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The third generation Transit Connect, we're told, is the 'final piece' of the jigsaw in Ford's mission to electrify its European van range. Strange then, that it can't be had as an EV, offered only in the PHEV guise we look at here.
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Driving experience
Like other current Transit Connects, this one borrows its chassis from Volkswagen - and its Plug-In Hybrid engine too, though Ford has badged it a 1.5-litre 'Ecoboost' unit. It uses a high voltage battery and electric motor to deliver a combined 150PS, with 350Nm of torque through the 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission you have to have. There are various drive modes you'll need to master: 'EV Now', which drives using only the electric motor; 'EV Auto', which balances electric and petrol power to best suit driving conditions; 'EV Later', which drives using only the petrol engine, saving all the battery energy for use later; and 'EV Reserve', which saves a driver-defined level of battery energy for later use.
As with other variants in the range, your car can be specified with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, which provides assisted driving for accelerator, braking and steering functions to reduce stress on highways or in stop and start traffic. Unlike with the combustion model though, there's no all wheel drive option. You wouldn't expect engaging handling from a compact LCV and you don't get it here. But the compact body makes this small van easy to manoeuvre around town, as does the light steering.
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Design and build
Apart from the badgework and an EV charging flap, there are no external give-aways that this is a different kind of Transit Connect. There's a clean, smart look at the front of this third generation design that clues you in to the fact that everything about this model has been bought thoroughly up-to-date. Which was overdue as its predecessor sat on a hand-me-down chassis borrowed from a turn-of-the-century Ford Focus. No such issues with this VW Caddy-derived MK3 Transit Connect, which is very much a compact van of its time. And forms the basis for the Tourneo Connect MPV passenger carrying model which, strangely, was launched in the UK a full two years before this van version (and can also be had with PHEV power). As with the Tourneo, there are short or long wheelbase options. And a Kombi crew van body style that uses its folded rear seat to act as a protective full-height bulkhead.
The cab is a clear generational step forward from its predecessor, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now standard across the range. This combines with a 10-inch centre touchscreen that features wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' and can incorporate Connected Navigation. Ford's also listened to customer feedback and paid attention to the seats. With the optional heated package fitted, they all feature 4-way electric lumbar and adjustable extended leg supports. Creating a structure certified by leading German spinal health group the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rucken e.V) who campaign for healthier backs. The USB-C ports in the cab now offer up to 45W of power - ideal for charging larger equipment like laptops or power tools on-the-go. Avoid base trim and there's a fold flat front passenger seat that can double as an office desk.
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Market and model
We expect prices for this Transit Connect Plug-in Hybrid to start from around £30,000 excluding the VAT and there's a choice of two trim levels - 'Trend' and 'Limited'. You get a choice of two body lengths, L1 and L2 but there's no higher roof height option.
Standard equipment with the base 'Trend' version includes a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display with navigation, voice control and wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. The plusher 'Limited' version gets an enhanced digital instrument cluster with navigation integrated; along with lumbar support for the driver's seat and a fold-flat passenger seat with an integrated work surface. Plus cargo area dual LED lights and gloss black and silver dashboard trimming. A key option is the pack that includes heat for the steering wheel and front seats, as part of which those seats get 4-way lumbar support and a structure approved by back specialists the AGR.
Standard driver assistance systems include Pre-Collision Assist with Auto Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, plus Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist to help prevent or mitigate collisions. Also developed for this model is a Blind Spot Information system with Cross Traffic Alert - and Exit Warning to prevent the doors being opened in the face of oncoming traffic. And there's a 'Pro Trailer Backup Assist' system to help drivers manoeuvre a trailer without jack-knifing.
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Summary
It's difficult for us to understand why more manufacturers haven't adopted Plug-in Hybrid tech for vans - particularly smaller urban-based ones. After all, virtually every London taxi you see these days is a PHEV. And it's a much more flexible and slightly more affordable alternative than a full-EV drivetrain.
Ford had better hope that enviro-minded business operators quickly grasp this logic because otherwise this third generation Transit Connect is going to struggle, without the full-EV variant that most of its rivals offer. The replacement model that will put this right is some way away. But then, so is full van market acceptance of electric power. Here, in this PHEV model, is for the time being arguably a better way forward.
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