2010 Ford Transit Connect Review

Overview

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect is a light-duty, compact yet spacious van-cum-commercial vehicle intended to meet the unique needs of American small-business owners. It serves as a fuel efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles. The North American version takes full advantage of the established strengths of the European Transit/Tourneo Connect product family, but is specially tailored to meet U.S. car buyers expectations and is available in wagon and X-press versions. The 2010 Transit Connect is Ford's first dedicated small commercial van with serious payload strength, load box flexibility, impressive cargo height, six doors, available five-passenger seating, and agile city-smart handling with dual-purpose functionality.

Power and performance

The front-wheel drive (FWD) 2010 Ford Transit is powered by a 2.0L 16-Valve I-4 Duratec Engine rated at 130 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of Torque mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. With a maximum cargo volume of 143.7, it can have a payload of up to 1600 lbs with the second-row seat removed, and delivers 22/25 mpg (city/highway) based on Ford's preliminary data. It also features front independent MacPherson strut suspension with variable-rate springs; front and rear anti-roll bars; and rear multileaf spring suspension.

Body and styling

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect comes with more new functional and design elements than its European counterpart. The revised front bumper and grille are a deviation from Ford-of-Europe's characteristic trapezoidal shape. New headlamps and tail-lamps enhance the fresh appearance. The interior has been reworked to include a new car-like dashboard and improved seating. In addition, special features and options exclusive to the US market are offered, such as the special Tool Link and Crew Chief tracking systems. Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, 180-degree Rear Barn-Door Hinges (optional 270-degree hinges on XLT), second-row dual sliding doors with privacy glass, lock-in-latch shielded door locks, rear lock lamps, manual 6-way adjustable cloth driver seat (fore/aft/up/down/recline, plus lumbar), second-row split-folding/removable seat, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, audio input jack and 2 front power points, front overhead storage shelf, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, collapsible steering column, and Polycarbonate headlamps and tail lamps.

Safety Features

The safety features on the 2010 Ford Transit Connect include Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), front airbags and front-seat side airbags, and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).