The third generation Ford Transit Connect reinvents itself in this third generation Volkswagen-inspired form. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

Ford's mainstream compact van, the Transit Connect, has been rejuvenated in third generation form as part of a shared partnership with Volkswagen. Diesels dominate the range and beyond them, instead of an EV, there's a PHEV. There's more space, a smarter cabin and better connectivity.

Background

Welcome to a new kind of Ford Transit Connect. It's the Blue Oval brand's volume compact van and this third generation version sits in the Ford Pro LCV range between two other recently launched models, the smaller Transit Courier and the larger mid-sized Transit Custom. The Transit Connect model line dates back to 2003, when it was launched as one of the market's very first purpose-built small vans; little LCV's had previously been based on cars. By the time the MK2 version arrived in 2013, competitors had caught up, hence the need for a mid-term update in 2018. This third generation model, launched in mid-2024, is, like the larger Transit Custom, now based on a Volkswagen, in this case, the Wolfsburg maker's Caddy. Which in this instance is unfortunate because it means that it can't offer the full-EV drivetrain you'll find with direct rivals. Or with the other Transit line models, the Courier, the Custom and the 2-tonner. Which makes it odd that Ford sees this MK3 Connect design as 'the final piece' of its European Transit model line electrification strategy. Justification for that rhetoric comes with the new availability of Plug-in Hybrid tech with this Connect. Ford has also added in an AWD option, plus more load space and a digitalised cabin.

Driving Experience

What Ford gets out of the 'Project Cyclone' agreement that provides for shared commercial vehicle design with Volkswagen is use of VW engineering for future car models. So it's ironic that this is the one thing this third generation Transit Connect can't offer, a PHEV drivetrain introduced instead. For the time being, that might not matter too much as van operators continue to overwhelmingly want their LCVs with diesel power - which Ford offers here in two forms. The entry-level 102PS EcoBlue version can only be had in front-driven form with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Switch to the 122PS version of this 2.0-litre engine and you'll be offered the option of 7speed dual clutch automatic transmission and (for the first time on a Transit Connect) all-wheel drive. The aforementioned PHEV variant offers a drivetrain borrowed from Volkswagen, which couples a 1.5-litre petrol engine to a high voltage battery and an electric motor. This delivers 150PS and 350Nm of torque via a 6-speed dual clutch auto gearbox and can offer an EV range of up to 68 miles, with up to 330Nm of pulling power in 'Electric' mode. There are three selectable drive settings; 'EV Now', for driving using only the electric motor; 'EV Auto', which balances the EV and petrol motors to best suit driving conditions; and 'EV Later', which on a longer journey allows you to save battery charge for the urban driving later in your trip when you might need it. As for handling across the range, well the previous generation Transit Connect had a class-leading reputation for drive dynamics. Despite the shared parentage of this third generation model, Ford claims there was enough Blue Oval input into the design of this MK3 model to preserve that here. Across the range, a braked trailer capacity of up to 1,500kg is within this Ford's remit and it's worth pointing out that pulling potential of this magnitude is rare in this sector. Many vans of this size after all, don't even break the 1,000kg barrier.

Design and Build

There's a clean, smart look at the front of this third generation Transit Connect that clues you in to the fact that everything about this model has been bought thoroughly up-to-date. Which was overdue as its predecessor sat on a hand-me-down chassis borrowed from a turn-of-the-century Ford Focus. No such issues with this VW Caddy-derived MK3 Transit Connect, which is very much a compact van of its time. And forms the basis for the Tourneo Connect MPV passenger carrying model which, strangely, was launched in the UK a full two years before this van version. As with the Tourneo, there are short or long wheelbase options. And a Kombi crew van body style that uses its folded rear seat to act as a protective full-height bulkhead. The cab is a clear generational step forward from its predecessor, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now standard across the range. This combines with a 10-inch centre touchscreen that features wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' and can incorporate Connected Navigation. Ford's also listened to customer feedback and paid attention to the seats. With the optional heated package fitted, they all feature 4-way electric lumbar and adjustable extended leg supports. Creating a structure certified by leading German spinal health group the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rucken e.V) who campaign for healthier backs. The USB-C ports in the cab now offer up to 45W of power - ideal for charging larger equipment like laptops or power tools on-the-go. Avoid base trim and there's a fold flat front passenger seat that can double as an office desk.

Market and Model

Prices for this third generation Transit Connect start from around £25,000 excluding the VAT and there's a choice of two trim levels - 'Trend' and 'Limited'. You get a choice of two body lengths, L1 and L2 but there's no higher roof height option. For diesel customers, there's a choice of either a base 102PS powertrain with a 6-speed manual gearbox; or a 122PS version of the same engine with 7-speed automatic transmission, which also comes with the option of AWD. You'll need to think in terms of a £30,000 starting budget if you want the petrol PHEV model. Standard equipment with the base 'Trend' version includes a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display with navigation, voice control and wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. The plusher 'Limited' version gets an enhanced digital instrument cluster with navigation integrated; along with lumbar support for the driver's seat and a fold-flat passenger seat with an integrated work surface. Plus cargo area dual LED lights and gloss black and silver dashboard trimming. A key option is the pack that includes heat for the steering wheel and front seats, as part of which those seats get 4-way lumbar support and a structure approved by back specialists the AGR. Standard driver assistance systems include Pre-Collision Assist with Auto Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, plus Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist to help prevent or mitigate collisions. Also developed for this model is a Blind Spot Information system with Cross Traffic Alert - and Exit Warning to prevent the doors being opened in the face of oncoming traffic. And there's a 'Pro Trailer Backup Assist' system to help drivers manoeuvre a trailer without jack-knifing.

Practicalities and Costs

There are clear practicality enhancements with this third generation model thanks to the longer wheelbase made possible by its VW-sourced MQB platform. All versions can take two standard euro pallets. The result of this platform change is more space; a 3.1m3 cargo capacity in the standard short wheelbase L1 model; or 3.7m3 in the L2 version, which can offer 2,150mm of cargo space length. The L2 model gets a longer sliding side door. The maximum payload across the range is up to 792kg. And the maximum towing weight is 1500kg. All right, so it's practical. But how will running costs add up? Well, the base 102PS diesel model records up to 52.1mpg on the combined cycle and 142g/km - it's up to 50.5mpg and 146g/km for the 122PS auto version. As for the petrol Transit Connect PHEV, well we gave you this variant's EV range figure - up to 68 miles - in our 'Driving' section. This should mean that operators should rarely have to visit their local fuel station. That's provided you keep the van regularly fully charged of course. The Transit Connect's Plug-In Hybrid battery can be fast-charged at up to 50kW using public fast chargers - which isn't a particularly fast speed but is fine for a PHEV. You can recharge the vehicle using AC charging up to 11kW, but most owners will be using a more conventional 7.4kW garage wall box. Expect a super-low CO2 return, which will benefit your Benefit-in-Kind taxation status. The Ford Pro commercial vehicle network supports Transit Connect operators with software, servicing and flexible finance plans, including a specific fleet solution for Telematics.

Summary

Ford took its time in introducing its version of the third generation Volkswagen Caddy - this MK3 Transit Connect. But operators may well feel that the finished product was worth the wait. Some companies will be disappointed that the Caddy underpinnings have prevented Ford from equipping this van with the full-EV drivetrain most of its competitors offer. But the truth is that the PHEV package that's now optionally available instead for this model line might at present be a better fit for many UK businesses. Electrification of any kind though, is getting a slow take-up in the van segment and the diesel versions of this Connect that most companies will choose tick all the necessary boxes: and will store plenty of them thanks to the larger cargo bay. Which means that this Connect will continue to be strong seller. When the original version of this Transit Connect was first launched just after the turn of the century, we could never have imagined that one day, a light LCV would be as capable as this. Still an odd job van perhaps, but these days, a very clever one indeed.