2014 Transit Connect uncovered

[103west43rd]

Ford Reveals All-New Global Transit and Transit Connect Commercial Vehicles at 'Go Further' Event

• Ford unveils its new generation of Transit commercial vehicles, developed on all-new global platforms for sale in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets

• Tough, functional and professional, the all-new Ford Transit brings a new level of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market; it replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit in Europe and worldwide markets, and replaces the E-Series in North America

• Stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect delivers outstanding performance across load carrying ability, dependability and fuel economy, for a best-in-class cost of ownership package

Ford Transit Connect Forum – Ford today revealed a new generation of world-class Transit commercial vehicles at its "Go Further" event.

Developed under its "One Ford" global product strategy in Europe, the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models will be sold in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets, with product ranges tailored to the needs of customers in each region.

"These new products will carry more, work harder, last longer, and cost our customers less to operate – just as Ford Transits have done for 47 years," said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The unprecedented launch of two all-new Transit models will extend Ford's leadership in serving commercial vehicle customers around the world."

The introduction of the new generation Transit and Transit Connect models is a major step in Ford's commitment to completely redesign its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe by the end of 2013.

Using the latest global platforms, the two models highlight Ford's new approach to delivering the next generation of class-leading commercial vehicles to meet the needs of customers in all worldwide markets.

The new range builds on almost 50 years of experience in creating market-leading commercial vans and was engineered at Ford's Centre of Excellence for commercial vehicles in Europe; applying global product development resources.

The all-new Ford Transit replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit derivatives in Europe and other worldwide markets, and will eventually replace the popular Ford E-Series range in North America. Tough, functional and professional, new Transit brings new levels of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market.

Offering a comprehensive range of body styles and derivatives, with multiple wheelbases, roof heights and new chassis cowl versions, all-new and more capable Transit is tailored to the needs of key worldwide markets.

For Europe, a full range of Transit bodystyles and derivatives, offering front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, will be powered by the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel.

In North America, customers can choose from several engines, including the proven 3.5-litre EcoBoost or a powerful diesel option; each features rear-wheel drive and at least 25 percent better fuel economy than a comparable E-Series. Multiple roof heights and wheelbases will be available. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City, alongside the Ford F-150.

The stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect will deliver new standards for the sub-one-tonne segment for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability.

Available in a choice of short and long wheelbase versions, the new Transit Connect will offer European and North American customers the most flexible and functional loadbox in the segment, with a host of innovative features to enhance everyday productivity.

Transit Connect features the latest low-CO2 powertrain technologies to deliver best-in-class fuel economy in all of its target markets. In Europe, the engine line-up will include highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines, while the U.S. market will benefit from a tailored range of gasoline powertrains.

The new model has a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, and offers the latest Ford interior technologies and driver assistance features.

The Ford Transit brand has established a legendary reputation for toughness and dependability, and the new global Transit products have been engineered to extend that tradition. Both the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect have been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets.

"Our new global Ford Transit products will be totally fit for purpose," said Samardzich. "These are the strongest, most capable and most efficient commercial vans we have ever built – this is the start of a new chapter in the Transit success story."

In Europe, deliveries of the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are due to start by the end of 2013.

The two new global models join the Transit Custom in Ford's renewed commercial vehicle line-up for Europe. Targeting the one-tonne market, the all-new Transit Custom is now on sale across European markets. It will not be introduced in North America but will be launched in other selected other global markets later.

[azdamay]

So, pretty much like the renderings posted here. It looks like a Ford Escape grafted to a KIA Soul in that photo on auto blog. Not sure what to make of it.

[Willie]

I don't like it nearly as much as the previous style. And I still do not like the "liftgate" regardless of how many people tell me it has been offered before!!

[103west43rd]

Willie, I bet if you took a vote on this forum, most Transit Connect owners would not take a liftgate over our twin doors. I know I would not take the liftgate. What I found interesting about the Ford press release is the mention of more than one gasoline engine option. Although, as azdamay has said in the past, we have made "peace" with the horsepower we have (or lack of it), more horsepower and a few more gears in the auto trans would be welcome. Another item of interest is what was NOT mentioned, no diesel option. I wrote in another post on this forum why we would not get a diesel until model year 2015. I want a diesel and am sorry it looks like we will still wait. As for the style, let's call it what it has become, a MINI-VAN! A good looking mini-van, but still a soccer mom mini-van. It has lost its commercial look which I prefered.

Edited September 7, 2012 by 103west43rd

[Willie]

Willie, I bet if you took a vote on this forum, most Transit Connect owners would not take a liftgate over our twin doors. I know I would not take the liftgate. What I found interesting about the Ford press release is the mention of more than one gasoline engine option. Although, as azdamay has said in the past, we have made "peace" with the horsepower we have (or lack of it), more horsepower and a few more gears in the auto trans would be welcome. Another item of interest is what was NOT mentioned, no diesel option. I wrote in another post on this forum why we would not get a diesel until model year 2015. I want a diesel and am sorry it looks like we will still wait. As for the style, let's call it what it has become, a MINI-VAN! A good looking mini-van, but still a soccer mom mini-van. It has lost its commercial look which I prefered.

Good comments, Westy. I, myself, am not too concerned about lack of acceleration, but I sure would like one more gear to bump up my gas mileage on trips. I'm not sure if I would pay more for a diesel or not. I guess it would depend on the initial price difference. It looks like the big Transit will get a diesel.

As for the styling, like it or hate it, the industrial-almost military looks of our TCs were certainly distinctive. Now it will become just another minivan trying to look sporty. Well, it will be more mainstream, so that might help sales to families. I wouldn't want one.

[Dunno]

Double hinged doors will probably be an option, or maybe the standard fit in North America as they are now. The Mercedes Vito, for example, is offered with either double doors or a lift gate in the back.

I wonder how this might affect the prices of the remaining current-generation Transit Connects when the new one hit the dealer's lots? I might be able to live with a power deficit if it saves me a few bucks.

[103west43rd]

From the UK Transit Connect forum (thanks Lefty64), the 2014 Transit Connect will have a 6 speed auto transmission and choice of two engines, 2.5L iVCT and a 1.6L EcoBoost. Also, the long wheel base we will get has 138inches from the rear to the front dash. Our current Transit connect has about 84inches. No word if a 4x8 will fit between the wheel well's with the rear door closed.

The engines in US specification produce 170hp for the 2.5L and 178hp for the 1.6L.

Edited September 9, 2012 by 103west43rd

[mrtn]

Automatic transmission for Europe, finally! Too bad it's only good for the petrol version, diesel is still manual only.

[103west43rd]

From the UK Transit Connect forum (thanks Lefty64). Here is the URL to the FORD presentation in Amsterdam on September 9th, http://www.gofurtherlive.com/ . The Transit Connect shows up about 45 minutes into the video.