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The test team described the Transit as being the "most
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industrial-like", which probably wasn't meant as a compliment. The driving position didn't impress, due to the fixed steering column, which leaves the wheel between the driver's thighs and a seat that has pneumatic lumbar adjustment but little shoulder support. The gearshift didn't hamper passenger comfort, but cramped space at floor level did. And not for the first time, the rigidity of the front doors attracted criticism. Visibility from the driving seat an essential factor of urban driving scored well.
Although it took some criticism, the Transit also received its share of positive comments. Internally, it gained top marks for its heating and noise levels. Steering, both at speed and in low-speed manoeuvring, and laden handling, was impressive, although the sluggish response of the ESP stability control and its higher-speed handling didn't.
Ford's 140PS 2.2-litre engine has plenty of power and, at 350Nm, more torque than any of its rivals, so sixth gear is available at an early stage. The lively unit offered good acceleration as well as impressive economy. But although it came second only to the little Citroen in fuel economy terms, our contract hire figures proved remarkably harsh, at 2424, which is 20% higher than the Dispatch.