The new Ford Transit Connect, launched later this year, will offer best-in-class fuel efficiency of 70.6mpg, reducing fuel costs by up to £1,600 compared with key class rivals over a typical four-year cycle.
It is a 34% improvement in mpg over the current model.
Emissions for the 1.6-litre 95PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine are 105g/km.
Residual values have also been improved by 4.9% compared to the equivalent outgoing model.
It is the first Ford van to offer customers the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – delivering class-leading petrol fuel economy of 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.
Transit Connect’s reduced fuel bills are supported by further improvements in routine servicing and maintenance costs with extended service intervals of up to 20,000 miles or 12 months.
“Van operators are always looking to economise, and the all-new Transit Connect takes a huge step forward in cutting fuel costs,” said Stephen Lesh, Transit Connect chief program engineer, Ford of Europe.
“With class-leading performance from both diesel and petrol powertrains, we’re confident that the all-new Transit Connect van will be welcomed by small businesses and larger fleets alike.”
Ford’s fuel-saving technologies are widely available across the all-new Transit Connect range, with a special fuel economy package – featuring Auto-Start-Stop, Active Grille Shutter and Smart Regenerative Charging – fitted as standard to 1.0-litre EcoBoost models and available as an option with the 75PS and 95PS variants of the 1.6-litre Duratorq diesel.
All models also feature Ford’s improved-efficiency Electric Power Assisted Steering, plus a gearshift indicator with Ford EcoMode driver information system standard from the Trend series.
Available in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions, Transit Connect offers a load area of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3 (SAE – with full bulkhead fitted) and a maximum payload of up to 1,000kg.
Ford will offer Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi derivatives.
Deliveries of the all-new Transit Connect van are scheduled to start towards the end of 2013.
keith white GK WHITE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD NI - 25/08/2013 23:01
75ps transit connect wont pull you out of bed 95ps might as long as there isn't a load in it why not enter the market with at least 105ps with a115 or 130option and be in front instead of trailing behind before you start I had a lot of interest in a lwb connect until I read the ps figures