The new generation Transit van which will arrive in Ireland in April will offer more capacity, better economy, and cheaper cost of ownership, writes Brian Byrne from the international launch in Barcelona.
The latest launch in a full four-vehicle revamp of Ford's light commercial vehicles lineup is strongly styled with the brand's kinetic design cues, recognisably sibling to the Transit Custom and Transit Connect, but easily distinct from them.
The flagship Ford van will be powered by a 2.2 diesel with power outputs from 100-155hp, and includes Econetic versions with fuel saving technologies which give economy up to 6 percent better than the outgoing vehicle.
Across the range, load volumes are up by 10 percent, with dimensions optimised to carry standard size items more easily. The medium version is now capable of accepting four euro pallets, compared to three in the current van.
The new Transit comes in FWD, RWD and AWD variants, with the usual extensive range of sizes and formats, including the chassis cab range which is now available with a frame length of a metre longer than currently.
There are three lengths — medium, long and extended (Jumbo), and medium and high roof heights.
The price range is from €25,300-€45,350, with the big seller expected to be the medium van, medium height, 100hp version at €26,400.
We'll have some first driving impressions posted later.
The final van in the new Ford range will be the Transit Courier small van, arriving in mid-summer.