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AWD delivers the goods in the woods
Page 30
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With the International Van of the Year award tucked under its belt, Ford has wasted no time in expanding its Transit range with an all wheel-road version... Julian Milnes reports.
FordTransits go through some serious realworld testing by some operators. but even the most demanding tradesman won't expect it to tackle off-road surfaces.
However, the company that brought you the International Van of the Year 2007 knows there will be times when the terrain underfoot will be less than smooth —whether it's a soggy building site or more demanding forest conditions.
Some of the Transit's rivals are available as 4x4s. but instead of committing itself to selectable or permanent 4WD, Ford has come up with a novel (and wholly mechanical) way of delivering extra traction.
Based on the single rear-wheel drive Transit Duratorq TDCi 138hp complete with six-speed manual box,thenewAWD features a hydraulic freewheel clutch mechanism and Intelligent variable torque flow' to the front wheels.To put it another way. when the rear wheels start slipping the hydraulically controlled torque sensor in the front transmission locks the multiplate clutch to one or both of the front wheels, transferring torque where it is needed most.
And it's a smooth transfer. Gravel surfaces, where minor wheel speed differences occurred, had the system delivering minimal amounts to the front wheels when required instead of a complete split. Its action was smooth enough to go largely undetected, but it allowed us to hold the line as we skated over a gravel test track.
Then we ventured into more challenging terrain. Aided by the Transit's torque-biased engine we climbed and dropped over mud coated peaks and troughs with surprising ease. Occasionally the system would have the wheels slipping, but grip would immediately follow and we ploughed on without fuss.
OK, it's not a full-blown 4WD, but for a system that doesn't rely on any electronic gizmos and retains the standard Transit driving set-up in normal conditions, AWD certainly impresses. The extra kit doesn't demand any extra attention, so even operators who only need further traction occasionally would benefit from its ability. •