Transit to gain weight
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• Ford has announced changes to its commercial range for 1994. A heavier Transit is launched, but other model changes are confined to safety and security features.
The 230 is a four-tonne GVW chassis-cab model, taking the Transit over the 3,5-tonne 0-licence threshold for the first time. Developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) department, the 230 is available with single or double cab, on a regular or extended frame (2.835m or 3.570m wheelbase). The single cab, regular frame variant offers a 2,300kg body/payload capacity.
The new model is aimed at "specialist operators such as waste refuse collectors", and is a clear sign that the marketing agreement between Ford and Iveco has changed. Ford has appointed "Transit Specialist Dealers" to handle the whole range—there should be 150 by the end of this year—but says the Transit will not be sold at more than four tonnes GVW.
The increased weight of the Transit 230 requires twin rear wheels and a rear axle plated at 2,800kg. The front independent suspension has been uprated—to 1,750kg—and equipped with hardened spindles, a beefier power steering pump and bigger brake pistons. A 267mm diameter clutch rrplaces the standard 241mm item— engine options are the turbocharged or naturally-aspi Ford's Flareside designcan it pick up from the P100?
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rated versions of Ford's 2.5-litre DI diesel. Anti-roll bars, a tachograph and a rear underrun guard are standard.
Other changes to Ford's commercial range will include the introduction of a driver's airbag as standard on Escort, Fiesta and Courier vans, and what Ford calls its "Supplementary Restraint System". SRS combines seat belt pre-tensioners with belt grabbers and an anti-submarining seat. A passenger's airbag will be an option on the Escort. Security features include improved locks on all models, an electronic immobiliser for the Escort and unglazed rear doors and bulkhead as a no-cost option for the Transit.
The Courier will be available with power steering in 1994, but the long-awaited airbag option for the Transit has yet to appear.
–"Ford showed its Flareside design exercise at the London Motor Show: a Transit chassis-cab fitted with an aluminium pickup body, plastic wheelarches and side mouldings, the Flareside could hold on to some of the sales of the P100 pickup, which ceased production in May. With a 1.1-tonne payload, the Ingimex-bodied Transit pick-up might prove a practical proposition in less extreme form.