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The award-winning Ford Transit Connect has been fortified with a new 1.5-litre TDCi engine and better power output. This is coming as the Transit Connect continues to prove successful with businesses, thanks to its smart looks, high level of standard features, great fuel economy and versatile load space. And now with a new 1.5-litre TDCi engine , the Ford Transit Connect is more capable than ever.
“As a winner of International Van of the Year, the Ford Transit Connect is an extremely capable and practical panel van designed to suit the needs of business owners that require a compact vehicle that offers a robust, practical and cost-effective solution for their day-to-day operations,” General Manager, Marketing, Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region, Tracey Delate, said.
“The introduction of the new-generation 1.5 TDCi continues the roll-out of this engine across our model range as a replacement for the outgoing 1.6 TDCi, with commensurate benefits in terms of performance, fuel consumption and running costs,” Delate added.
“This is complimented by a variety of factory-fitted options, thereby allowing customers to adapt the Transit Connect to suit their specific needs.”
Matching improved efficiency with greater performance, the power output of the new turbocharged direct injection 1.5 TDCi diesel engine climbs from 85 to 88kW, while the maximum torque is an impressive 270Nm. Combined with a six-speed manual transmission, it ensures outstanding load-lugging capability matched to budget-friendly improvements in fuel economy and emissions.
Adding to the Transit Connect’s segment-defining versatility, the standard full-width steel bulkhead separating the load compartment from the cabin can now be ordered with a load-through hatch and window coupled with a dual passenger seat, available as a no-cost option, in place of the single bench-type seat.
Available only in long-wheelbase (LWB) configuration, the Transit Connect Van boasts a payload of 1 000kg and a cargo volume of 3.6m3, with six tie-down points provided to safely secure loads. Easy access to the load compartment is via side-hinged rear doors and a kerbside sliding door.
The list of standard features incorporated in the Transit Connect’s Ambiente specification is very comprehensive. On the safety front it comes equipped with ABS and disc brakes all round, along with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which includes Hill Launch Assist, Load Adaptive Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Emergency Brake Warning and Roll-Over Mitigation. A driver’s airbag is standard, with a passenger airbag available as an option.
Driver comfort and convenience is bolstered with the likes of air-conditioning, power steering and electrically operated front windows. There’s also a built-in radio with two speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, AUX input and remote audio controls on the steering wheel.
In addition, the Ambiente Option Pack is available for Transit Connect buyers, providing enhanced convenience and safety. This extends to a useful LED load compartment light, front and rear parking sensors linked to an integrated reversing camera with a full-colour display in the rear-view mirror, as well as Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that advises the driver of a change in tyre inflation pressures.
In the South African market, the Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi LWB Ambiente Van 6-speed manual carries a recommended retail price of R323 900, including VAT and emissions tax.
All Transit Connect models are sold with Ford Protect, which provides a holistic suite of maintenance, warranty and roadside assistance products. This includes a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, four-year/60 000km service plan, three-year unlimited distance Roadside Assistance, and a five-year unlimited km corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.
