A 4-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox available. While not being overly sophisticated, it functions reliably while assisting the engine to return decent performance along with an estimated fuel economy of 9.5L/100km and 7.9L/100km of city and highway driving respectively.
Behind the wheel
On a much smaller scale, driving the Transit Connect is similar to driving a modern bus that is low to the ground and fronted by a huge windscreen. It’s not necessary to climb up to seat yourself in the Transit, and once there, the vehicle’s broad expanse of front and side glass is sure to please.
Apart from thick ‘A’ pillars, forward visibility is outstanding. My tester did not have windows in the sliding doors, therefore I relied heavily upon the side mirrors for lane changes and general manoeuvring – and herein lies an issue.
I would strongly recommend that Ford consider attaching larger side mirrors to this van. The existing units are okay but not great. Fortunately, my tester was equipped with an audible park-assist to take some of the guesswork out of parking.
I doubt one could find a more car-like cargo van to drive than the Transit Connect. It’s remarkably easy to operate and reasonably quiet and smooth given its hollow-shell construction utilitarian existence. Utilitarian existence - surely this talented van has more potential than that of simple utility?
Untapped recreational potential
The many attributes I’ve mentioned above serve more purpose than to satisfy the needs of the neighbourhood handyman. My 14-year old mountain biker immediately seized upon the Transit Connect’s ability to service his crew of mud-caked freestyle riders.
His conversion simply included the optional rear bench seat and roof-mounted racks for four bikes. The remainder of the cargo area was to be outfitted as a sag wagon replete with bike parts, armour clothing, first aid kit and food – plenty of it.
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| Ford has chosen to power it with their venerable 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Duratec gas engine. |
Behind the wheel
On a much smaller scale, driving the Transit Connect is similar to driving a modern bus that is low to the ground and fronted by a huge windscreen. It’s not necessary to climb up to seat yourself in the Transit, and once there, the vehicle’s broad expanse of front and side glass is sure to please.
Apart from thick ‘A’ pillars, forward visibility is outstanding. My tester did not have windows in the sliding doors, therefore I relied heavily upon the side mirrors for lane changes and general manoeuvring – and herein lies an issue.
I would strongly recommend that Ford consider attaching larger side mirrors to this van. The existing units are okay but not great. Fortunately, my tester was equipped with an audible park-assist to take some of the guesswork out of parking.
I doubt one could find a more car-like cargo van to drive than the Transit Connect. It’s remarkably easy to operate and reasonably quiet and smooth given its hollow-shell construction utilitarian existence. Utilitarian existence - surely this talented van has more potential than that of simple utility?
Untapped recreational potential
The many attributes I’ve mentioned above serve more purpose than to satisfy the needs of the neighbourhood handyman. My 14-year old mountain biker immediately seized upon the Transit Connect’s ability to service his crew of mud-caked freestyle riders.
His conversion simply included the optional rear bench seat and roof-mounted racks for four bikes. The remainder of the cargo area was to be outfitted as a sag wagon replete with bike parts, armour clothing, first aid kit and food – plenty of it.
 |
| The Transit Connect is similar to driving a modern bus that is low to the ground and fronted by a huge windscreen. |