Alright, petrolheads and cargo enthusiasts, gather ’round because the Ford Transit Connect has just had a makeover that’s more than skin-deep. In the world of light commercial vehicles, this bad boy just got a serious upgrade. Brace yourselves for the Transit Connect’s grand entrance into the era of all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Rumor has it, you’ll have the option to go short or long wheelbase, and it’s even up for grabs in a cozy two-seater or a roomier five-seater configuration.
The folks at Ford are flaunting that this van can handle a whopping 820 kg of cargo and tow up to 1500 kg. That’s like having the muscle of a weightlifting champion and the towing prowess of a seasoned trucker, all in one package.
Step inside this revamped beast, and you’re greeted with a 10-inch digital display and a 10-inch infotainment system that’s more advanced than a spaceship’s control panel. But that’s not all – wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats, and a toasty steering wheel are also on the menu for potential buyers. It’s like Ford’s saying, “We’ve got your back, and we’ll make your drive as comfortable as a spa day.”
Now, let’s talk about what’s under the hood. This Transit Connect is rocking a hybrid powertrain that’s a symphony of a 1.5-liter EcoBoost petrol engine, a battery, an electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The combined power output? A respectable 148 horsepower and a torque of 350 Nm. Not too shabby for a van, eh?
And here’s the eco-friendly twist – this Ford can go up to 110 km on electric power alone. When the battery’s feeling a bit drained, you can juice it up from your regular wall socket or, for the speed demons, hit up a fast-charging station pushing out up to 50 kW.
Ford’s also throwing in three driving modes for the plug-in hybrid – EV Auto, EV Now, and the intriguingly named EV Later. Because who doesn’t love having options?
But wait, there’s more! If you’re not feeling the hybrid vibe, you can opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbo diesel churning out 101 horsepower. And for those who crave all-wheel-drive action, there’s a 120-horsepower turbo diesel option ready to tackle any terrain.
Word on the street is that the Transit Connect will hit the market this spring, while the plug-in hybrid variant is expected to roll out towards the end of the year. Ford’s gearing up to take the commercial van game to a whole new level.