Ford announced launch of a new 7-seat people carrier in form of the new Transit Connect Wagon that they say can break the 30 mpg (highway) record while offering drive of a normal car, payload of a pickup, and utility of a van. Quite a hard trick to pull.
The Connect Wagon comes in two wheelbase lengths, five- and seven-passenger configurations, two engines and XL, XLT and Titanium trim levels. With the rear seats folded flat, the car offers up to 1,200-pound payload and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space. It can also tow up to 2,000 pounds, when properly equipped.
The choice of engines include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost. The latter is the one Ford says will do 30 mpg, a class-leading figure for 7-seat MPVs. Both engines are connected to a convenient six-speed automatic transmission tuned for fuel efficiency.
The Transit Connect also comes with a range of useful options, such as a full-glass panoramic roof, rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch screen display with navigation, and SYNC with MyFord Touch. For the upholstery, you have the choice between luxurious leather, comfortable cloth and heavy-duty vinyl.
As for safety, all Transit Connect Wagon models feature first-row frontal, pelvis and side airbags, with first-, second- and third-row side curtain airbags in long-wheelbase models. Short-wheelbase versions get first- and second-row side curtain airbags.
