2010 Ford Transit Connect at the dealer

[!!!TED!!! 3]

Driving by a local Ford store this evening, I saw a tall white thing.

Here it is, the Ford Transit Connect at the dealer! It looks mildly retarded, especially when viewed from the side, but look at that milage rating!

I like the color name: Frozen White.

VIDEO:

PICS:

[Intrepidation 882]

It's adorable!

[Satty 338]

That lower grille is a little awkward. And you'd think that since they used leftover Fusion headlights, they'd also use leftover Fusion chrome grilles. But I still like it, I think it'll be a good seller for Ford. It seems perfect for commercial applications.

[Intrepidation 882]

Was this around in Europe before the N/A Fusion debuted?

[!!!TED!!! 3]

That lower grille is a little awkward. And you'd think that since they used leftover Fusion headlights, they'd also use leftover Fusion chrome grilles. But I still like it, I think it'll be a good seller for Ford. It seems perfect for commercial applications.

Could be worse. This is the updated Connect.

It looked like this before:

[FAPTurbo 1,218]

It's a great vehicle for what it is; I'm seeing quite a few base HHR panels so there's an appetite for four-banger commercial vans, and not everyone needs an ungainly Econoline.

Edited July 6, 2009 by Kix

[Satty 338]

Was this around in Europe before the N/A Fusion debuted?

Yes, a couple years I believe.

And couldn't they at least have thrown larger mirrors of to make outward visibility a little easier since there is no glass anywhere behind the front doors?

[!!!TED!!! 3]

Video is up!

Reading the window sticker, it looks like this is #279 of the assembly line, and was built on June 1, 2009 in the Ford Otosan Kocaeli Plant, Turkey.

[smk4565 525]

I like the Transit Connect, I think it could be a big seller to small businesses and utility companies, taxi companies, etc. There aren't any small vans made for utility so it is in a good niche. The one thing I would change is the engine, a 2.0 liter/4-speed isn't enough, and that could cause them to lose a lot of sales to other minivans. They should use the 2.5 liter four and 6-speed auto from the Fusion, it would probably have the same MPGs and accelerate much better.

[Oracle of Delphi 33]

Isn't that thing built in Turkey?

[regfootball 363]

I like the Transit Connect, I think it could be a big seller to small businesses and utility companies, taxi companies, etc. There aren't any small vans made for utility so it is in a good niche. The one thing I would change is the engine, a 2.0 liter/4-speed isn't enough, and that could cause them to lose a lot of sales to other minivans. They should use the 2.5 liter four and 6-speed auto from the Fusion, it would probably have the same MPGs and accelerate much better.

2.5 / 6 speed would be perfect.

the headlights are like some sort of anime look or something.

Ford is shrewd to market this here though. I know my brother in law is keen to possibly get one to replace his F150 as his install / company vehicle.

I think this may also become big someday as like a school transport vehicle. Also possibly as a handicap transport vehicle. Airport / hotel shuttles too.

They should hybrid this thing and make postal vehicles out of em.

Edited July 6, 2009 by regfootball

[pow 106]

They should hybrid this thing and make postal vehicles out of em.

There's an EV version coming next year.

[ocnblu 1,148]

Cool little van, I think it will hit an untapped niche and really do well.

[jlgolden 0]

I am thrilled that the Transit Connect is FINALLY ready for sale here. I have been a fan of this little cutie since the teaser pics circulated years ago.

However, I think that plastic wheel covers (Transit's are not even the secure bolt-on type!!!) are uncool, especially at anything over the $25K price point.

[Cubical-aka-Moltar 2,284]

Looking at this, I think of the 'white van man' subculture in the UK that Top Gear refers to occasionally.

White van man

[§carlet §wordfish 65]

Can you get these witch extra seating? If so I would buy one of these over pretty much any small to midsize crossover.

[Satty 338]

Can you get these witch extra seating? If so I would buy one of these over pretty much any small to midsize crossover.

Linkypoo

Looks like the Van is 2-passenger only while the XL Wagon is 4-passenger and the XLT Wagon is 5-passenger.

[CSpec 515]

I like these European vans that aren't monstrous V8-powered relics from the 80s, but still have plenty of space inside for stuff.

[Z-06 493]

Somehow I mistook this to come with diesel powertrain. Doesn't the Euro version come with one?

Great vehicle.

[Cubical-aka-Moltar 2,284]

Somehow I mistook this to come with diesel powertrain. Doesn't the Euro version come with one?

Great vehicle.

99% of them in Europe are probably diesel. They probably stuck in a gas 4 for the US market, as US buyers seem to avoid diesels.

[Satty 338]

I bet that the diesel could have a pretty good take rate in the U.S. since 99.9% of these are going to go to commercial buyers.

[Z-06 493]

I bet that the diesel could have a pretty good take rate in the U.S. since 99.9% of these are going to go to commercial buyers.

+1. That is why Dodge (nee Mercedes) Sprinter is selling so well. It does not have a feisty engine, but its diesel doing a superb duty.

[ocnblu 1,148]

Torque is what pulls a load, and diesel engines excel at producing it. I'd like to see the diesel find its way here.