Ford Transit review – the best seller stretches its lead

Item: Ford Transit review – the best seller stretches its lead
Author: Glynn Williams

The new Transit bears a heavy load in more ways than one. It's much anticipated but will the new van be good enough to stay on top of the UK sales chart?

Glynn Williams 14 May 2014

Ford_Transit_review — Bold new front end is the first sign of the extent of the changes that Ford has made with the new Transit

Ford Transit L3 H2 ECOnetic FWD

What is it?

Ford has surpassed itself with new Transit. It’s available in a mind-boggling number of models – 450 in total – in panel van, chassis cab and minibus variants, with GVM (gross vehicle mass – the weight of the van plus load) from 2.9 to 4.7-tonnes, as well as front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive, with 100hp, 125hp and 155hp engine outputs. There are two wheelbases, three body lengths and two roof heights, offering a load volume of up to 15.1m³. Van versions have two or three seats and double-cab-in-van versions six or seven seats. All Transits have six-speed manual gearboxes.

We defy any business not to find the right model from this impressive range. We recently drove an ECOnetic 125hp version with front-wheel-drive in L3 H2 form. In common with the rest of the new Transit range, it looks terrific and features the same dramatic styling, albeit with a more aggressive front grille than its smaller stablemates – possibly a concession to the fact that this model is to be sold in America for the first time. The design also features wide body mouldings that not only enhance the styling but keep repair costs down should they be damaged and need replacement. The large raked windscreen and slick headlamps add to the aerodynamic appearance. The new Transit was designed, engineered and tested in the UK at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre.