The all-new and improved Transit By George barrow FORD'S NEW
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2-tonne Transit made its UK debut at the CV Show to an overwhelmingly positive reaction from customers. Due for launch in spring 2014, the all-new Transit will be available in 3to 4.7-tonne GVVV, with van, passenger and chassis cab variations.
Geoff Wright, fleet services manager at Celesio — which operates vans under the Lloyds Pharmacy and AAH Pharmaceuticals brands — said the new Transit range is more complete and better suited to multidrop operations.
"The Transit was trying to be all things to all people, but now it has got a medium [Transit Custom] and a large van, that's the perfect solution. It has squared the van up and reduced the tumblehome [pitch of the roof], which, for a customer like us using tote boxes, is important — it makes it better for me to load," Wright said.
"If you're [doing several drops] you get dam age to the bumper — we replace the Transit bumper because it's too narrow and easily dented — but this one is a better solution. The side protection is a great idea, but you don't want the plastic to deteriorate. Only time will tell on that, but it's good that it has also increased the robustness of the doors," he added.
Ford has also reworked the interior, with increased shoulder room and head clearance to better accommodate three adults. This, Wright said, is also a major plus point for solo drivers and owner-operators, who will benefit from the range of options available.
He added: "A lot of our drivers have to slide across the seats to reach the kerb. Ford has tidied up the floor and the dash area to make that easier. We would use a more standard specification van, but for the multi-use of the vehicle, it needs to have options like Bluetooth and sat-nay."
Power comes from the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine used in the outgoing model to produce 98hp, 123hp, and 152hp power ratings. Mechanically, the new Transit is identical to the current version, which was updated last year to meet Euro-5 emissions regulations.
Wright added: "The main thing has been the improved torque at the wheels. No one wants to buy a new van in case things go wrong, but by putting the new body on the updated chassis, Ford has been very clever."