|
- German premiere at IAA 2002 - The focal point of the Ford show is the german premiere of the Ford Transit Connect. The compact front-wheel-drive model – available without, with one, or with two sliding side doors – is aimed at the sub-one-tonne van segment and a high-roof long-wheelbase version will be available first.
A short-wheelbase
version with normal roof, which will debut in Autumn 2003, is intended for the
small-van segment and rounds out Ford's diverse van range. Under the name
Tourneo Connect, the van will be offered as both a front- and rear-wheel-drive
kombi with five seats, and it offers lots of practicality for dual-purpose
users, who employ their vehicles in business as well as in private life. In contrast to most competitors, the Transit Connect is not a car-derived van, but is rather built on its own dedicated commercial vehicle architecture, ensuring outstanding quality and vehicle life. So the Connect models meet all demands for robustness and durability that the "big" Transits of the medium commercial segment do. Three equally economical and dynamic 1.8-litre engines are available to power the Connect. The Duratorq TDDi turbodiesel produces power of 55 kW (75 PS), while the Duratorq TDCi engine with common-rail technology develops 66 kW (90 PS). The third engine, the Duratec 16V petrol engine, affords the most power with 85 kW (115 PS). All three engines satisfy Euro-3 emissions standards, and because of longer service intervals (25,000 km for diesel, 20,000 km for petrol) operating costs are lower. Count high space efficiency among the practical benefits of the compact vans, thanks to widened tumblehomes as well as nearly vertical sidewalls. Its flexibility is underlined by an extensive selection of configurations in the areas of the load box, bulkheads, and sliding side doors, the choice between double rear doors or a tailgate as well as innovative details like the standard fold-flat front-passenger seat. Following the successful example of special Transit models, individual-purpose factory-fit models are planned: for example, a refrigerated vehicle called "Cool Line" and the mobile workshop "Service Line".
In its
short-wheelbase configuration the Ford Transit Connect offers a load capacity
of 2.8 cubic metres (3.4 cubic metres with the passenger's seat folded flat)
and can take two europallets on board. The high-roof, long-wheelbase version
offers space of 3.7 cubic metres or 4.4 cubic metres with passenger's seat
folded flat. Depending on configuration and engine, the payload ranges between
550 and 750 kg. The diesel versions can handle loads of up to 825 kg
(long-wheelbase version).
Transit 92 kW (125 PS) TDCi New to the engine range is a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel with second-generation common-rail technology. The engine develops a maximum power of 92 kW (125 PS) and offers a maximum torque of 285 Nm between 1,500 and 2,200 rpm. The engine is available for all front-wheel-drive Ford Transit models. Transit FT430 Jumbo New to the model range is the Transit FT430 Jumbo with a gross vehicle weight of 4.25 tonnes. With rear-wheel-drive, long wheelbase, extended rear overhang, high roof, and up to 2.12 tonnes of payload, this variation is intended for heavy and bulky loads. An over 4-metre load length and a maximum load height of 1,885 millimetres create the Transit FT430's ample volume of 14.25 cubic metres according to SAE, or 12.2 cubic metres according to VDA standards. For adequate powering the Transit Jumbo are two 2.4-litre Duratorq DI turbodiesel versions – producing 66 kW (90 PS) and 92 kW (125 PS). Transit with "Durashift EST" automatic-shift manual
The Durashift EST system can deliver up to 20% better fuel economy than an automatic gearbox with torque converter. It also improves upon conventional manual transmissions by up to 5%. In addition to the "economy" mode, drivers can select specially set-up "traction" and "winter" driving modes. Besides this, there's also the possibility to shift gears manually with selector buttons which are set in the steering wheel. The Durashift EST transmission is currently available for rear-wheel-drive Transit models with the 66 kW (90 PS) 2.4-litre Duratorq DI engine. A broadening of this offering to other engines is planned. Transit with bi-fuel natural gas engine
In practice, this advantage becomes apparent in increased vehicle range. The bi-fuel Transits achieve around 300 km in range from the two 80-litre tanks of natural gas, while the 80-litre petrol tank increases that range by around 750 km – a distinct advantage while driving longer intervals.
|
