Vehicle: 2010 Ford Transit Connect XLT Wagon with rear parking sensors
Price as tested: CDN$30049

Interior: Since Ford’s Transit Connect is a different kind of cargo mover, instead of reviewing what are the nuts and bolts of its performance. We begin our review with Transit’s cargo space.

With all the seats fold down, Transit’s completely flat cargo space is able to haul 135 cubin feet of items with ease. The flood is covered with hard plastic for easy cleaning. Its not only it comes with plenty of space, its able to haul 1600 pounds which aplentry for any kinds of small business to even couriers. If you have a bit of extra dough, Ford has accessories available to customize the cargo space in the Transit. Its really a small cargo space that is able to do lots of tasks.

In our XLT Wagon tester, it got an extra 2 row of seats for passengers. They are as comfortable as those on the front with plenty of headroom and enough legroom.

On the front, its a spartan interior as one expects from a cargo mover. While we won’t expect Transit to have the same kinds of soft-touch plastic materials as from any luxury car, its durable and tough enough to haul on its hold. The driving position feels like sit on top of it instead of inside. The velour seats are firm and comfortable, with plenty of back support. Both the stereo and manual climate control are logically placed, while the switches are large enough to operate with glove hands. Speaking of switchgears, all the buttons and knobs inside the Transit have high-quality tactical feel. The whole interior is very well layout and well-made.

Performance: Unlike the Euro-spec Transit, the North American bound Transit is only available with one single engine combination. Its Ford’s tried-and-true 2.0 liter DOHC 4-cylinder 16-valve Duratec unit, mated with 4-speed automatic. With 136hp and 128 lb/ft of torque, its more than capable to move the Transit with authority off-the-line, despite of its 3470 lb of curb weight. The 4-speed automatic has done an excellent job by providing superb low gear ratios for peppy acceleration, when haul with all the goods. The final drive ratio is also engineered with haul all the goods and dirts in mind. Duratec’s engine refinement and smoothness have proven to be good match to Transit’s utilitarian character. Its a pity Ford decided not to bring its sweet diesel powertrain with manual gearbox to our shore.

Handling: Consider Transit’s status as a cargo mover, one would have thought Transit would handle like wet noodle. As with many European Ford, the Transit starts life with a strong and rigid platform which is completely free of groans and rattles. Given Transit has commercial vehicle underpinnings, its handling capabilies are able to hold its own through corners. The steering is the biggest surprise, however. Commercial vehicles used to have numb and dead steering. The Transit, on the other hand, provides crisp and response steering that remain calm and settled. Ride quality is comfortable with a sense of European suppleness. Suspension is comfortably compliant which absorbs bumps and roughness exceptionally well. There are body rolls and understeer but they are nothing compared to those full-size vans. Unfortunately, active safety features like stability and traction control are only standard on our XLT wagon configuration. They are only offer as seperate options in cargo van configurations, as they said, what a pity. Judging by the fact that small business owners and couriers use this cargo mover day in and day out, electronic stabililty control and traction control should be standard across the board. Shame on you, Ford.

Brakes: With front discs, rear drums and standard ABS. Transit’s stopping distance and pedal feel are probably the best out of any commerical vehicles today. The stopping distance is short and commandable. Unlike many of those full-size vans, the brake pedal actually has some lives to it. After a couple of hard stops, the brakes remain fade-free while ABS only steps in necessarily.

Conclusion: Ford is on a bit of a roll lately. It all begins with the introduction of the Flex, Fusion Hybrid, Taurus, Mustang and, lately, Transit Connect. There will be a Fiesta and all-new Focus coming on the horizon. As for the Transit Connect, let’s just say it is on a-class-of-all-its-own.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Ford Transit Connect
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5