- New two-tonne Ford Transit introduces upgraded 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine offering up to seven per cent fuel efficiency improvement for reduced operating costs, and new 185PS option
- Segment-first EcoBlue Hybrid powertrain uses 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to deliver up to a further eight per cent fuel efficiency improvement
- Transit payload improved by up to 80kg for enhanced productivity. Up to 7,000kg gross train mass enables up to 3,500kg towing capability
- New FordPass Connect on-board modem enhances connectivity on the move and helps businesses to improve vehicle utilisation and optimise running costs
- Driving made easier with available 10-speed auto transmission and standard selectable drive modes. New Limited series offers customers highest-ever specification Transit
- New Transit Custom also benefits from upgraded engine and advanced connectivity features, including EcoBlue Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid technologies
BRENTWOOD, Essex, Sept. 24, 2019 – Ford is introducing its most intelligent, fuel-efficient, capable and productive two-tonne Transit van ever – developed to help businesses thrive in a modern operating environment.
More than 4,600 upgraded components alongside advanced powertrain and driver assistance technologies contribute to a new Ford Transit that can carry more, uses less fuel and is easier to drive and operate.
Enhanced versions of Ford’s sophisticated EcoBlue diesel powertrains help reduce operating costs by delivering up to seven per cent fuel efficiency improvements, with up to a further eight per cent fuel saving offered by Transit’s new EcoBlue Hybrid powertrains – the first 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to be introduced to the segment.
A comprehensive programme of weight savings for the new Transit using aerospace industry computer-aided design (CAD) helps deliver a payload increase of up to 80kg. In addition, advanced connectivity features including new FordPass Connect on-board modem technology help operators maximise vehicle efficiency and utilisation.
Advanced driver assistance technologies help drivers park hands-free, stay within speed limits and avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions in busy urban environments.
“The iconic Ford Transit raises the bar once again to boost productivity for businesses, delivering increased payload, improved fuel efficiency and advanced connectivity that will give companies of all sizes the tools to maximise operational efficiency,” said Michael McDonagh, Transit global chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe. “Ford is also setting the pace in electrification, with segment-first mild-hybrid powertrains ideal for deliveries.”
The new Ford Transit is now on sale across Europe and builds on the success of the outgoing model, which has helped to establish the Transit nameplate as the leader in its segment in both Europe and North America. In 2018 Ford recorded its best-ever commercial vehicle sales year in the UK, registering more than 126,000 vehicles and marking 53 years of market leadership.
Ford has also enhanced the market leading one-tonne Transit Custom van with new EcoBlue diesel, EcoBlue Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid powertrain technologies for optimised fuel efficiency, alongside advanced connectivity and driver assistance technologies.
Enhanced fuel efficiency. More choice
Ford’s powerful, fuel-efficient and refined 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine has been further optimised to deliver fuel savings of up to seven per cent according to Ford data based on a WLTP real-world driving cycle. Equipped with Ford’s six-speed manual gearbox, the new Transit delivers CO2 emissions from 143g/km and fuel efficiency up to 40.9mpg*
Enhanced fuel efficiency is supported by an upgraded fuel injection system that increases peak pressure to 2,200bar for more efficient combustion. To reduce friction within the engine, new steel pistons feature a slimmer skirt design than the out-going cast-aluminium design. A variable-flow oil pump reduces parasitic losses by adapting oil delivery to demand.
Further fuel efficiency improvements are achieved with the introduction of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) technology to the two-tonne Transit for the first time; extensive weight saving; the use of low-rolling-resistance tyres; and aerodynamic enhancements. Fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop technology remains standard across the range.
New EcoGuide technology – introduced to a commercial vehicle for the first time – makes it even easier for drivers to save fuel. The technology uses GPS positioning to indicate when to slow down and change gears based on situations ahead and even out of sight, such as junctions, speed limits and hills.
The new Transit expands the existing range of 105PS, 130PS and 170PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue power ratings with the addition of a new 185PS variant that delivers 415Nm of torque. All ratings benefit from an enhanced turbocharger design that helps to deliver a broader spread of torque across a wider speed range than before.
From spring 2020, in addition to the six-speed automatic gearbox already available on front-wheel drive models, rear-wheel drive Transits will be available with Ford’s efficient and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which can assess individual driving styles to optimise gearshift timings.
Segment-first EcoBlue Hybrid technology
Innovative EcoBlue Hybrid 48-volt mild-hybrid diesel powertrain technology is offered as an option for front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive Transit models, delivering a three per cent average fuel efficiency improvement compared with the equivalent 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel model, based on WLTP analysis. Increased benefits of up to eight per cent can be achieved where driving conditions allow maximum energy regeneration.
Transit EcoBlue Hybrid models have been specifically tuned to maximise fuel efficiency, and feature a belt-driven integrated starter/generator that replaces the standard alternator and enables recovery and storage of energy during vehicle decelerations to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack. The stored energy is used to provide torque assistance to the engine under normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.
Less weight, more payload
The new Ford Transit delivers improved payload for greater productivity through a comprehensive programme to optimise vehicle weight, while still enabling operators to benefit from the latest safety systems and driver assistance technologies.
The weight reductions were achieved using a “marginal gains” approach through which components were optimised for weight, strength and durability using aerospace industry CAD software. The new Transit rear-wheel drive 350GVM, L3 H2 model, for example, is up to 80kg lighter than the comparable out-going model, and the equivalent front-wheel drive van is up to 48kg lighter; net payloads range up to 1,418kg for 3.5tonne models.
The new Transit’s lightweight aluminium bonnet saves 5.4kg compared with a steel equivalent, without sacrificing strength, while major savings of 14.7kg were achieved by redesigning the rear axle for the rear-wheel drive model. A new optional, high-strength, lightweight composite bulkhead saves 4.4kg compared with a steel equivalent.
The new Transit’s steel wheels are also produced using a spinning production technique that achieves greater strength using less metal. This approach delivers a total saving of 5.5kg for Transit across five wheels, including the spare.
“Payload is critical for business productivity. Lighter weight also improves fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, so every part of the Ford Transit team worked to a weight-saving target, while maintaining strength and durability as a priority,” McDonagh said.
Staying connected
As part of the strategy to expand connectivity across its entire commercial vehicle product line-up, Ford is offering FordPass Connect on-board modem technology for the new Transit. The available technology enables fleet operators to optimise running costs through solutions such as the new Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services products launching later this year, and the recently launched new FordPass Pro app – specifically designed to support smaller firms and owner drivers to maximise their productivity.
Further advanced connected technologies include Ford’s available SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system that can be operated using simple, voice commands, or via pinch and swipe gestures on an eight-inch touchscreen.
Aftermarket conversions and accessories can access data from the Transit’s electrical systems via a new Upfitter Interface Module.
Driving business
The Transit’s refined and car-like driving character is enhanced with the introduction of EPAS technology that also helps reduce driver fatigue by adding more assistance while parking and manoeuvring, and enables technologies including Active Park Assist and Lane-Keeping Aid.
For the first time, Transit drivers will be able to choose from Selectable Drive Modes to match driving performance to conditions: all drivetrains feature Normal and Eco Mode. In addition, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models benefit from Slippery Mode to aid traction on surfaces including ice and snow, and all-wheel drive variants feature Mud/Rut Mode. Rear-wheel drive models fitted with an automatic transmission offer Tow/Haul Mode for smooth power delivery when towing large trailers.
Transit’s towing ability is also further improved. Up to 7,000kg gross train mass enables up to 3,500kg towing capability for 170PS and 185 PS 350GVM rear-wheel drive derivatives, featuring a 4.1:1 final drive ratio.
A comprehensive range of available advanced driving assistance technologies have also been introduced to help reduce stress and tiredness, and to help avoid or mitigate the impact of collisions, including:
- Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow system, featuring an extended blind spot zone that covers the vehicle plus a trailer of up to 10 metres in length
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which combines the functionality of Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control to help drivers stay within legal speed limits
- Enhanced Lane-Keeping System
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, now capable of detecting pedestrians at night when they are illuminated by the headlamps
New available features that can help reduce driver stress and prevent collisions when manoeuvring and parking within busy commercial and urban environments, include:
- Front and rear wide-view cameras to help drivers view oncoming traffic when edging out of a narrow parking space, on busy roads or when reversing
- High mounted rear-view camera, positioned to offer better visibility when reversing, in particular with the doors open
- Parking Aid, enhanced with additional side sensors
- Active Park Assist, which helps drivers find suitable spaces and park hands‑free nose-to-tail or side-by-side with other vehicles
- Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers exit parallel parking spaces hands-free
- Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them
In addition, an available powerful, high-mounted LED downlighter allows operators to work behind the Transit in reduced-visibility conditions, while a new Power Side Load Door – available from spring 2020 – provides ease of operation when loading or unloading.
Ford’s available MyKey system allows fleet managers to program the key to limit the driver’s maximum speed and radio volume, and to permanently switch on active safety features.
Instantly recognisable exterior. Practical all-new interior
Bold, uncluttered and designed to be easy to clean, the new Ford Transit exterior features a taller, more assertive three-bar grille and a redesigned lower fascia, with front panels and bumper re-profiled for improved aerodynamics. High-series models feature powerful bi-xenon headlights and new LED daytime running lights with a distinctive Transit family signature.
In keeping with the latest Transit Custom, the new Transit has an all-new interior design, providing enhanced style, practicality and driver comfort. The instrument panel now features further practical touches for drivers who use the cabin as a mobile office, including significantly improved stowage with three open-topped bins on the top of the dashboard. A new device dock on lower series models enables drivers to mount both mobile phones and larger tablets.
Hard-wearing new seat fabrics have been subjected to Ford’s toughest-ever abrasion tests, and comfort is further enhanced by new seat designs featuring revised foam padding and geometry for optimised support.
Transit customers continue to be able to select from a range of more than 450 core variants, including front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive drivelines, with a full range of bodystyles and chassis cabs, including the recently introduced low-height Skeletal chassis.
Customers can also specify a new high-specification Limited series with a body-coloured front bumper and 16-inch alloy wheels, in addition to manual air-conditioning, bi-xenon headlights, and SYNC 3 connectivity with an eight-inch touchscreen.
New Transit Custom – upgraded powertrains and technology
Delivering significant upgrades shared with the larger new Ford Transit, the enhanced new Ford Transit Custom is also now available across Europe.
Improvements designed to deliver more performance and reduced cost of ownership include Ford’s enhanced 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, including the more powerful 185PS variant. Transit Custom also now offers the segment-first EcoBlue Hybrid powertrain option that delivers additional fuel efficiency improvements. Transit Custom delivers CO2 emissions from 141g/km and fuel efficiency up to 40.9mpg.
Alongside new FordPass Connect on-board modem technology, available driver assistance features offered for the first time for Transit Custom owners and operators include:
- Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow system
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Intelligent Speed Limiter
- Lane-Keeping Aid
- Active Park Assist
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection
In addition, at the end of 2019, the Transit Custom range will be expanded by the innovative new Plug-In Hybrid*** model, which delivers the ability to drive on zero-emission electric power in city centres, and to make longer journeys with no range anxiety.