Courier takes Ford to a higher market
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• Ford is entering the UK high-cube van market this week with the launch of the Fiestabased Courier.
As reported earlier this year (CM 6-12 June), the Courier has the Fiesta front end but a new body is fitted aft of the B pillars. Overall it's 310mm longer, 450mm higher and 44mm wider than a Fiesta van.
Wheelbase is increased by 254mm; payload is 550kg for petrol and 540kg for diesel models and Ford claims a best-inclass body volume of 2.8m3 gross.
Power comes from the existing 1.3 petrol or 1.8-litre diesel Fiesta engines. The petrol engine is offered with a catalyst option and produces 44kW
(59hp) at 5,000rpm, with 101Nm (741bft) of torque at 2,500rpm. The diesel engine, shared with the Fiesta and Escort vans, produces 44kW (59hp) at 4,800rpm and 110Nm (811bft) at 2,500rpm.
The Courier is designed to compete with other high-cube vans like the Renault Extra and Fiat Fiorino. The biggest markets for these vehicles are currently in Southern Europe, but Ford hopes to sell about 7,500 in the UK next year.
Driving impressions
A brief drive in a lightly loaded diesel model showed the Courier to be a reasonable performer with crisp handling and light controls. Refinement is good and the Load area well thought out with tie down eyes and Lined body sides. The driver is protected from the load by vertical bars.
Ford has also announced pet
rol engine changes for Fiesta vans. The 1,000cc petrol engine is to be dropped and the 1,100cc model will become the standard petrol engine with the 1,300cc offered as an option.