At the official launch of the new Transit in Frankfurt last year, the then Ford LCV chief Gary Whittam boasted: ‘The best van by a mile just got better by a mile.’

We were impressed then with the left-hand drive vans and having just got my clammies on the first right-hand drive version, I reckon Whittam might just be right.

The Transit has been the UK’s panel van leader by a mile since its launch in 1965 and despite the opposition playing catch-up since then, Ford has always managed to pull itself back to the front.

Take ESP traction control for example.

At the launch, we were told this safety item would be a paid-for option at £250.

But when the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter were launched soon after, they both had ESP as standard.

So Ford took a raincheck on the situation and decided to make it standard too from January 2007.

It seems that every time the opposition gets one up on Ford, the blue oval leapfrogs ahead again.

So just how good is the Transit?

We spent a week behind the wheel of the smallest, the short wheelbase 2.8-tonne gross vehicle weight 85bhp version priced at £14,349 ex-VAT), to find out.

Behind the wheel

Those drivers who have become familiar with the Transit over the years will hardly recognise this van over its predecessor. What a transformation.

There’s a smart new dash with lift-up lids on the top at both sides and in the middle, a flap folds over the reveal a handy tray and cup holders.

The dash has been transformed from its old slab-like shape to something that would not look out of place in an upmarket car.

Our test model came with an optional £1,400 GLX pack, which includes tinted glass, rain-sensing front wipers, screen wash drip, auto headlights, ‘Quickclear’ heated windscreen, header mounted package tray (also includes reverse gear-activated rear wipe if glazed rear doors/tailgate are specified), front foglights, full wheelcovers, front and rear mudflaps, body-coloured grille, second key fob, electrically-operated and heated door mirrors, electrically-operated front windows, trip computer, metallic paint, remote steering column-mounted audio controls, metallic paint, and stereo radio/6-disc CD player – phew!

On the downside, the old Transit driver’s seat has been carried over and I find it a tad uncomfortable.

However, shorter drivers don’t complain so maybe I’m just too tall at 6ft 4in.

In the rear, things are much as they were before.

There is a full bulkhead and single side loading door, together with unglazed rear doors.

This model has a 1,195kg payload and will swallow 7.9 cubic metres of cargo.

There are six load-lashing eyes, although no sign of any internal protection.

Take our advice and fit ply lining immediately.