging heftier items, the USB-C point can charge at rates of up to 45 watts, which is enough to keep a laptop going.
The driver also gets a 10-inch digital instrument panel with a configurable main display flanked by secondary vehicle information.
Equipment levels are high, although the entry-level Trend trim line for fleet buyers could feel bare compared to the plusher Limited and rugged Active specifications. Higher spec models receive 17-inch alloy wheels, a work surface in the passenger seat back, and LED headlights. Heated front seats are also available, with four-way electric lumbar support, adjustable extended leg supports, and a heated steering wheel.
Safety equipment across all models includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pre-collision assist, evasive steer assist, and intersection assist to help prevent or mitigate collisions with other road users.
Blind spot warning, cross traffic alert, a reversing camera and exit warning — which can help to prevent ‘dooring’ incidents with cyclists and other road users — are included on higher-level models.
Ford Transit Connect: Cargo Capacity and Payload
Ford will offer the Transit Connect in several forms, with the regular panel van available in two lengths. The panel van’ — the most popular option — gives users an increased payload over the outgoing model, increasing cargo volume to 3.1m3 or 3.7m3 for the short and long wheelbase models, respectively.
Maximum payload stands at 820kg, with a 1,500kg towing limit.
The plug-in hybrid model gives away a little payload, thanks in part to the battery pack that the van will carry around with it. At 770kg, it’s 50kg lower than the diesel model, while the towing capacity is reduced slightly from 1,500kg to 1,400kg. There’s no change to the volume, happily.
A five-seater Kombi model provides an innovative double-cab-in-van choice, with the rear seats able to be folded away when not in use, extending the capacity of the cargo area. Having tried the rear seats at a secret event recently, there’s plenty of room for three passengers in the back, and the process of lifting the seat to extend the cargo area is a simple, one-person job. The cargo volume extends to 2.5m3 or 3.1m3 (for the short and long wheelbase models) while the seats are folded, and while the seats steal a little room from the back, there’s still enough space for a pair of Euro pallets.
Ford Transit Connect: Engines and Drivetrain
Ford will initially offer the new Transit Custom with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, with a plug-in hybrid model following by the end of 2024. There are no plans for an electric model, as the smaller E-Transit Courier and larger E-Transit Custom overlap the Connect model.
The 2.0-litre diesel model will be available in two power outputs, 102hp and 122hp, both with a six-speed manual gearbox. The higher-power model will also be available with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Ford is promising impressive fuel efficiency of up to 58.8mpg, depending on the model.
While we won’t see it in the UK, some territories will also be offered the choice of an intelligent all-wheel drive model providing enhanced traction in challenging weather conditions.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain will be introduced late in 2024, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack, giving a combined 150hp and impressive 350Nm of torque via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
While Ford hasn’t indicated the size of the battery pack, it’s targeting an electric range of 68 miles. Fast charging at rates of up to 50kW will be possible, although most are likely to plug into a home or workplace charger.
Ford Transit Connect: Ford Pro Fleet Support
Users will be supported by Ford Pro, with the new model featuring a dedicated solution for fleet customers. As the van is built around the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford has resorted to incorporating a plug-in device for connectivity to Ford Pro Telematics software.
Fleet users can use the Ford Pro service to access maintenance support, including mobile servicing capability that can cover 70% of maintenance and repair issues at a time and location convenient to the customer. An unnamed major UK fleet customer reported that Mobile Servicing reduced downtime from three days to as little as two hours for equivalent work.
Conversions can also be carried out by any of the 200 partners accredited to the Ford Pro Converter network across Europe. The centres will be able to offer conversions, including refrigeration and racking, with technical support and approval of Ford Pro Special Vehicles, and are supplied with aftersales care equivalent to that of a factory Ford Pro vehicle.
Ford Transit Connect: Price and Availability
Production of the Transit Connect starts in spring 2024, with the van being built in Volkswagen’s plant in Poznan, Poland. First deliveries of the diesel panel van models will begin in the summer, with the plug-in hybrid joining the range before the end of the year. The five-seater Kombi model will complete the lineup in early 2025.
Ford hasn’t detailed pricing yet, but expect the model to sit almost perfectly between the Courier and Connect ranges.
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