Ford reveals turbo-Transit trial results
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• Ford has gone public on its turbo-Transit trials after we revealed that several were being evaluated by operators (CM 11-17 October). The vehicles have been in service for about three months, following Ford's own extensive evaluation.
Ford has no plans for production at present, but it does seem likely that the turbo diesel van will be launched during the coming year.
Although most of the trial vehicles are the 190 3.5 tonne GVW models, the turbo would probably be offered across the whole Transit range as a production option, unlike the "low blow" SVO version available.
CM has been monitoring the progress of two 190 high-roof Transits involved in the trials. The vans have averaged around 29,000km (18,000 miles) in the past three months. These have been joined by another turbo-Transit which has already covered 6,400km (4,000 miles) in the past month.
The two higher mileage vehicles have both developed an intermittent fault. CM understands that this means the engine cuts out without warning, although it will restart afterwards.
Ford has apparently installed diagnostic equipment in one of the turbo Transits to help trace the problem, originally thought to be in the fuel pump system.