Ford’s new two-tonne Transit van has made its UK debut at the CV Show, and the reaction to it by fleet customers has been overwhelmingly positive.
Scheduled for launch in spring 2014, the all-new Transit van weight will range from 3 tonnes to 4.7 tonnes, with van, passenger and chassis cab variations. The Transit dimensions will enable panel van variants at up to 15m3.
Geoff Wright, fleet services manager at Celesio – who operate vans under the Lloyds Pharmacy and AAH Pharmaceuticals brands - says the new Transit range is more complete and better suited to multi-drop operations.
“The Transit was trying to be all things to all people, but now they’ve got a medium [Transit Custom] and a large van that is the perfect solution. They have squared the van up and reduced the tumblehome, which for a customer like us using tote boxes is important – it makes it much better for me to load,” Wright says.
He continues: “If you’re multi-dropping you get damage to the bumper – we replace the Transit bumper because its too narrow and easily dented – but this one is a much better solution. The side protection is a great idea, but you don’t want the plastic to deteriorate. Only time will tell on that, but it’s good that they have also increased the robustness of the doors.”
Ford has also extensively reworked the interior with increased shoulder room and head clearance to better accommodate three adults. This, Wright says, is also a major plus point for solo drivers and owner operators, who will also benefit from the range of options available.
“A lot of our drivers have to slide across the seats to reach the kerb. They’ve tidied up the floor and the dash area to make that easier. We would use a more standard specification van, but for the multi use of the vehicle it needs to have options like Bluetooth and sat-nav.”
Power comes from the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine used in the outgoing model to produce 98hp, 123hp, and 152hp power ratings. Mechanically, the new Transit is identical to the current Transit van which was updated last year to meet Euro-5 emissions regulations.
Wright adds: “The main thing I think has been improved is the torque at the wheels. No one wants to buy a brand new van in case things go wrong, but by putting the new body on the updated chassis, Ford has been very clever.”
