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Transit Sportvan 260 2.2TDCi
Page 35
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Price: L 8,750 Engine: Euro 4 2.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel Power/torque: 12847310Nrn Transmission: Six-speed manual GVW: 2,600kg Payload:901kg Load volume: 5.6m3
The Blue Oval's latest Transit has been a revelation in terms of ability discarding the complacency that blighted the previous version(s), and this newfound talent was awarded with the 2007 International Van Of The Year award.
Tested here in 'Sport Van guise with 128hp on tap, the Ford was easily the best equipped with alloys, cruise control, leathertrimmed seats and air-con. Oh yes, and two racing stripes along its snout.
The new Transit has been marketed as a van built for driving as well as hauling goods, so it had plenty to live up to.
Driveline
This is one area where the Ford really performed. Granted, it did have one of the highest outputs of the group, but what impressed was the way it delivered its power, backed up by torque aplenty from low-down building progressively to the redline.
Several of our drivers also commented on the slick and precise gearshift, though the spacing in the top ratios could be better aligned.
That aside, the overall harmony of this area gave the Ford an above-average standing within the group.
Dynamics
Running 13in sports alloys on a van is never going to aid ride comfort, but the Ford performed well overall, riding with composure and holding the road in an unruffled manner.
Admittedly, it did suffer a little when riding on less even surfaces, although more substantial (standard fit) tyres would address this somewhat.
Elsewhere, the steering, although accurate and incisive, felt a little too quick for some tastes, and this was compounded by the small 'sports' steering wheel. It was good to grip, but felt out of place for a vehicle of this size.
Cabin
There was praise for the level of overall refinement offered by the Transit's cabin, thanks in part to the strong soundproofing which kept exterior noise at low levels — although it dropped a few points thanks to the intrusive front wheelarch, which made cab access and footwell space less than ideal.
Further negatives included the driver's seat, which failed to impress despite the presence of leather trim. It lacked overall support and comfort, and combined with the static steering column, hindered driver comfort.
But despite this, there was an overall respect for the Ford's cabin, particularly the quality of build, as well as level of storage and instrument layout.
The verdict
It's fair to say that our test group enjoyed the Transits performance, finding it an engaging and refined drive.
Ford has done much to improve this area, and the result is plain to see in the scoring charts.
However, it couldn't maintain this standing when it came to the interior; access issues and a less than perfect driving position counted against it, but not enough to knock it out of second spot.