The new Transit Connect Cargo van comes with an optional diesel engine for 2019.
A few weeks after unveiling its 2019 Transit Connect small van, Ford took the wraps off its work version, the Cargo van.
For a company that doesn’t sell a minivan, Ford has had stunning success with its smaller-than-full-size vans. In fact, the Transit Connect cargo van tops the market with a 46% share, ahead of big-time competitors like the Ram ProMaster and Mercedes’ Sprinter line-up.
The company appears ready to keep that top spot too as the new iteration of its cargo van gets a variety of upgrades to its powertrain offerings, including a new diesel, which is the only one in the segment, as well as new safety technologies.
Ford has sold more than 300,000 Transit Connect vehicles since 2009 when Ford introduced in the United States. Of those, 97% are still on the road, which is part of the reason they’re popular with businesses, they need those trucks to be on the road, not in the shop.
(Ford updates Transit Connect min, er, small van. Click Here for the story.)
The new Ford Transit Connect Cargo van offers doors that swing out to provide easier access to rear cargo.
“The original Transit Connect’s compact size resonated with customers searching for a more maneuverable and efficient commercial van,” said Tim Stoehr, Ford general fleet marketing manager. “We’ve enhanced Transit Connect’s available technology and powertrains to keep up with what our customers need. It is a critical tool with smart features to help improve productivity out in the field.”
In addition to their reliability, the new models are likely to remain popular due to the slew of new standard safety technologies Ford is offering. Transit Connect has the most driver-assist technologies in the segment, including Automatic Emergency Braking.
Transit Connect Cargo Van debuts as the only vehicle in its segment to offer the technology as standard across all models, helping to reduce accidents and time in the shop. It also offers:
- Standard Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection to help avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians who might cross in front of the vehicle’s path
- Standard Side Wind Stabilization
- Standard Rearview Camera
- Available Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Available Lane Keeping System helps drivers avoid lane drift to keep the vehicle centered on the road
- Available Adaptive Cruise Control makes highway driving easier by automatically slowing the vehicle when radar detects traffic slowing ahead
Technology is important beyond safety. These vans are often a mobile office, and to be efficient these days, having internet service is a must. Tools like the only standard embedded 4G LTE modem in the segment provides Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, while an available 6.5-inch floating touch screen running SYNC 3 helps drivers keep their eyes on the road as they field customer calls and text messages hands- free or navigate to job sites.
With a 4G LTE modem and plenty of room, the new Transit Connect can be a mobile office.
(Click Here for details about Ford’s new EcoBlue diesel engine.)
Available wireless phone charging is a segment-first feature that keeps compatible mobile devices topped off and ready for service. FordPass helps monitor small fleets, including driver location, fuel level, tire pressure and more. Ford’s MyKey remains standard for Transit Connect XLT enabling owners and fleet administrators to preset warnings and limits for vehicle speed, while restricting the entertainment system’s audio volume.
A standard new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine with Auto Start-Stop is paired to a new 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver responsive around-town performance and low-rpm cruising on the highway. This engine is E85-compatible and comes with a standard heavy-duty battery and available heavy-duty alternator to supply power to even the most demanding of upfit applications.
Transit Connect’s gets a new 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine and is expected to have an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of at least 30 mpg on the highway. The new diesel engine combines the latest in fuel injection, turbocharging and emissions-control technologies as well as Auto Start-Stop for reliable performance along with reduced fuel consumption.
The new EcoBlue engine is also fitted with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Like the new 2.0-liter, the 1.5-liter EcoBlue comes with EcoMode and EcoCoach, which monitor fuel economy and encourage fuel-efficient driving behaviors.
(To see more about Ford’s mobility vision, Click Here.)
Exclusively for fleets, a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with 6-speed automatic and CNG/propane gaseous fuel prep package is also available.