Birthday celebrations
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To mark the Transit's 45th anniversary, Ford is bringing out a new model, the Leader, and some other variants.
Words by Colin Barnett and Steve Hobson Ford is celebrating the 45th birthday of the Transit with a clutch of new models, The Sapphire Special Edition has already been revealed, but the mainstream range has been expanded with the introduction of an entry-level variant, the Leader, and some variants of existing products, including a revised Tipper.
The Leader is available in Transit or Transit Connect versions, The f11,995 Transit version is available only as a 260 SWB 85PS model, with low roof and white paint. It may be entry level but it's no poverty special. Inside, there is fabric trim with multi-adjustable driving seat, electric windows and tinted glass, radio/CD player with remote operation and a gear-shift indicator light. Among the safety and security features are the full ESP package with hill hold, driver's airbag, remote central locking and a full steel bulkhead.
All of these features are also included in the Transit Connect Leader, as well as a trip computer, auxiliary audio input and home safe headlamps, Again, there's just the one model, the 200 SWB 75 PS at £9,995, but with a choice of red, white or blue paint.
The Tipper, from Ford's One Stop Shop programme, is up to 51kg lighter than the previous model and has a 40mm lower floor height. As before, it comes with approval from Germany's TOV certification authority.
Other range changes include an all-whcel-clrive 300 SWB model, standardisation of the six-speed transmission on all rear-drive versions and a new red Sportvan. The Sportvan will become the first CV to feature DAB digital radio as standard. • • See the new Leaders at www.youtubeiroadtransport