Ford Transit Connect

Yesterday I saw one of these out front of my local Ford Dealer.
I expected diesel but it is a 2.0L 4cyl and only with an automatic and 22/25 mpg.
Final assembly in Turkey.
Roughly about $22k but larger and more functional than an HHR-Panel?

http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/

looks like it should say Fedex on the side. If it were available with a 6 cyl, it would make a decent tow vehicle given all the storage for equipment and such. I wouldnt trust a 4 banger to tow much

In Europe they build armored trucks with them. Think of a Brinks truck.

I'd imagine a ECU chip would probably increase the MPG a few ticks.

pretty neat.. how big are they in comparison to something I know?

Size:
My thoughts are...
About the length of an HHR or Gen2 Scion Xb.
Wider than the HHR or Gen 2 Scion Xb.
Shorter in length than a current Chrysler Mini Van but as tall (maybe taller) than the Chysler Mini Van.

Sample photo taken from Ford site:

WHY no diesel?? I can see that being an extremely popular truck for city drivers, delivery/ service work. Any chance they will make one available?

I suspect that rush to market had to do with it not getting a diesel and instead getting saddled with an engine from a Focus. Everywhere else has this in diesel. I bet it is just a matter of time.

Light delivery like a florist should be all over this type of vehicle.

That is a shame they only come in automatic. There was one at the Philly Auto Show this past winter and it was a 5 speed..

If not a diesel, I would like to see a Hybrid version or even an all electric one.

I might be in the market for one in a year or so.. been renting chrysler Minivans for moving my video equipment to parties.. but they keep redisgning them smaller and smaller inside

I saw one at the Ford display at the PVGP. Pretty neat little city delivery van.

PHeller wrote: I'd imagine a ECU chip would probably increase the MPG a few ticks.

Uh, no.

I can assure you that every ounce of real world fuel economy has been taken where possible.

For diesel, don't hold your breath- I'm still not seeing the needed low cost emissions developments. I really wish I'd see them, but it's just not happening.

IMHO (and this IS NOT BASED ON ANYTHING I'VE SEEN), I think a GTDI I4 would be pretty sweet. It would be more than enough power to tow with, probably to the degree that you could lower the final driver for better economy.

Right now, it's mainly being marketed to small business owners, but the reality is that it SCREAMS to be modded for the private market- it would make a sweet mini-camper for a family. Basically, it's a blank canvas for your imagination. It would be a great bike support van. Heck even a motor bike support van.

But, considering what it's intended for, I think people will love it. Well, I'm sure hoping.

Eric

SBO... sounds like me. Seems like it would be perfect for getting into and out of NYC too

Now, if only they had the towing capacity for my pop-up camper, it would be my new cycling vehicle.

This would be perfect for me. I take boxes of electronics to freight forwarders and shipping companies. I took the cap off my B-3000 because I could only use the first two feet of the bed. With all the rain (and LIGHTNING) we have been having in SoFla, it has been a pain. A little truck like that would be perfect.

alfadriver wrote:

PHeller wrote: I'd imagine a ECU chip would probably increase the MPG a few ticks.

Uh, no.

I made that comment thinking it would be a diesel, as most diesel chip and ecu upgrades (Banks, Bullydog) net some gains. This may be changing though as manufacturers try harder to obtain higher MPG.

However, being a gasoline engine, I'd agree that Ford has probably eeked out every MPG it can get.

Yep. US emissions laws have made bringing many Euro diesels here a real PITA...

When I first saw the Transit, I was drooling... then I saw one in person at the auto show in 2008 and was very disappointed... basically, for its intended purpose: delivery van for city use - it's perfect. But for my wishes/needs, it is way too small do to be good for much of anything.

I'm not sure some of you guys realize how small it is. A camper? Sure... providing you're maybe 5'-0" tall... or you remove the front passenger seat... No, there's not much cargo space back there...

PHeller wrote: I made that comment thinking it would be a diesel, as most diesel chip and ecu upgrades (Banks, Bullydog) destroy the longevity of an engine.

fixed it for you

This is not the European Ford you are looking for...