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The Ulcs best selling van took a leap forward this
Page 45
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year and while the Transit's overhaul isn't quite as extensive as that of some of the other candidates, the changes target those areas that bear directly on its efficiency. This policy is reflected in Ford's announcement at the end of August that the Transit will now get ESP stability control as standard.
We were bowled over when we first tried the latest Transit in the spring and while subsequent launches from the other manufacturers have blunted some of its impact, the Transit continues to score in a number of areas.
For starters. its handling is top class, engendering a feeling of confidence seldom matched by its rival. Loadbox functionality is also top class. Our test van was a front-wheel-drive variant, illustrating the sheer breadth of the Transit range which so impressed the jury when its predecessor was elected International Van of the Year in 2002.
On the road and test track the Transit is a willing worker, with the 2.0-litre engine the same as in the Citroen, incidentally) proving flexible at all road speeds.
The gearshift, now dash-mounted as in all the shortlisted contenders, is slick and contributes to decent performance with good gear match from the five-speed unit.
In-cab noise levels are adequate and the level of interior appointment, while basic in our test vehicle with too much cheap pastic, is at least good enough to match the competition. Although significant improvements have been made to the interior storage options, recent tests carried out by our sister magazine Truck & Driver indicate that it falls behind the Mercedes Sprinter in this area.
The Transit is sure to be among the front runners.