Ford Transit Review

Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi 110 PS low roof (SWB)

Manufacturer’s RRP: £15,726 (excluding VAT)

Trusty, distinctive and extremely versatile, the Transit creates a first-rate impression for your business.

Technical

With a highly comprehensive range of engines and transmissions coupled with the choice of front or rear wheel drive, the Transit van has been built to withstand the rigours of daily grind. The range of Duratorq TDCi diesel engines are available in three power and torque configurations aimed at boosting performance and efficiency. The common rail fuel-injection system improves horsepower and torque whilst increasing load capacity and towing capability. There is also a new 2.3 Duratec 145 PS petrol engine available for rear-wheel drive applications.

Deservedly Van of the Year	Spacious cabin
Deep door pockets	Large wing mirrors
An influx of cup holders	And more cup holders!
Huge, versatile load space	The box challenge!

Drive

The Transit handles its load phenomenally well due to Ford's heavy focus on torque. With up to 375Nm of torque available, the transit is more than capable of towing a Gross Train Mass of between 3500-6500kg. The engine accelerates strongly from the start and is highly responsive, even when climbing up hill or at high speeds. With a load of 350kg on an uphill stretch in high gear, there was no chugging from the engine and the power remained strong. The SWB lived up to its reputation and was great to manoeuvre about town - the advantage of choosing this model is that you don't have to compromise on load size.

Cabin comfort

The car-like interior is spacious and sophisticated, designed to make life as easy as possible when on the road. A supportive, adjustable driving seat combined with a leather rimmed four-spoke steering wheel and a dash mounted gear lever, create the feeling of comfort and space. Marketed as a mobile office, the Transit offers ideal space options for A4 files, organisers and your mobile phone - the glove box even has hanging rails for A4 suspension files! Deep door pockets and an array of drinks holders all add to the luxurious feel. Additional options include air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, 6-disc CD stereo system and a built in sat nav system with CD player and MP3 capability.

Load area

There is a load to suit every eventuality, with the Transit `Jumbo' offering the ultimate van-based carrier, accommodating five Europallets. Our short wheel based van was capable of loading standard 8' x 4' building boards either horizontally or on their sides, and the 1390mm width between the rear wheel arches is amongst the greatest in its class. The rear doors extend to 180 degrees, or 256 degrees on the jumbo models. There is 100mm lower load floor on front-drive models and a passenger's sliding side load door with a driver's side load door also available.

Standard Safety features

Driver's airbag

Anti-lock braking system

Electronic Stability Programme (not available with petrol engine, DRW or AWD models)

3-point diagonal inertia reel seatbelts

Anti-submarine seat design

Audio enhanced "keycode" anti-theft locking

Door mirrors - enhanced rear vision

Immobiliser - Safeguard Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)

Remote control locking with key fob

Verdict

A classic choice for any business, variety is the essence with personal comfort high on the agenda. The load options are phenomenal with choices to suit and adapt to your day to day grind.

Data file

Engines: 2.2 TDCi
Roof: Low roof
Gearbox: 6 speed manual
Power output: 110 PS
Maximum pay load (kg): 1191
Load volume (cu.m): 4.2
Loading area: length / width/ height (mm) 2582 x 1762 x 1430
Side door entry: width / height (mm) 1030 x 1352
Rear door entry: width / height (mm) 1540 x 1370
Wheelbase (mm): 2933
Service intervals: 3 year / 100,000 mile warranty

Vansunited.co.uk verdict : ****