LONG-TERM TEST VEHICL
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FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
Price: r14,506 Engine: 1.8-litre, 109hp Payload: 833kg Mileage: 17,069miles Expenses: LOGO Faults: loose mechanism inside driver's seat upright, shattered fog. light Average fuel economy: 392mpg The Ford Connect has almost become part of the furniture at CM, having arrived at our offices in July 2009. Over the past 12 months. the Connect has covered more than 17.000 miles, most of which were hassle-free.
Since our last update, the Connect has been serviced at our local Ford dealership. Dagenham Motors in Banstead. Surrey.The dealer is a specialised van centre and we found it to be friendly and helpful.
We managed to get a slot booked within four days at the opening time of 7:30am, which was most convenient for us, although we would have preferred after-hours servicing if it had been available.
Our vehicle was serviced in adequate time with the team giving it a thorough check, right from the tyre treads through to the wheel alignment and battery condition.
However, there were a couple of items the dealership was unable to rectify: the offside fog lamp. which had been shattered by a stone on the motorway two weeks before, plus the loose mechanism in the seatback. The service manger said the fog lamp would need to be ordered in, and they couldn't find anything wrong with the seat.
In spite of this the Connect soldiered on and we really enjoyed its car-like character, especially driving around the busy south-west London streets. It's ideal for the city as it fits in all underground car parks, and the side sliding doors makes it convenient for loading goods quickly — or if the back doors are blocked by an overzealous parker.
The 109hp 1,8-litre engine continues to he a bone of contention among the test team, with one colleague singing its praises for power while another bemoans its lack of refinement.
There's no question the Connect has the punch, but the way it delivers its power is less than impressive. It lacks linearity and the turbos only begin to awaken at around 1,800rpm, by which time it leaps forward on a wave of torque.
After spending 12 months with the Connect, we can confidently say that it is a top-notch performer in the compact van segment ancl, apart from a couple of niggles, it's still one of our favourite vans.
Ian Tonkin