Ford Transit Connect Family One Concept Goes in New York

Just as we told you in the past, Ford has quite ambitious plans when it comes to its Transit Connect production line, with numerous variants, including hybrid and electric versions, currently in the works. The first in this series is the Transit Connect Family One concept, a special model addressed to "cosmopolitan parents in their mid-30s" that will be displayed at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

Details are fairly scarce at this point, but we do know the van will be powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with SmartGauge and advanced fuel economy. The American automaker says the vehicle is capable of achieving 22 mpg in city and 25 mpg in highway modes. Nevertheless, there's absolutely no information whether the car will come in five- or seven-seater configuration.

"Transit Connect is a versatile vehicle that can be adapted to a wide variety of applications," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "The Family One concept delivers fun with function. This fun, cool space is for parents and small children alike, combining fuel efficiency with advanced technologies that can help keep families connected on the go."

"For children, the conceptual intent of the vehicle is to be as engaging and entertaining when parked as it is on the go," added said Ford Designer Chiwei Lee. "The Family One easily transitions from functional family mobility to ‘base camp' when the coolest mom puts the shift lever into the park position."

The base Transit Connect, which is actually aimed at small business commercial applications, is expected to go on sale in the United States this summer, with prices starting at $21,475.