New Ford Transit ECOnetic gives better mpgTransit ECOnetic test Review: Mark Bursa
Ford Transit ECOnetic SWB 2.2 TDI 115PS low-roof
What is it?
A green, more fuel-efficient version of the Ford Transit, Britain’s top-selling panel van. Ford has tweaked several areas including bodywork, gear ratios and tyres, to bring down CO2 emissions and increase fuel economy.
What’s hot?
Economy increases from 34.9mpg (SWB 280) to 39.2mpg (ECOnetic)…
…while CO2 emissions drop from 213g/km to 189g/km
There’s the same common-rail diesels with offer excellent low rev torque
Slight recalibration of the engine is hardly noticeable
Low gear ratios stay, but a longer sixth gives improved motorway mpg
Aerodynamic wheel covers and low rolling-resistance tyres help mpg
Ford appears to have improved cab noise levels of Mk4 Ford Transit
Class-leading cab and dashboard functionality remains unchanged
New steering means greater manoeuvrability, especially around town
Electronic stability control with hill launch are useful standard features
What’s not?
There’s actually not a lot of difference – except…
…ECOnetic carries a £280 premium over the standard Tranny
5mpg economy improvement should recoup the extra cost fairly quickly
A lot of the ECOnetic performance improvements are down to the driver…
…there’s a ‘change-up’ dash indicator to encourage low rev changes
This is quite intrusive, though it does encourage better fuel economy
It also means there’s no automatic option
And there’s only one body option – SWB, low roof…
…and no second sliding door option (adds weight, cancels fuel savings)
70mph speed limiter is standard – which might upset some users!
Ford still hasn’t fixed the vulnerable roof-mounted loadspace lights…
…these could easily be smashed by a tall load or a snug-fitting pallet
It can meet Euro V emissions – but at the cost of a £750 particulate filter
What you need to Know
P11D Value:
£18,095
Monthly Rental: *
£263 + VAT
What will it be worth: **
£n/a
GVW:
2,840kg
Payload:
1,097kg
Loadspace Volume:
6.5cu m
Basic Loadspace Dimensions:
2582mm (L)x1762mm (W)x1430mm (H)
Engine:
2.2-litre turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions:
189g/km
Power/torque:
115PS@3500rpm/300Nm@1800-200rpm
Economy:
39.2mpg
*Monthly contract hire rental 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. (Powered by Deltapoint)
Business Van Manager Road Test Rating
ECOnetic sounds like a high-tech new powertrain, but really it’s just a series of tweaks on a standard Transit (different oil, tyres, wheel trims). And to make it work, you’ve got to drive the Ford Transit ECOnetic economically – short-shifting and keeping the revs below 2,000. If you don’t, that 5mpg saving evaporates. The options list is limited; only the smallest Transit body is available; and the lack of twin side doors will be a problem for many users. But if you can live with its limitations, its savings are worthwhile.
Option prices: Euro V DPF, £750; Visibility pack – heated screen and heated electric mirrors, £175; Alarm, £175; Load area protection kit – MDF rear trim, full-length rubber mat, £150; Satellite Navigation FX system, £945; Bluetooth, £200; Rear parking sensor, £200; Metallic paint, £350.
Read our road test of the latest Euro V Ford Transit ECOnetic van
Click on the link: Ford Transit ECOnetic – now meets Euro 5.
