You don’t perform a road test with a delivery truck like you would with any other vehicle. Obviously, for a lot of people, starting with my lovely wife, driving the all-new 2010 Ford Transit Connect for a full week seemed pointless. After all, I have absolutely no intention of becoming a delivery guy, and testing commercial vehicles is not exactly my job.
Admit it, though, the Transit Connect is pretty unique. Created by Ford of Europe, this self-defining styling exercise has produced not only a new alternative for small businesses and delivery companies, but also a touring variant, mainly targeting families.
That didn’t stop some of my friends from making fun of me, however. Even my own son wondered why the milkman kept parking his truck in our driveway!
Based on the Focus
The highly-accommodating and decidedly-utilitarian Transit Connect rides on the same platform as the Focus. Built in Turkey, this new Ford product is putting a clear emphasis on versatility to make a lasting impression over here.
From a mechanical standpoint, the Transit Connect benefits from a 136-horsepower, 2.0-litre I-4 Duratec, a familiar and well-proven engine from the blue-oval automaker.
The 4-speed automatic transmission it’s mated to is not sophisticated by any means yet fulfills its duties effectively. In some situations, an additional gear (or two) would be much appreciated to help in rev matching.
Nicely thought out
But the point of creating a vehicle like the Ford Transit Connect is to offer outstanding functionality in a clever layout. Earlier this year, at the Chicago Auto Show, the company unveiled various interior configurations, from flower and pastry delivery to jazz mobile. Missing at the time was the five-passenger wagon variant with rear seats and rear side glass.
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| Whether as a cargo van or a touring wagon, the 2010 Ford Transit Connect offers good value in the commercial vehicle market. |
Admit it, though, the Transit Connect is pretty unique. Created by Ford of Europe, this self-defining styling exercise has produced not only a new alternative for small businesses and delivery companies, but also a touring variant, mainly targeting families.
That didn’t stop some of my friends from making fun of me, however. Even my own son wondered why the milkman kept parking his truck in our driveway!
Based on the Focus
The highly-accommodating and decidedly-utilitarian Transit Connect rides on the same platform as the Focus. Built in Turkey, this new Ford product is putting a clear emphasis on versatility to make a lasting impression over here.
From a mechanical standpoint, the Transit Connect benefits from a 136-horsepower, 2.0-litre I-4 Duratec, a familiar and well-proven engine from the blue-oval automaker.
The 4-speed automatic transmission it’s mated to is not sophisticated by any means yet fulfills its duties effectively. In some situations, an additional gear (or two) would be much appreciated to help in rev matching.
Nicely thought out
But the point of creating a vehicle like the Ford Transit Connect is to offer outstanding functionality in a clever layout. Earlier this year, at the Chicago Auto Show, the company unveiled various interior configurations, from flower and pastry delivery to jazz mobile. Missing at the time was the five-passenger wagon variant with rear seats and rear side glass.
 |
| From a mechanical standpoint, the Transit Connect benefits from a 136-horsepower, 2.0-litre I-4 Duratec. |