Photo: Ford Motor Company
Ford Pro is the commercial vehicle division, and it's also one of the most prolific for the American company, with lots of launches and awards under its belt, like the International Van and Pickup of the Year accolades for the all-new Transit Custom and Ranger models.
Naturally, it's always a good idea to keep pushing the envelope for the popular models, so the unit has recently announced the all-new Transit Connect van will be available for the first time with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Ford Pro bets its success on the high productivity of its best-selling Transit family in Europe, and the all-new Transit Connect compact van brings a PHEV option, available AWD, a "revolutionary" flexible seating concept for Kombi variants, new technologies, and even a connected digital cockpit.
The company says these should all boost its "premium appeal," but we fear that it also means Ford will raise prices. Anyway, we will soon find out when the order books open this spring – and the first deliveries are targeted for later this summer. According to the automaker, the productivity side of the equation is handled by load volumes of up to 3.7 cubic meters. At the same time, the Ford Pro platform of software and services combines with the "broadest-ever suite of advanced driver assistance systems."
Following the introduction of the big E-Transit, electric E-Transit Custom and E-Transit Courier, as well as the Ranger PHEV, Ford Pro is completing its electrified lineup with the Transit Connect PHEV. The latter uses a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, six-speed dual-clutch transmission, electric motor, and battery for a combined output of 150 ps (148 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), enabling a maximum payload of 770 kg (1,698 lbs.) and a maximum trailering rating of 1,400 kg or 3,086 pounds.
Additionally, Ford targets an EV range of up to 110 km (68 miles) with recharging capabilities of 50 kW at DC stations and 11 kW at local AC rechargers. The division has a variety of Transit Connect options for commercial drivers and companies – with short and long wheelbases, Van and Kombi models, and the highest ratings for payload and trailers of 820 and 1,500 kg, respectively. That's 1,808 and 3,307 lbs, by the way. The new Transit Connect Kombi has a signature new flexible seating concept enabling the quick switch between a five-seat model and a work van.
Aside from the PHEV option, the commercial vans also have a 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbodiesel engine with the choice of two power levels – 122 ps (120 hp) with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a base 102 ps (101 hp) variant with six-speed manual and FWD only. Inside, the range has standard features like a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and 10-inch central touchscreen (with optional Connected Navigation), wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging on Limited and Active models, and USB-C ports with up to 45W output.
The company says these should all boost its "premium appeal," but we fear that it also means Ford will raise prices. Anyway, we will soon find out when the order books open this spring – and the first deliveries are targeted for later this summer. According to the automaker, the productivity side of the equation is handled by load volumes of up to 3.7 cubic meters. At the same time, the Ford Pro platform of software and services combines with the "broadest-ever suite of advanced driver assistance systems."
Following the introduction of the big E-Transit, electric E-Transit Custom and E-Transit Courier, as well as the Ranger PHEV, Ford Pro is completing its electrified lineup with the Transit Connect PHEV. The latter uses a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, six-speed dual-clutch transmission, electric motor, and battery for a combined output of 150 ps (148 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), enabling a maximum payload of 770 kg (1,698 lbs.) and a maximum trailering rating of 1,400 kg or 3,086 pounds.
Additionally, Ford targets an EV range of up to 110 km (68 miles) with recharging capabilities of 50 kW at DC stations and 11 kW at local AC rechargers. The division has a variety of Transit Connect options for commercial drivers and companies – with short and long wheelbases, Van and Kombi models, and the highest ratings for payload and trailers of 820 and 1,500 kg, respectively. That's 1,808 and 3,307 lbs, by the way. The new Transit Connect Kombi has a signature new flexible seating concept enabling the quick switch between a five-seat model and a work van.
Aside from the PHEV option, the commercial vans also have a 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbodiesel engine with the choice of two power levels – 122 ps (120 hp) with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a base 102 ps (101 hp) variant with six-speed manual and FWD only. Inside, the range has standard features like a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and 10-inch central touchscreen (with optional Connected Navigation), wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging on Limited and Active models, and USB-C ports with up to 45W output.
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