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1 N TRANSIT-ION
Page 62
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The Transit has more power and even more
torque. But is all that oomph justified?
With deadlines threatened by everworsening congestion, delivery timetables can depend on a vehicle's performance. So Ford's decision to introduce a 134hp engine, the most powerful yet in a Transit, can be justified on operational grounds.What's more, that power is backed up by a rather tasty 375Nm of torque, under the slogan 'Power is good, but torque is better'.
To get the best out of the new 2.4-litre TDCi unit there's a new six-speed gearbox from Getrag.And to keep any unruly behaviour in check there's also Traction Assist as standard.
The 2.4-litre unit is also available in 114hp Ddi guise (the lower power option lacks common-rail technology); they supersede the 124hp engine. The 134hp engine carries a £1,350 premium over the 2.4-litre 89hp model; the 114hp option costs an extra £600.
As well as extra power drivers can expect extra comfort as the new engines use hydraulic fluid to isolate engine vibration from the vehicle body. The service intervals are set at 15,000 milestone year;under normal driving conditions,no additional oil is needed between services. Out on the road the 134hp unit lived up to expectations with an impressive amount
of torque on tap from low revs. Overtaking was hassle-free, even on German Autobahns where pulling out into the fast lane can be a life-or-death decision.The engine did feel a little less refined when pushed but overall the cabin was a relaxing place to be, with a good driving position and practical ergonomics.
With that extra power you might expect some corruption of the Transit's chassis, but it takes the increase in its stride.
Why no dash-mounted stick? Though there is much trumpeting over the new six-speed box, we found mistakes on gate selection were all too easy to make — that long stick takes away the extra element of feel evident in dash-mounted units.
Ford says it's waiting for the "proper technology" before it moves the shift upstairs but, with a company of this size it's hard to see what's holding it back. While the Transit is not an old vehicle by any means, the new engine does revitalise it — and addresses the previous gap between it and the 154hp Mercedes Sprinter. Where it wins is on torque, with 375Nm versus the Merc's 330Nm, bringing it back to the front. • 1019.1161M
What's new? • 134hp and 115hp 2.4-litre TDCi engines • New six-speed gearbox as standard with the 134hp option
High risk?
• There are few things as solid in the van world as a Transit and with Ford's Backbone dealerships ownership problems really should be minimal. • That extra power may not be needed for all applications
Worth a punt? • If you need to get the goods delivered on time or your routes are through hilly country where extra power is needed then this one could be for you • Competitive pricing makes the power hike easy to justify 'THE VERDICT When it comes to vans eight out of ten people probably said Transit — such is the weight of the name. What you get as a matter of course is a solid, reliable no-frills vehicle: just what most
people want. And what you get with the new 134hp engine is a useful light CV, especially in long-wheelbase guise. With mounting traffic problems and timecritical delivery schedules the new engine is a practical consideration, and with that extremely competitive price tag it should appeal to operators in a hurry.