2013 Ford Transit And Transit Connect Unveiled

Ford has unveiled all-new versions of its full-size Transit and Transit Connect models at the company’s “Go Further” event in Amsterdam.

The models complete the new ‘fourth generation’ Transit range, following the European debuts of the midsized Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom models earlier this year.

Like the Custom, the Transit and Transit Connect benefit from Ford’s Kinetic styling theme, along with improvements in versatility, efficiency and cost-of-ownership over previous models.

And unlike previous generations, the full-size Transit will now be marketed as a standalone model. Styling will be unique and the new Transit's capabilities will pit it directly against the likes of the Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter.

As per Ford’s ‘One Ford’ strategy, the new Transit has been developed for world markets, and will be sold across Europe and the USA, with several other markets to follow.

European customers will have the choice of front, rear, or all-wheel drivetrains - all tied to the latest version of Ford’s 2.2 litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine.

US models will be rear-wheel drive only, with the 3.5 litre EcoBoost petrol V6 to be joined by  further V6 petrol and diesel options.

The US-market Transit will replace the ancient E-Series range of full-size vans and be built alongside the F-150 truck range in Kansas City.

Transit Connect

The new Transit Connect is the second-generation of the Focus-based small van. It will also be targeted at European and US markets.

Designed as Ford’s answer to the Volkswagen Caddy, the Connect will again be available with a choice of two wheelbases.

Also available in Tourneo passenger guise, the Connect will be available with a range of Ford’s latest small diesel engines in Europe, while US models will be petrol-only.

Ford’s press material boasts that the new Connect has the most flexible and functional loadbox in the segment, along with best-in-class fuel economy across all target markets.

“We’ve made this all-new Transit (range) even more useful for commercial customers. It’s all about choice and a myriad of customer solutions. You name it, we’ve got it”, Ford’s European product development boss Barb Samardzich said.

Both Transit and Transit Connect models will reach showrooms in Europe and the USA by the end of 2013.

Australia

Speaking with TMR today, Ford Australia’s Martin Günsberg could not confirm local launch dates for the new Transit range, but confirmed that both mid-size Custom and full-size Transit versions are coming.

He added that Connect and Connect Tourneo models are being considered for local availability, but could not confirm any plans at this stage.