Introduction
When the original
Ford Transit Connect arrived in 2009, it was applauded as an innovative "white space" model and received the 2010 North American Truck of the Year award. That first Transit Connect, based on a model sold for many years in
Ford's global markets, is about to retire, making way for this redesigned 2014 Ford Transit Connect.
Exterior Features
The new 2014 Ford Transit Connect is offered in Van and
Wagon models. This preview pertains to the new Transit Connect Van.
When the 2014 Transit Connect Van goes on sale in the fall of 2013, it will be offered with a standard (104.8-inch) or long (120.6-inch) wheelbase with a standard (173.9-inch) or extended (189.7-inch) length body style. Buyers will choose between XL and XLT trim levels, and 16-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers are standard equipment.
Interior Features
Ford had not finalized equipment specifications for the 2014 Transit Connect as this preview is written, but confirmed that the van is equipped with two front seats and standard MyKey technology. MyKey allows the van's owner to program safety-related vehicle settings and limits.
Cargo volume for the standard-length Transit Connect Van measures an estimated 100 cubic feet. The extended-length model can carry an estimated 130 cubic feet of cargo.
Optional Features
Ford says the new Transit Connect Van will be offered with voice-activated MyFord Touch technology, Ford Work Solutions Crew Chief telematics system, Sync smartphone connectivity with 9-1-1 Assist service, and a reversing camera. Additionally, the van can be upgraded with aluminum wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights that activate when the wipers are on, adaptive cornering fog lights, heated side mirrors, heated washer jets, and an electrically heated windshield. A 3-passenger rear bench seat is also available for the Transit Connect Van.
Under the Hood
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Van is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels. Horsepower and torque figures were not final as this overview is written, but Ford does confirm that this engine can be converted to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane gas (LPG).
The optional engine for the 2014 Transit Connect Van is a direct-injection, turbocharged, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. It, too, is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Final horsepower and torque figures will be available closer to the van's arrival in showrooms, but Ford does estimate that this engine will return 30 mpg or better on the highway.
Ford says the new Transit Connect Van will be able to carry a 1,650-pound payload and tow a 2,000-pound trailer when properly equipped.
Safety
Ford says the new 2014 Transit Connect offers 6 air bags, noting that the side curtain air bags are designed to protect only the driver and front passenger. Additionally, the van is equipped with front disc, rear drum anti-lock brakes and a traction and stability control system that includes trailer sway control.
Standard MyKey technology allows the Transit Connect Van's owner to program maximum speed limits, maximum stereo volume limits, incessant seat belt chimes when passengers are not buckled up, and other safety-related settings.
Optional safety features include rain-sensing wipers with automatic headlights, reversing camera, and Sync smartphone pairing with 9-1-1 Assist. The latter feature works when a paired smartphone is aboard the Transit Connect Van when the air bags deploy. An operator will attempt to contact the van's occupants, and can dispatch rescue personnel to the vehicle's exact location even if no one inside the van can respond.
