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Ford reveals new Transit Connect and Courier vans ahead of 2018 launch
Date: Monday, December 4, 2017 | Author: James Dallas
Ford has unveiled its revised Transit Connect and Transit Courier models prior to their launch in mid-2018.
The brand claimed it would refresh its entire LCV line-up within 18 months with the facelifted Transit Custom being the first to arrive at the start of next year.
New to the Connect light van will be a 1.5-litre Ecoblue engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. It will also be available with the 1.0-litre petrol Ecoboost engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Courier will get the same Euro 6.2 powertrains with the six-speed manual ‘box - the five-speed gearbox currently offered will be dropped. The Courier will also be available with Ford’s Sync 3 connectivity technology and both the Connect light van and its little brother have received an external style makeover.
In the UK, both models are the best-selling light commercial vehicles in their respective segments for 2017 year-to-date, with more than 20,000 sales between them – almost one quarter of total Transit nameplate sales.
In line with Ford’s latest design discipline, the Connect now gets a three-bar Transit grille combined with slimmer headlamps – with HID Xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights available on high series models. The new look is enhanced by a lower fascia and front spoiler.
Inside, an upgraded cabin features a revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a floating, tablet-inspired six-inch colour touchscreen on high series models, featuring Ford’s Sync 3 communications and entertainment system.
Service intervals on manual diesels have been extended to two years/25,000 miles from 20,000 miles, which Ford claimed would deliver lower service, maintenance and repair costs than the competition.
Driver assistance features include Intelligent Speed Limiter, the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist.
The Connect continues to be available in short and long wheelbase variants with load volumes up to 3.6m3, payload capacities from 520-890kg, and in van, kombi and double-cab-in-van bodystyles.
The Courier sports a refreshed front-end incorporating a reshaped grille opening and revised design for the lower fascia.
The cabin features a redesigned centre console, including a new, larger six-inch colour touchscreen and Ford said the SYNC 3 offered on higher series models is positioned closer to the driver for improved visibility and ease-of-use compared to previous connectivity systems.
The Courier’s payload ranges from 500-590kg and combines with a load volume of up to 2.4 m3. It comes in van and kombi bodystyles and Ford has added a Limited derivative to provide an alternative to the Sport model at the top of the range.
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