Customer consultation played a key part in developing the Transit and since the beginning of 1999 selected fleets in the UK, Germany, Australia and Turkey have been running prototype versions to find out how it performs in everyday driving conditions.

Windscreen repair and replacement company Autoglass has been running a Transit from its distribution centre for six months and 31,000 miles and feedback from drivers has been that the new model is a lot quieter and more comfortable.

Gerald Raymond, fleet manager for Autoglass, said: 'The new model is a great improvement over the old model as it is a lot quieter, the interior layout has been improved and it is a much easier vehicle to load.

'The extended service intervals (up to 15,000 miles) will also be better for us.'

The Autoglass test vehicle has averaged 21.85mpg against the company fleet's average of 27mpg.

However, the Autoglass vehicle is a prototype which has cladding on the front to disguise it which impacts on the aero-dynamics.

Raymond expects the new model to average about 30mpg when it has loosened up.

He added: 'We run a fleet of 300 Transits and we will be getting our hands on the new model as soon as possible.'

Ipswich-based ironmongery wholesaler Lister Locks has been running a new Transit for the past two weeks and has racked up 3,500 miles.

Maintenance manager Ian Butcher said the main differences were better roadholding, more comfortable seats and increased vision, both out of the cab and through the mirrors.

He said: 'The brakes and steering are very good and the larger side door makes loading easier.'