Ford launches updated versions of its Transit Courier and Transit Connect Commercial Vehicles.

• Ford reveals first details of the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier light commercial vehicles that will join the top-selling Ford Transit family from mid-2018 

• New Transit Connect delivers bold design and fuel-efficient engines with all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol featuring cylinder deactivation 

• Compact new Transit Courier offers updated powertrains with standard six-speed transmission, SYNC 3 technology and refreshed front-end appearance 

• Ford is Europe’s No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand; entire product line-up to benefit from renewal during the next 18 months 

Ford today revealed the first details of the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier – part of a Ford product revolution that will see the company’s entire commercial line-up in Europe renewed during the next 18 months. 

Transit Connect and Transit Courier are an important part of the latest four-model Transit family, which has driven Ford to become Europe’s No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand, with sales exceeding 276,000 in October year-to-date, an increase of eight per cent over 2016. In the UK, both Transit Connect and Transit Courier are the best-selling commercial vehicles in their respective segments for 2017 year-to-date, with more than 20,000 sales between them – almost one quarter of total Transit nameplate sales. 

Featuring stylish new designs, more fuel-efficient powertrains* and advanced new driver assistance technologies, the two new Transit models will be available to order in spring 2018 for customer delivery from the middle of the year. 

“Ford’s latest Transit family has taken the European market by storm, and we have no intention of taking our foot off the gas,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “We’ve given our two smaller Transits a complete overhaul that makes them even more affordable to run, more stylish to look at, and ready to tackle every job our customers throw at them.” 

New Ford Transit Connect

New Transit Connect introduces a smart new front-end appearance that adopts the latest Ford design DNA. An imposing three-bar Transit grille combined with slimmer headlamps – with powerful HID Xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights available on high series models, combine with a more aerodynamic lower fascia and front spoiler to deliver the fresh new look. 

Inside the Transit Connect, an upgraded cabin features a revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a floating, tablet-inspired six-inch colour touchscreen on high series models, featuring Ford’s SYNC 3communications and entertainment system. New trim materials provide a stylish and hard-wearing working environment for long working days in the cab. 

A state-of-the-art new powertrain line-up provides enhanced fuel-efficiency, while achieving Euro 6.2 emissions standards. Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine combines the latest fuel injection, turbocharging and emission-control technologies with a low-friction engine design to deliver improved performance alongside reduced fuel-consumption. 

For customers requiring a petrol option, new Transit Connect offers an advanced new version of the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which incorporates significant changes to the cylinder head, fuel injection and emission-control systems to provide further improvements in fuel-efficiency. New technologies also include cylinder deactivation, which enables the engine to run on two cylinders at low loads, to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel-efficiency. 

An upgraded six-speed manual transmission is now fitted to all engines as standard. The 1.5‑litre EcoBlue engine can also be specified with an advanced new eight-speed automatic transmission, which has been engineered to deliver optimised fuel-efficiency alongside responsive performance and smooth, swift gearshifts. 

To minimise overall cost of ownership, service intervals have been extended on both diesel and petrol variants, with manual diesel vehicles now offering best-in-class variable intervals of up to two years/25,000 miles. The longer service intervals contribute to scheduled maintenance and non-scheduled repair costs that are significantly lower than the primary competition, according to Ford analysis. 

The new Transit Connect introduces a comprehensive range of segment-first driver assistance features including Intelligent Speed Limiter – that enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist that helps to steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. 

Like the outgoing model, new Transit Connect offers commercial vehicle operators an outstanding breadth of capabilities, with short and long wheelbase options providing load volumes up to 3.6 m3 (VDA), payload capacity ranging from 520-890 kg, and bodystyles including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van. 

New Ford Transit Courier

The Transit Courier is the smallest member of Ford’s Transit family, and the new model brings a refreshed front-end appearance that incorporates a reshaped grille opening and revised design for the lower fascia. 

The cabin features a redesigned centre console design for enhanced ergonomics, including a new, larger six-inch colour touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system that is available on higher series models, and positioned closer to the driver for improved visibility and ease-of-use. 

Meeting the latest Euro 6.2 emissions standards, the updated powertrain line-up offers customers the choice of fuel-efficient 1.5-litre TDCi diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines. All vehicles feature Ford’s all-new six-speed manual transmission in place of the outgoing model’s five-speed gearbox, offering improved shift quality, refinement and contributing to better real-world fuel-efficiency. 

For the ultimate in low running costs, a new fuel-efficiency package is offered as standard on diesel models, which integrates optimised aerodynamics with an Active Grille Shutter that improves warm-up times and reduces aero-drag. 

New Transit Courier offers urban van operators a payload capacity ranging from 500-590 kg, load volumes up to 2.4 m3(VDA), and a choice of van and kombi bodystyles. The series line-up now also includes a new Limited variant, providing customers with an alternative to the dynamic Sport model at the top of the range. 

Further information about the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier models, including fuel consumption and performance data, will be published closer to the launch of the vehicles in 2018. 

Ford launches the new Tourneo Custom, a new interior and tweaked exterior makes this the best yet.

• Ford reveals new Tourneo Custom people mover with bold exterior styling and completely new premium interior
• Spacious and luxurious cabin features unique-in-segment rear seating with six individual seats that can be arranged in conference format, with six USB ports and 10-speaker audio system
• Largest Tourneo comprehensively re-engineered to provide superior refinement, quality, and technologies including Intelligent Speed Limiter and SYNC 3 connectivity
• Tourneo features Ford EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine, new six-speed SelectShift auto, rear air suspension option; available in exclusive Titanium X and Sport series
• New Tourneo Custom targets executive shuttle, personal use and lifestyle customers; production scheduled to start later in 2017 for deliveries from early 2018

Ford has revealed first details of the new, versatile Tourneo Custom people mover, which delivers first class travel for up to nine occupants in an all-new premium interior. Targeting executive shuttle, personal use and lifestyle customers, new Tourneo Custom is available to order later this year for delivery in early 2018.

Distinguished by its new front-end design with five-bar chrome grille, new Tourneo Custom offers customers a luxurious cabin with unique-in-segment rear seating in the form of six individual seats that can be arranged in conference format, with the second row facing the rear.

The largest Tourneo people mover has been comprehensively re-engineered to provide superior levels of refinement, including high-quality trim materials, improved comfort and noise levels, and the latest Ford passenger car technologies such as Intelligent Speed Limiter and SYNC 3 connectivity.

“With the new Tourneo Custom, every passenger can enjoy the best seat in the house,” said Pete Reyes, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “This versatile people mover has been transformed from top to bottom, with a stylish interior that combines the comfort and quality of a luxury car with outstanding space and practicality.”

The new innovations build on the significant product enhancements introduced to Tourneo Custom in 2016, including the Dagenham-built Ford EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine, a new six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and optional rear air suspension.

Tourneo Custom was first introduced in 2013 and is the flagship of Ford’s family of Tourneo people movers, which also includes the five-seat Tourneo Courier and the Tourneo Connect available in five- and seven-seat variants.

Sophisticated design – inside and out

New Tourneo Custom has a bold new front-end appearance that shares the same design DNA as Ford’s latest passenger cars, with a high-mounted trapezoidal grille and dynamic, slim headlamps that flow neatly into the vehicle’s muscular shoulder line.

A range of advanced headlamp technologies is available, with all vehicles featuring distinctive new signature LED daytime running lights and high series models offering powerful HID (High-intensity discharge) Xenon illumination.

Inside, the Tourneo Custom has an all-new instrument panel based on Ford’s new interior design philosophy – pioneered on the all-new Fiesta – which offers an attractive, user-centric layout that is influenced by consumer interactions with smart devices and tablets.

Based around strong horizontal design elements that emphasise the width of the cabin, the new instrument panel has a distinctly upscale appearance, reinforced by soft-touch surfaces and attractive detailing with chrome and gloss black finishes.

All-new displays and control panels have been designed for enhanced ergonomics and ease of use, and high-series models feature a floating, tablet-inspired 8-inch colour touchscreen that can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures.

Every-day practicality has been significantly improved, with two lidded compartments on the upper instrument panel, and a generous stowage bin with twin cupholders in the centre console, featuring a smart roller cover.

Unique-in-segment rear seating for ultimate flexibility and comfort

To provide customers the ultimate flexibility in configuring and using the rear cabin, the new Tourneo Custom is the only vehicle in its segment to offer six individual seats, with the ability to arrange the two rear rows in conference format for outstanding access and enhanced interaction between passengers, or in two rows of three seats facing forward.

Standard on high series models, the six individual seats can each be folded flat, tumbled, stowed in a multiple locations or removed completely to maximise the luggage area or meet their own special business or lifestyle requirements.

Travelling comfort is further enhanced by new seat designs featuring revised foam padding and geometry for optimised support, plus improved refinement resulting from a significantly upgraded sound reduction package in the rear cabin. Rear seat passengers will also appreciate the more effective air conditioning system offering faster cooling or heating, six USB ports, and the 10-speaker audio system tuned for a rich and balanced sound whatever the rear seating layout.

Throughout the vehicle, the interior trim has been completely revised – from the headliner and seats to the side panels and carpets – with a focus on outstanding craftsmanship and appearance. The selection of more upscale materials, such as thick yarn fabrics and fine grain leathers, and the availability of both light and dark interior environments in stylish, contemporary colours, reinforce the impression of quality and attention to detail within the cabin.

Advanced technology and driver assistance features

Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system will enable Tourneo Custom drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need fuel,” and “I need to park,” drivers can locate nearby cafés, fuel stations or car parks, and find train stations, airports, and hotels. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™.

The new Tourneo Custom also introduces a number of advanced driver assistance features, and is the first vehicle in its segment to offer Intelligent Speed Limiter, which enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, using the Traffic Sign Recognition system to detect speed limit signs.

The new model also offers Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them.

These new features add to the comprehensive suite of technologies already available for Tourneo Custom, including the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Lane Keeping Alert, Side Wind Stabilisation and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Class-leading Ford EcoBlue engines with auto transmission option

New Tourneo Custom features the state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, designed, engineered and built at the Dagenham Engine Plant, with a choice of 105 PS, 130 PS and 170 PS power ratings, delivering significant cost of ownership and performance benefits, with fuel-efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent; CO2 emissions from 162 g/km;* and low-end torque enhanced by 20 per cent.

The latest specification also includes the smooth and responsive six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system that delivers a supple, controlled and level ride across a wide range of load conditions, and a 17-inch alloy wheel option for enhanced handling and braking performance.

Upscale Titanium X and Sport series options for the ultimate Tourneo

New Tourneo Custom will be available with an upscale Titanium X package that includes leather trim, SYNC 3 with satellite navigation and rear view camera, and HID Xenon headlamps as standard.

For customers seeking a more dynamic exterior appearance and a stylish sports interior, the new Sport series is also available. This package combines the 170 PS engine option, a full exterior body kit with twin bonnet stripes and unique 17-inch alloy wheels, alongside partial leather interior trim.

The Tourneo Custom line-up continues to also offer both eight- or nine-seat configurations, with a choice of short wheelbase and long wheelbase versions. The longer model provides additional luggage space behind the third seat row.

Ford presents latest Transit and Transit Custom line-up powered by state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine.

• Ford presents latest Transit and Transit Custom line-up powered by state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine at 2016 IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show
• All-new EcoBlue diesel delivers significant cost of ownership and performance benefits with fuel efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent and low-end torque by 20 per cent
• Show debut for new six-speed automatic in Transit and Transit Custom; Ford reveals enhanced all-wheel drive system and advanced SYNC 3 connectivity for Transit
• Ford strengthens position as the number one selling commercial vehicle brand in Britain, with sales of the Transit Custom up 18 per cent compared with the same period last year

The advanced all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine takes centre stage at the 2016 IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show, delivering improved cost of ownership and performance in Ford’s latest Transit and Transit Custom models.

The Ford EcoBlue engine powers every vehicle displayed on Ford’s Hannover stand, and provides commercial vehicle operators with fuel efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent compared with the outgoing 2.2-litre TDCi engine, with CO₂ emissions from 157g/km,* and delivers significant improvements in low-rpm torque for enhanced driveability. 

Hannover also marks the show debut for the new six-speed automatic transmission variant of the Transit and Transit Custom, and Ford revealed the introduction of an enhanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system and the new SYNC 3 communications system on Transit.

Two years on from completing the renewal of its Transit line-up at Hannover 2014, Ford is firmly established as Europe’s fastest-growing commercial vehicle brand. Over the past 24 months, Ford has seen its market share grow from 10.8 to 12.9 per cent as it rose from fourth in the market to become the No. 1 selling brand.**

The growth in Ford commercial vehicle sales is continuing in 2016, with demand for the expanded four-model Transit family and Ranger pickup increasing and sales of the Transit Custom in the UK up by 18 per cent for August year-to-date compared with last year.

“Ford’s EcoBlue engine is a real diesel game changer, combining reduced cost of ownership with outstanding performance and cleaner emissions,” said Bernhard Mattes, Chairman, Ford of Germany. “As our sales growth shows, Ford already offers the most advanced line-up of commercial vehicles in Europe, and the all-new Ford EcoBlue engine takes it to a new level.”

All-new Ford EcoBlue diesel – cheaper to run, better to drive

The all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel uses a completely new architecture engineered to provide the next-generation of clean, efficient and refined engines for future Ford cars and commercial vehicles.

The 2.0-litre engine has been developed with the latest turbocharging, fuel injection, combustion system, structural design and low-friction technologies to deliver significant improvements in fuel efficiency, performance and operating refinement, while delivering the outstanding durability and low cost-of-ownership demanded for a Transit power unit.

Available now in the latest Transit and Transit Custom models, the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue engine is offered in 105PS, 130PS and 170PS power ratings, each of which offers increased power and torque compared with the outgoing 2.2-litre engine. Improved low-end pulling power – with 20 per cent more torque at 1,250rpm – delivers more flexible and responsive performance in everyday driving.

Lower running costs are supported by significantly improved fuel efficiency. Transit van models equipped with optional Auto-Start-Stop achieve CO₂ emissionsfrom 174g/km and average fuel consumption from 42.8mpg – a 10 per cent reduction over the equivalent outgoing model.

Transit Custom vehicles fitted with optional Auto-Start-Stop deliver CO₂ emissionsfrom 157g/km with average fuel consumption from 46.3mpg – 13 per cent down from the equivalent outgoing model.

Ford anticipates a fuel cost saving of up to £1,250 over 80,000 miles for the operator of a new 105PS Transit Custom van compared with the previous 100PS model.***

Scheduled maintenance costs are also reduced, with the extended variable service intervals of up to two years/36,000 miles offering up to an additional 6,000 miles between services on both Transit and Transit Custom models, intervals that are not exceeded by any competitor.

The Ford EcoBlue diesel engine has been engineered to meet Ford’s rigorous commercial vehicle durability standards, powering Transit vehicles through the equivalent of 3.4 million miles of punishing durability testing, including 250,000 miles of testing at the hands of real-world Transit customers.

Ford’s Hannover stand reflects the huge variety of Transit and Transit Custom models available with the EcoBlue engine to suit all business needs, including a comprehensive offering of specialised body options and conversions ranging from tippers and refrigerated vans to minibuses and emergency vehicles.

Smooth-shifting six-speed automatic – specially engineered for Transits

Transit front-wheel drive and Transit Custom customers who require improved comfort and convenience in urban driving will be able to choose a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission in place of the standard manual gearbox, for delivery in early 2017. The new transmission can be specified in combination with the 130PS and 170PS versions of the Ford EcoBlue engine, and Auto-Start-Stop is standard on all variants.

The transmission has been specially engineered for the Transit applications, including a new torque converter and external casing to optimise refinement, and is based on a highly durable design that has proven itself with powerful front-wheel drive vehicles in North America, with a torque capacity of more than 415Nm.

A unique calibration ensures that the transmission is perfectly matched to the torque delivery of the Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, providing responsive performance together with excellent fuel economy, and CO₂emissions as low as 174g/km on Transit Custom. The transmission can detect when the vehicle is on a road with a steep gradient, or carrying a heavy load, and adjusts the shifting strategy for optimal efficiency.

The electronically-controlled transmission delivers smooth and quick gear changes – with typical shift times of less than 0.5 seconds – and the SelectShift facility provides the option of manual shifting for enhanced control using a switch mounted on the side of the gear lever. The Auto-Start-Stop feature has been carefully tuned to suit the needs of commercial vehicle customers, with an on-demand electric pump to maintain transmission pressure so that the driver can pull away quickly as soon as the engine has re-started.

Transit intelligent AWD – lighter and more capable

Ford’s intelligent AWD system for the Transit model has been re-engineered to deliver improved capabilities in combination with the all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine.

The new fourth generation Transit AWD system features an enhanced driveline design that combines the front differential and AWD coupling into a single, compact unit. This revised design reduces weight by 10kg, and allows the driveline to be packaged more efficiently around the layout of the EcoBlue engine.

Ford engineers have also further optimised the calibration of the Electronic Stability Control and AWD control systems to provide improved traction and stability in all driving conditions.

In combination with the increased low-end torque of the EcoBlue engine, the latest generation system enables drivers to achieve smoother, more confident progress on challenging surfaces, enhancing the already class-leading traction and driving dynamics offered by the system.

The Transit AWD system automatically distributes available engine torque to front and rear wheels using a specially developed electronically-controlled AWD coupling, and can vary the front:rear torque distribution between 0:100 and 50:50. Two modes are provided, with the standard AWD Auto mode suitable for most driving situations, and an AWD Lock mode that enhances traction in more extreme driving situations such as deep sand or deep snow.

Transit AWD models can be specified with the 130PS and 170PS Ford EcoBlue engines, which deliver improved fuel efficiency with CO₂ emissions from 224g/km and average fuel consumption from 32.8mpg – an 11 per cent improvement compared with the outgoing model.

The AWD driveline option is available on a broad range of Transit van and chassis cab bodystyles, and will appeal to customers who frequently face slippery winter road surfaces and light duty off-road situations, such as service vehicles at ski resorts, utility companies in rural areas and maintenance engineers operating in all weather conditions. The new Transit AWD models are available to order at the end of the year for delivery in 2017.

“I need fuel” – SYNC 3 communications system responds to simple voice commands

Ford’s latest Transit, Transit Connect and Ranger models can now be specified with the new SYNC 3 communications system, which allows drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, navigation, and climate functions (where fitted) with more conversational voice commands.

Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need fuel”, “I need a coffee”, or “find an address”, drivers can locate nearby fuel stations, cafés, or the location of their next job. The system then guides the driver to the selected destination via the navigation.

SYNC 3 has a redesigned touchscreen that features larger, easier to operate buttons, and can be used just like a smartphone with pinch-to-zoom and swipe gestures. With a more powerful processor, the system also delivers faster and more responsive performance.

Designed to complement modern smartphones, SYNC 3 provides a powerful set of features for customers who use their vehicles as mobile offices, including phone calls using simple voice commands, audible text messages, and full compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ functions.

Using the integrated AppLink feature, customers can voice or touch control a wide range of popular apps from a connected Android or iOS smartphone, enabling them to access the latest weather forecast, music services or local parking information. AppLink also provides the opportunity for developers to create tailored apps driven by vehicle data, such as logistics or fleet optimisation tools, which could provide valuable benefits for larger business customers.

Unique OEM rear air suspension and new driver assist technologies

Ford’s Transit Custom Kombi M1 and Tourneo Custom models are available to order from November with a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system, for customer delivery in early 2017.

The system was developed specially for the passenger carrying variants of the Transit Custom vehicles, and meets Ford’s full commercial vehicle durability standards. 

The suspension design features an air spring mounted on a trailing arm for each side of the vehicle, with an electronically-controlled air compressor to deliver the required spring rate for the two springs.

Height sensors on the trailing arms detect when the vehicle load changes, such as when passengers enter or leave the vehicle, and the air spring rates are automatically adjusted to suit the new load condition and maintain a level ride height. 

The air springs, including the profiling of their internal core, are custom designed for the vehicle, with extensive tuning by Ford dynamics specialists to achieve the desired ride characteristics.

The air suspension system is ideal for applications like shuttle and executive travel businesses where loading in the rear of the vehicle can vary by as much as 1 tonne depending on the quantity of passengers and luggage. 

The system enables the vehicle to deliver a supple, controlled and level ride across a wide range of load conditions, providing improved passenger comfort and vehicle dynamics.

The new Transit and Transit Custom models with the Ford EcoBlue engine also benefit from advanced new driver assistance and vehicle technologies to enhance confidence and comfort behind the wheel.

These include the Pre-Collision Assist emergency braking system – the first in the segment to feature Pedestrian Detection technology – that reduces the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or helps drivers avoid some impacts altogether.

An upgraded Electronic Stability Control system is fitted to both new models as standard equipment, and provides an enhanced suite of functions to improve vehicle stability in extreme driving situations including Side Wind Stabilisation – a new system that applies the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a sudden side wind gust on the vehicle’s path.

* The declared Fuel/Energy Consumptions, CO₂ emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. 

The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. 

In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel/energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and electric range. CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

** Ford of Europe reports its sales for the 20 European main markets where it is represented through National Sales Companies.  

The Euro 20 markets are: Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland.

*** Based on a fuel cost of approx. £1.10 per litre

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