Ford Transit Connect van leasing

Size and wheelbase

This is the most fundamental difference, affecting how much you can carry.

• Short Wheelbase (L1):

  • Load volume: Approximately 2.9 m³

  • Load length: Shorter cargo area.

  • Best for: Urban deliveries, tradespeople with smaller tools, and businesses that prioritise easy parking and manoeuvrability in tight city streets.

• Long Wheelbase (L2):

  • Load volume: Approximately 3.6 m³

  • Load length: Significantly longer cargo area (by about 40cm).

  • Best for: Businesses that need to carry longer items like pipes, ladders, or larger quantities of stock, but still want a compact van.

Body style (who and what you carry)

This determines whether you're just moving goods or moving a crew as well.

• • Panel van:

    • Description: The standard van configuration. It has a solid body with a cargo area separated from the driver's cabin by a bulkhead.

    • Best for: The vast majority of businesses that only need to transport goods and tools. It offers secure, locked storage.

• • Crew van:

    • Description: Features a second row of passenger seats behind the driver, typically seating up to 5 people in total. The cargo area is still accessible from the rear and is separated from the passenger cabin.

    • Best for: Trades and services that need to transport a team of people and their equipment to a job site, such as construction crews, electricians, or landscapers.

• • Kombi (passenger van):

    • Description: Primarily designed for carrying people. It has multiple rows of seats and windows along the side. The rear cargo area is minimal.

    • Best for: Airport transfers, shuttle services, or businesses that need to transport groups of people but may occasionally need some flexible luggage space.

This affects the driver's comfort, technology, and the van's appearance.

• Base model (often just called "Panel Van" or "Trend" in older models):

  • Features: Functional and practical. Includes essentials like a DAB radio, electric front windows, and stability control. Focused on value and getting the job done without unnecessary extras.

• Trend:

  • Features: A popular mid-range option that strikes a perfect balance. Adds comfort and convenience features like air conditioning, cruise control, a Quickclear heated windscreen, and body-coloured bumpers, making it ideal for drivers who spend significant time in their van.

• Titanium:

  • Features: The current top-of-the-line trim in the new range. Offers a more car-like experience with features such as sat-nav (SYNC 3 system), rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and enhanced interior materials for superior comfort on long days.

• Limited (previous generation flagship):

  • Features: This was the premium, flagship model for the previous generation. It included top-tier features such as full leather upholstery, distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels, and dual-zone automatic climate control, offering the most refined and car-like experience available in a Transit Connect. In the current range, the Titanium trim embodies this legacy of high specification.

The Ford Transit Connect can be configured to tow up to a maximum of 1,500 kg for a braked trailer. However, this is the absolute maximum, and most common configurations have a lower limit.

The two primary towing limits are:

• 750 kg Braked Towing Capacity: This is a common limit for many standard panel van models, particularly those with smaller engines.

• 1,500 kg Braked Towing Capacity: This is the maximum, typically available on models with the more powerful 1.5L EcoBlue diesel engine and factory-fitted towing preparation.

Key Factors That Determine Your Van's Towing Limit

Engine and Powertrain:

Models with the 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine are most likely to have the higher 1,500 kg towing capacity.

Petrol and smaller diesel variants will typically have a lower limit, often around 750 kg.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):

The van's maximum allowable weight (including itself, cargo, and passengers) influences its towing capacity. A higher GVW rating generally allows for a higher towing limit.

Factory Towing Pack:

To achieve safe and legal towing, especially at the higher limits, the van must be equipped with a factory-approved towing package. This includes not just the physical tow bar, but also the necessary electrical connections and often enhanced cooling systems.

Driving Licence Regulations:

If you passed your car driving test after 1 January 1997, you are generally restricted to towing a braked trailer up to 3,500 kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). The Transit Connect's limits are well within this, but it's an important general rule to remember.

Important Considerations

• Braked vs. Unbraked: The figures above are for braked trailers. The unbraked towing capacity for the Transit Connect is consistently 750 kg across all models.

• Check the VIN Plate: The definitive towing capacity for your specific vehicle is listed on its VIN plate (usually found in the engine bay or on a door sill). This is the legally binding figure you must never exceed.

• Gross Train Weight (GTW): This is the total allowed weight of the fully loaded van PLUS the fully loaded trailer. Exceeding

Transverse Engine:

The engine is mounted sideways (east-west) in the engine bay.

Benefit: This is a very space-efficient design. It allows for a shorter front overhang and maximises the interior cabin and cargo space within the van's compact overall footprint.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):

Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels.

Benefits for a Van like the Transit Connect:

• • • Interior Space: The absence of a large driveshaft and rear differential housing running under the floor allows for a completely flat and low-load floor. This maximises the usable cargo volume in a relatively small vehicle.

    • Fuel Efficiency: FWD systems are generally lighter and have fewer mechanical components than rear-wheel drive (RWD) systems, which contributes to better fuel economy—a crucial factor for business costs.

    • On-Road Handling & Traction: The weight of the engine over the driven wheels provides good traction in most conditions, such as rain and light snow. The handling is typically more car-like and predictable, which is ideal for drivers who spend all day in the van.

    • Cost-Effectiveness: FWD is less complex to manufacture, helping to keep the purchase or lease price competitive.

Comparison with Common Van Drivetrains

• vs. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Larger vans (like the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter) often use RWD. RWD is better suited for constant, very heavy payloads and frequent maximum-weight towing, as it places the load over the driven wheels for better traction. For the Transit Connect's intended payload and use cases, FWD is the superior choice for space and efficiency.

• vs. All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The Ford Transit Connect does not offer an AWD option. Some larger vans and pickups do. AWD provides superior traction in severe off-road or icy conditions but adds significant cost, weight, and complexity, and reduces fuel economy.

What This Means For You:

• Ideal For: The FWD drivetrain makes the Transit Connect perfectly suited for its primary role as an urban and suburban workhorse. It is excellent for:

  • City deliveries and couriers

  • Tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, etc.)

  • General cargo transport on paved roads

  • Businesses prioritising low running costs and easy driving.

• Considerations:

  • Heavy Loads & Steep Inclines: While capable, a FWD van with a very heavy load may experience some wheelspin on steep, slippery driveways or ramps where a RWD van might find more grip.

• • Off-Road/Soft Ground: The Transit Connect is not designed for off-roading. Its FWD system and low ground clearance make it unsuitable for deep mud, sand, or rough, unpaved sites.

In summary, the Ford Transit Connect's front-wheel-drive drivetrain is a deliberate and intelligent choice that prioritises interior space, fuel efficiency, and car-like manoeuvrability, making it an outstanding solution for modern urban business needs.

The payload for the Ford Transit Connect, like most vans, is not a single figure. It varies significantly based on the body style, wheelbase, and Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating.

The payload is the maximum weight you can legally add to the van, including the driver, passengers, tools, and cargo. It is calculated as: Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - Kerb Weight = Payload.

Here is a clear breakdown of the Ford Transit Connect's payload capacities.

Ford Transit Connect Payload Summary

The Ford Transit Connect offers a versatile range of payloads, typically from around 600 kg to over 900 kg, making it highly capable for a small van.

The most common payloads fall into these categories:

• Standard Payload: Approximately 600 kg - 750 kg

• High Payload: Approximately 750 kg - 900 kg+

Key Factors That Affect Payload

Body Style:

• • Panel Van: Offers the highest payload, as it is designed purely for cargo.

  • Crew Van: The addition of a second row of seats and seatbelts increases the kerb weight, which reduces the payload by approximately 50-100 kg compared to an equivalent Panel Van.

  • Kombi (Passenger Van): Has the lowest payload, as its primary design is for people, not cargo.

Wheelbase and Size:

• • A Long Wheelbase (L2) model will have a slightly higher kerb weight than a Short Wheelbase (L1) model due to the extra materials, which can slightly reduce the payload.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):

• • This is the most important factor. The Transit Connect is commonly available in different GVW ratings. A higher GVW allows for a higher payload.

Crucial Advice:

The definitive payload for a specific vehicle is listed on its VIN plate and in the V5C registration document. This is the legally binding figure you must not exceed.

Example for Clarity:

Let's say you are looking at a Ford Transit Connect L1 Panel Van with a GVW of 2,100 kg.

• Its Kerb Weight might be around 1,400 kg.

• Your Payload would be: 2,100 kg - 1,400 kg = 700 kg.

This means you can load 700 kg of combined weight from the driver, any passengers, all tools, and cargo.

When leasing, always specify your payload requirements to your account manager. They will ensure the specific model you order has a certified payload that meets or exceeds your needs.

Leasing is essentially a long-term rental. You pay to use the van for a fixed period, then return it at the end. You never own the vehicle.

Step 1: Choose your van and specify your needs

• Select the right Transit Connect for your business: Panel Van or Crew Van, Short (L1) or Long (L2) Wheelbase, and your preferred trim level (Base, Trend, Limited, or Titanium).

• Consider any customisations you need, such as ply lining, shelving, tow bar, or signwriting.

Step 2: Get a personalised quote

• You specify three key things:

1. 1. Lease term: Typically 2, 3, or 4 years.

   2. Annual mileage: An estimate of how many miles you'll drive each year (e.g., 10,000, 15,000, 20,000). Choose accurately, as excess mileage charges apply.

   3. Initial rental: This is the first payment, often equivalent to 3, 6, or 9 monthly payments. A larger initial rental can lower your subsequent monthly costs.

Step 3: We handle the finance and order

• Once you approve the quote, we complete a quick credit application and handle all the paperwork.

• We then order your brand-new, customised Ford Transit Connect directly from the manufacturer.

Step 4: Await delivery

• We will manage the entire delivery process. Your new van will be delivered directly to your door, free of charge, anywhere in mainland UK.

• It will arrive ready for work, complete with all the customisations you requested.

Step 5: Use the van during your lease

• You use the van for your business throughout the lease term.

• You must maintain it in good condition as per the BVRLA fair wear and tear guide and service it according to the manufacturer's schedule.

• You can add an optional maintenance package to cover all servicing, tyres, and repairs for a fixed monthly cost.

Step 6: Return the van

• At the end of the lease term, we will arrange to collect the van.

• It is inspected for any damage beyond fair wear and tear.

• Assuming the terms have been met, you simply hand back the keys with no further obligations (other than any final charges for excess damage or mileage).

Why lease a Ford Transit Connect?

• Fixed monthly costs: Easier to manage your business cash flow without unexpected repair bills.

• Always drive a modern van: You always have a reliable, under-warranty vehicle with the latest safety and efficiency technology.

• No depreciation worries: The leasing company bears the risk of the van's future value.

• Tax efficiency: For VAT-registered businesses, you can typically reclaim 50% of the VAT on the monthly payments and 100% on the maintenance package, if applicable. It can also be treated as an operating expense.

• Hassle-free: We manage the entire process from order to delivery.

Ready to find your perfect Ford Transit Connect lease?