Ford has launched an ECOnetic version of its Transit Connect which much be the world’s most economical commercial vehicle. It is rated at an astonishing 70.6mpg (3.5 liters/100 km). Now, as you may know, Ford is currently in hot water for lying about the efficiency of their hybrid cars. Hope they are honest this time!
The ECOnetic Transit is powered by the British-built 1.6-litre 95PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which by returning 70.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 105g/km reduces fuel costs by as much as £1,600 during a four-year ownership period.
If you don’t like diesels and petrol is you poison, Ford also offers a version of the Connect with the award-winning 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine, which delivers 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km. Still a pretty good record for a commercial vehicle.
To achieve this level of fuel efficiency, these Transits are fitted with a comprehensive range of Ford’s latest ultra-low CO2 technologies, including Auto-Start-Stop, Active Grille Shutter and Smart Regenerative Charging. Other fuel saving measures include optimised gearing with a 4.0 per cent longer final drive ratio and the application of a fixed 62mph speed limiter. You can alter the limit, of course.
Do not think that because these vans are so economical they are rubbish at, well, being a van. The Transit Connect offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3 and a maximum payload of up to 1,000kg.
