Leader: all the Transit benefits - at a lower priceFord Transit Leader test Review: Mark Bursa
Ford Transit Leader 260 SWB LR
What is it?
SUB-£12,000 Transit version designed to give small businesses a low-cost entry point to the Ford Transit range. Basic spec is heavy on safety features, but light on luxury – no air-con, for a start.
What’s hot?
Comfortable cab has shaped cloth seats
Dash has familiar Transit cubbyholes, cupholders and document storage
Steel bulkhead is standard feature – so cab noise is low
Build quality is typically excellent – very few rattles and squeaks
Dash-mounted five-speed gearbox is delightful, with short, precise shift
2.2-litre Duratorq engine is lively and smooth; economy good at 34.9mpg
Low-revving engine means 40mph cruising at 1,500rpm
901kg payload and 6.55cu m loadspace – a good fit for most businesses
Steering is light and precise
Good safety spec: anti-skid ESP with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)…
… as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and ABS brakes with EBD
What’s not?
No air-con – so a bit steamy in summer…
…and no sat-nav: Ford had to keep the price down somehow
Only available in white – you’re white van man whether you like it or not!
Mobile holders are so 2006: they’ll take an old Nokia, not an iPhone
15in steel wheels are a bit basic
Only one side-door, on the nearside
What you need to Know
P11D Value:
£11,995
Monthly Rental: *
£n/a
What will it be worth: **
£n/a
GVW:
2840
Payload:
901kg
Loadspace Volume:
6.55cu m
Basic Loadspace Dimensions:
2,582mm Length
Engine:
2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi Diesel
CO2 Emissions:
214g/km
Power/torque:
85PS/250Nm
Economy:
34.9mpg
*Monthly contract hire rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.
** Trade value of van if purchased after three years and 60,000 miles.
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Business Van Manager Road Test Rating
The Transit Leader is part of Ford’s 45th birthday celebrations for the Transit – and boy, has the best-selling van come a long way in that time. Leader is an excellent entry-level model, though the lack of air-con and sat-nav might mean residuals will be lower too. Apart from these items – which some might consider a luxury – it’s an excellent combination of engine, load carrying ability and comfort for the price.
