Ford Transit (06 on) - Review

There's no shortage of choice when it comes to configuring your Transit and there's probably something to suit most requirements. To begin with there are three different roof heights, and four wheelbase lengths offered. Panel vans are offered with payloads of between 884 and 2178kg or there are ready-made minibus, tipper, drop-side and box van models. Single and double chassis cabs are offered. Depending upon engine choice, front wheel drive is available as an alternative to rear-wheel drive on 2.6 to 3.3 tonne models. Front drive gives a lower floor height and vehicle weight while rear drive gives better traction and balance when carrying heavy loads. Heavy duty models get upgraded from single to double rear wheels for extra load bearing capacity and a heavy duty front axle is optional too.

Ford was one of the first to offer van drivers an airbag on the previous model and a driver's airbag is standard once again. A passenger airbag is optional as are side airbags. The Transit now benefits from the standard fitment of a number of electronic safety features. ABS with brakeforce distribution stops the brakes from skidding even with a light load. ESP stability control helps the driver recover control of the vehicle in slippery conditions or in the event of a sudden manoeuvre. All models are fitted with a Thatcham-approved immobiliser, a lockable bonnet and a steering wheel that becomes inoperative if force is applied to it.

The Transit is competitively priced and Ford offers a range of purchasing options. Maintenance costs are among the most affordable too. Its popularity is such that it will be easy to sell on if there is any life left when you're done with it. The diesels give frugal performance and there's scope to have a petrol model converted to LPG to skip congestion charging. At the time of writing, Ford has 222 sales, and 245 aftersales centres that can deal with the Transit. Additionally around a half of these have 'Backbone Dealer' status with extra services such as extended opening hours and provision of a fast response at short notice.

The three-year/100,000 mile warranty gives a decent level of reassurance (although costlier rival, Mercedes-Benz, does an unlimited mileage three-year warranty). A three-year assistance package will get a breakdown fixed by the roadside, or provide a replacement vehicle. An incident management service keeps your customers or other concerned parties informed, so even if you do suffer a mishap, the impact upon your business will be minimal. Thoughtful touches include a self-recharging key that's waterproof in case you drop it in a puddle, and twin batteries, one for starting the engine and one for powering ancillaries when the engine isn't running. Even if one goes flat, the car will still start.