Changes to Ford’s revised Transit see it offer greater efficiency, payload and advanced connectivity than before, says the manufacturer.

The new model features 4,600 upgraded components and among the biggest changes is an upgraded 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, offering up to 7% fuel efficiency improvement, and new 195PS option.

It also offers mild-hybrid technology in the EcoBlue Hybrid powertrain to deliver up to a further 8% increase in economy.

New Transit’s payload has also increased by up to 80kg to following a weight-saving programme using aerospace industry computer-aided design.

The range also features new connectivity features, including FordPass Connect on-board modem technology help operators maximise efficiency and utilisation, new advanced driving assistance technologies, and a new interior.

Michael McDonagh, Transit global chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe, said: “The iconic Ford Transit raises the bar once again to boost productivity for businesses, delivering increased payload, improved fuel efficiency and advanced connectivity that will give companies of all sizes the tools to maximise operational efficiency.

“Ford is also setting the pace in electrification, with segment-first mild-hybrid powertrains ideal for deliveries.”

The new Transit expands the existing range of 105PS, 130PS and 170PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue power ratings with the addition of the new 185PS variant.

Based on a WLTP real-word cycle, it offers CO2 emissions from 143g/km and fuel efficiency up to 40.9mpg.

Two-tonne Transit features electric power steering for the first time, while EcoGuide has also been added. This technology uses GPS positioning to indicate when to slow down and change gears based on situations ahead and even out of sight, such as junctions, speed limits and hills.

From spring 2020, in addition to the six-speed automatic gearbox already available on front-wheel drive models, rear-wheel drive Transits will be available with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Connectivity

As part of Ford’s strategy to expand connectivity across its commercial vehicle range, Ford is offering FordPass Connect on-board modem technology for the Transit.

The available technology enables fleet operators to optimise running costs through solutions such as the Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services products which are due to be launched later this year, as well as the recently launched FordPass Pro app.

Driver assistance technology

New Transit offers a choice of driving modes which enable drivers to match driving performance to conditions, and include normal, eco, slippery and tow/haul.

Advanced driving assistance technologies introduced include:

• Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow system, featuring an extended blind spot zone that covers the vehicle plus a trailer of up to 10 metres in length
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which combines the functionality of Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control to help drivers stay within legal speed limits
• Enhanced Lane-Keeping System
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, now capable of detecting pedestrians at night when they are illuminated by the headlamps

It is also available with a range of features to help drivers while manoeuvring, such as:

• Front and rear wide-view cameras to help drivers view oncoming traffic when edging out of a narrow parking space, on busy roads or when reversing
• High mounted rear-view camera, positioned to offer better visibility when reversing, in particular with the doors open
• Parking Aid, enhanced with additional side sensors
• Active Park Assist, which helps drivers find suitable spaces and park hands‑free nose-to-tail or side-by-side with other vehicles
• Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers exit parallel parking spaces hands-free
• Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them

Transit is now on sale across Europe.

Transit Custom changes

Ford has also enhanced its one-tonne Transit Custom van. Changes include the availability of a 185PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine and the EcoBlue Hybrid mild hybrid powertrain.

At the end of the year, the range will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Alongside new FordPass Connect on-board modem technology, available driver assistance features offered for the first time for Transit Custom owners and operators include:

• Blind spot information system with trailer tow system
• Adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed limiter
• Lane-keeping aid
• Active park assist
• Pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection