More stylish than your average plumber's van, the redesigned Transit Connect gets a smoother, less upright look than the boxy small cargo van it replaces, with a front-end treatment reminiscent of the Focus and Fiesta small cars.
The more car-like design continues inside, with promised better fit and finish, more technology, and new driver-assistance features.
The redesigned Transit Connect goes on sale in Europe and the United States in late 2013.
Developed for markets around the world, it will be offered in short- and long-wheelbase versions, powered by a variety of gasoline and diesel engines and with rear-wheel drive. U.S. models won't get a diesel powerplant, but Ford says a range of gasoline engines will offer best in class fuel economy. Of course, it competes essentially in a class by itself, where the current model stands as a practical alternative to larger, less-efficient commercial vehicles.
Ford claims the new Transit Connect will have increased cargo capacity and lower operating costs than the outgoing model, with a flexible and functional cargo area equipped with innovative features designed to increase productivity. No announcement was made about whether a passenger version is planned, although Ford has explored this idea with numerous concept models on the auto show circuit.
The Transit Connect will be joined by a new full-sized commercial van dubbed Transit, with a similar styling theme and offered with a choice of V6, turbocharged V6, and diesel engines. The Transit will replace the long-running E-Series van.
We look forward to driving these significantly updated models. The manufacturer-sourced video below gives a quick tour of the Transit Connect exterior.
