The new 96kW/385Nm Euro 6 engine raises power and torque while claiming better fuel efficiency
Ford’s Transit van is now armed with a 6-speed automatic transmission for the first time since this model hit the Aussie market over two years ago.
A new 2-litre 96kW/385Nm Euro 6 engine has also raised power and torque while claiming better fuel efficiency and longer intervals between servicing.
The same engine transmission combo in the larger Transit variant gets even more grunt with power up 10 per cent from 114kW to 125kW and torque is up from 385Nm to 405Nm.
Cross wind assist is also now a standard feature on Transit models.
The Euro 6/auto transmission driveline is only available on front wheel drive models. Cab chassis and bus variants still rely on the existing 2.2 litre/6-speed manual driveline combination.
In the mid-sized van segment the likes of Ford and Renault have been left as sales mid-runners due to the lack of a self-shifting transmission, a feature that market leading models from Toyota and Hyundai have had for quite a few years.
Transit models with the new driveline also get Ford’s updated Sync 3 multimedia system. Sync 3 features a 6-inch touch screen and is equipped with apps like Apple Car Play and features Android integration.
Those that tick the City Nav Pack option box also get a larger reverse camera display this is displayed via the touch screen rather than the rear view mirror.
To make the van standout amongst its manual brethren, auto Transits will also get a chrome highlight in the front grille.
Still on the appearance stakes, hubcaps have also been ditched in favour of wheel covers.
Though the practicality of this in a working van that spends a lot of time kerb side remains to be seen.
Importantly, the Transit is also now available with dual sliding doors for easier loading and unloading.
This update suggests that Ford is taking the Transit’s local potential more seriously. Past models have been big sellers here.
Currently, the company’s largest selling vehicle, the Ranger ute has been knocking ‘em dead on the sales charts however sales for the rest of the Ford product range have been flat indeed.
To add to the appeal of the Transit outside of the purely commercial realm a range of 100 different colour options is also now on offer.
The Transit Custom auto range is priced from $39,690 to $44,440 (MLP).
The Euro 6 driveline is also available in the large Transit model, however in just one variant, the 350L which is priced at $51,380 (MLP).