![]() PRICE AS TESTED 48,085 (base price: 41,850) ENGINE TYPE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC. The turning radius will remain phenomenal, though (38.3 feet on the shorter wheelbase model). VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback. However, as Ford looks to be optimizing the engines for economy, we don’t expect to see a 0-60 time below 10 seconds. The current generation of the van drives in a manner much smaller than it is, handling in a car-like fashion that isn’t unpleasant but could use clearly use some more pep. While the manufacturer isn’t sharing specific output numbers right now, we don’t expect the Connect to become a thrilling platform for driving enthusiasts. Basically, it’s just the nine-speed unit GM and Ford designed together with one of the gears removed. Engines are to be paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The 2.5-liter Duratec will also carry over, but only for base fleet applications. You’d think Ford would market the Connect a viable alternative to crossovers.Įngine options now include a 2.0-liter direct-injected inline-four with stop/start technology and a 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel (sourced from the European-market EcoSport and Fiesta) targeted to return an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of at least 30 mpg highway. While we think the Transit van’s smaller sibling probably has a far broader appeal than just the AARP crowd, things like a hip-high slide-in driver seat (with more comfortable foam), plenty of room for the grandkids, and an ultra-low load height do seem like desirable features for aging shoppers. However, Ford appears to be marketing the Transit Connect toward a very specific demographic - baby boomers. Updated for its third generation, Ford is further enhancing the model’s versatility and comfort. Still, if you put a gun to the heads of a lot of car experts and asked them to pick a do-anything small vehicle, the Transit Connect would probably be on their short list. By the second generation, it received new engine options and became decidedly more passenger friendly, but remained light on features and refinement. When Ford launched the Transit Connect in North America in 2009, it was little more than a budget-friendly hauler for small business owners who needed a small van to help with their blossoming flower-delivery service.
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