Ford Transit Review

The Ford Transit has been around since 1965 and is un-arguably Ford's flagship commercial vehicle. Ford's focus has been on refining the engine and the 2.0 litre and 2.4 litre turbo diesels leading the way in popularity. Transits come in a large range of body styles and chassis sizes to suit all needs.

The latest generation Transits come in a wide range of variants - three wheelbase choices, including a medium-length version, plus four load lengths and four roof heights. There's also the option of van and bus bodies, single and double chassis-cabs with single and dual rear wheels. There's a choice of TDdi or TDCi engine technology. The former is a conventional diesel engine, the later denotes the more advanced common-rail configuration. There's also a 2.3-litre petrol alternative that can be ordered as an LPG conversion. A main objective has been to drive down the cost of ownership, improve fuel economy and reduce maintenance costs. The rear-wheel drive Transit models use the 2.4-litre diesels and the 2.3 petrol unit. Front-driven variants, meanwhile, are powered by the 2.0-litre diesel engines. Opt, as many will, for the 2.4-litre diesels and there's a choice of three power outputs - 90PS (TDdi), 115PS (TDdi) or 137PS (TDCi). As with the 2.0-litre versions, these are all very clean with no visible diesel smoke. The most popular remains the 2.0-litre TDCi and 2.0-litre diesel as an affordable option. A simple, versatile load box and chassis structure and customers who need the extra capacity and flexibility of a lower load floor can choose the front-wheel drive version. There are three wheelbases and four load lengths, ranging from 2.58 to more than 4 metres. 5-tonne GVM category. There are also two sizes of side-door, both designed to provide easy access for pallets and offer the best solution for individual needs. If you want to accommodate the biggest load possible there is the Transit Jumbo with its 14.3 cubic meter load volume.Larger seats offer greater space and comfort and later designs are adjustable and include lumbar support, tilt and recline and height adjustment. There's an enhanced climate control and ventilation system, audio system and added storage areas for drinks, documents and mobile phones. The braking, handling, ride and steering systems have all been enhanced to the point where you should feel the difference immediately. ABS brakes are standard on all models.

Verdict :
The Transit is always a serious contender but with the huge range be clear exactly what you are looking for and that this Ford flagship is it.

For :
Affordable 2.0 litre diesel
Refined engineering
Listened to customers needs

Against :
Will never be the cheapest option
It may be difficult to find exact requirements

Overall : 4
Handling : 3
Comfort : 3
Quality : 4
Performance : 4
Reliability : 4
Practicality : 3
Cost : 4
Value : 3
Stereo : 3