With the might of Ford’s ubiquitous UK sales and servicing network behind it, it is no surprise that the Transit Connect is the nation’s favourite light van.

Last year the brand shifted 15,477 Connects, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, ahead of its nearest challenger the Peugeot Partner on 14,605 registrations. It’s a competitive field that also includes the likes of the Citroen Berlingo, Vauxhall Combo, Volkswagen Caddy and Renault Kangoo, but the Connect deserves its position of prominence because it is the sector’s model that most successfully marries performance with practicality.

This is particularly true of the Sport variant that has, alas, now departed the What Van? fleet.

You could even say the Connect Sport has its own tribute act in the shape of MS-RT’s beefed-up Transit Connect. The South Wales-based converter, a member of Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Manufacturer programme, has given the Transit Connect a makeover, including restyled front and rear bumpers, new grilles, front and rear diffusers, side skirts and a spoiler.

It also gets a stainless steel sports exhaust system, 18in OZ Racing alloy wheels with an optional limited-edition bronze finish, a carbon inlay sports steering wheel, and a handmade nappa leather and suede interior.

MS-RT cannot touch the engine, however, for risk of invalidating the warranty, so the Connect’s impressive performance and handling remains the preserve of Ford Motor Company.

The original Ford interior is comfortable, stylish and functional too. Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control improves the ambiance, and part-leather heated seats as well as a leather steering wheel add a touch of luxury. The DAB radio reception is pleasantly consistent, with no dead zones, something that’s still not always a given in new LCVs, and pairing one’s smartphone to enable hands-free calls is a simple procedure. My van also got a wireless charging pad as a £91 (ex-VAT) option.

The cabin is tidily designed and offers plenty of storage facilities for such a compact environment, including overhead stowage, dual cup holders, a lockable glovebox, and sufficient space for medium-sized water bottles in the door bins.