Ford Transit Connect van, photo by Andrei Pana on Unsplash
Ford UK has now revealed the new version of its Transit Connect van. In addition to offering two wheelbase lengths and a clever Kombi model with five seats, the new Transit Connect introduces new engines and advanced technologies to enhance the small van segment. This release also signals the completion of Ford’s electrified commercial vehicle line-up, as every model in the range is now available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or pure electric variations.
With the all-new Ford Transit Connect’s arrival around the corner, let’s delve into whether the new model lives up to the excitement surrounding it.
Key features of the 2024 Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect, a small van positioned between the Transit Custom and Transit Courier, is highly popular among various tradespeople. Drivers love its reliability, impressive interior space, smooth torque, and enjoyable driving experience with easy handling and accurate steering.
The new model aims to preserve the iconic Transit toughness, so let’s explore what has changed and if it changed for the better.
Revamped exterior and interior design
The new Ford Transit Connect van boasts a head-turning exterior design with dynamically sculpted lines, a bold front grille, and a range of eye-catching body colours to choose from.
With the release of the new model, Ford also took the opportunity to give the cabin of its small Transit a much-needed update. The outdated look of the previous generation has been replaced with a fresh design featuring new technology. This is highlighted by a noticeable 10-inch digital instrument cluster, which is standard across the range, and a 10‑inch colour central touchscreen with Connected Navigation.
Connectivity is a priority in Ford vans, and the new Transit Connect reflects that. It includes a built-in navigation system, wireless phone charging, and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This allows users to easily connect their preferred systems. DAB radio and USB connections are also standard. Moreover, you’ll get two 45W USB-C charging sockets, suitable for charging laptops and power tool batteries, mobile phones, and portable power banks.
Options include navigation, heated seats and steering wheel, and supportive seats.
Transit Connect Limited, Trend and Active trims
The new Ford Transit Connect van will be available in three trims: Trend, Limited, and Active. The Trend trim includes the essential specifications and is designed more for fleet use. Reserved only for the panel van, the Ford Transit Connect Limited trim boasts larger wheels, advanced technology features, and a practical work surface integrated into the back of the passenger seat. The Ford Connect Active is exclusively available for the Kombi model and features rugged styling, bespoke wheels, and LED lights to complement its adventurous spirit.
Ford EcoBoost diesel and plug-in petrol hybrid engines
With a 2030 ban on fossil-fueled vehicles fast approaching, Ford is determined to offer an electrified version of its Transit commercial vehicle lineup in every size. The latest addition to this initiative is the new Ford Transit Connect, which will now be available with both a conventional diesel engine and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The latest 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engines deliver the brand’s most powerful outputs yet. Both, the 100 PS and 120 PS versions offer a six-speed manual gearbox, while the latter also comes with a seven-speed automatic. The vehicle’s fuel consumption is also impressive, as the new diesel Transit Connect delivers up to 58.8 mpg.
Alternatively, the Ford Transit Connect PHEV will utilise a 1.5-litre petrol engine, battery, and electric motor to generate 150hp and 330Nm, paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Ford claims the battery is big enough to allow for a targeted electric-only driving range of up to 68 miles of electric range. Drivers can also manually control the use of electric power, which is in line with other plug-in hybrid vans available on the market. In addition, the Transit Connect hybrid van can charge at up to 11kW AC or even with a fast 50kW DC charger. The Ford Transit Connect PHEV is an optimal choice for business drivers who frequently travel through low-emission zones but are not yet ready to switch to a fully electric van.
L1 and L2 panel vans and five-seater Transit Connect Kombi models
The all-new Ford Transit Connect van offers short and long wheelbase options. They are available in both bodystyles – the standard panel van and the five-seat Kombi models.
It’s worth adding that the Kombi model of the Transit Connect has a new interesting feature. The second row of seats behind the driver can be folded, creating a bulkhead between the cabin and the load area. This flexible seating allows you to utilise the available load space according to your needs. You can sacrifice additional seating for more cargo room, and vice versa. This sounds like a perfect solution for those stuck between choosing a panel van and double-cab-in-van. With this new Ford Connect Kombi van, you can have it all.
Cargo space
Ford increased the load volume of the 2024 Transit Connect. The L1 panel van now offers 3.1 cubic meters, while long-wheelbase panel van accommodates 3.7 cubic meters (previously 3.6 cubic meters). Meanwhile, the new Transit Connect Kombi can carry items of up to 2.5 cubic meters in the L1, and up to 3.1 cubic meters in the L2 model. Furthermore, both panel van options are capable of fitting two Euro pallets – regardless of whether you go for a short or long wheelbase.Â
In terms of payload capacity, all diesel Transit Connects can carry up to 820kg. The Connect PHEV loses about 50kg to accommodate the battery weight, bringing its payload down to 770kg. Furthermore, all Connects vans offer a 1,500kg towing weight capacity, except for the plug-in hybrid model, which can tow up to 1,400kg.
The Ford Transit Connect comes equipped with a sliding side load door and symmetrical rear cargo doors as standard. If you prefer, you can opt for a glazed rear door. Moreover, Ford also offers a handy 12v socket in the load compartment for added convenience. This allows you to charge your tools between the jobs.
Safety is paramount in the new Transit Connect van
Safety is a priority across all new Ford Transit Connect models. Features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, evasive steer assistance, pre-collision assist, and intersection assist are included as standard. The higher-spec models add additional safety features like blind spot warning, cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera. Moreover, the vans come with exit warning to help prevent potential incidents with cyclists and other road users when opening doors.
The pre-collision assist detects vehicles and pedestrians around your new van and provides warnings. If you don’t respond, it can automatically apply the brakes. This advanced technology is specifically designed to minimise the impact of accidents or even prevent them entirely. It functions at speeds of up to 80km/h (50 mph).
Additionally, the van’s Traction Control System improves grip by reducing wheelspin, ensuring optimal performance and stability when accelerating on motorways.
FordPro service
Whether you lease just one van or a fleet of up to five, the FordPass Pro app offers a smart solution for your new Transit Connect. Made specifically for business vans, this app includes features like SecuriAlert and Vehicle Health Alerts. It helps you keep your vans on the road, your cargo secure, and your business thriving in a connected world.
Additionally, Ford Pro services provide access to maintenance support. With mobile servicing capability, you can get 70% of maintenance and repairs done at a time and location that works best for you. This helps minimise downtime and keep your business moving.
Pricing for the new Ford Transit Connect van
Ford will manufacture the new Transit Connect at Volkswagen‘s facility in Poznan, Poland. This is not a coincidence. Those observant enough will notice that the new Transit Connect shares many similarities with the current generation of Volkswagen’s small van, the VW Caddy.
The diesel version of the 2024 Ford Transit Connect panel van will hit the UK market in the upcoming summer. However, if you’re interested in the PHEV model, you’ll need to wait a bit longer. The new Transit Connect hybrid will arrive towards the end of the year. Those wanting a five-seater Connect can expect to drive one from early 2025 though.
As of February, there is no information on pricing yet. However, we can expect the Transit Connect to be priced between the brand’s compact van, the Transit Courier, and its medium van, the 2023 Ford Transit Custom range. We’ll update this information as soon as we know more.
