Ford Transit Connect (02 on) - Review

Ford offers a choice of roof heights and wheelbases to ensure customers can select the right model for their needs. The low-roof models offer payloads of 625kg or 825kg and load volume of 2.8 cubic metres, while the larger, high-roof versions offer payloads of 825kg and 900kg and load volume of 3.67 cubic metres. The rear bumper incorporates a step for easier access to the load area. A single side door is standard, although a second sliding side door can be chosen as an option. There are six load lashing points in the floor of the van and the eyes can be removed and placed in any of 10 different holes around the sides of the van. The roof is fitted with six hooks to ensure items can be tied securely.

Remote central locking is standard, as is a driver's airbag. You have to pay extra for ABS, although this is the norm for vans in this class.

With prices starting at just under £10,000 (excluding VAT), the entry-level transit connect is just about competitive with the Citroen Berlingo and undercuts the Volkswagen Caddy by a sizeable sum. The diesel will offer close to 40mpg in everyday driving. Owners of the Transit Connect will find it depreciates more slowly than a Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo or Peugeot Partner.

Ford produced a purpose-built van with the Transit Connect and should prove durable even when worked hard. We have heard of no major problems so far.