Ford says that its all-new Ford Transit Courier with a starting price of €13.990, will offer van operators best-in-class fuel efficiency and load space when the first models arrive this summer.
Ford claims that it’s first-ever small Transit van (but not frost Courier) delivers unsurpassed fuel consumption. The 95 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine achieves a claimed 3.7 l/100 km (or 76.3 mpg) and 97 g/km CO2 emissions achieving best in class efficiency.
According to Ford, the stylish all-new Transit Courier also offers 10 per cent more load volume than its direct competitors with 2.3 m3 behind the bulkhead, as well as boasting longer load length at floor level, and greater access width through the sliding side doors.
The compact and versatile van also promises a new level of technology and functionality to the segment with class-leading safety features, in-cab stowage space and connectivity, including Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance.
Aimed at the urban delivery market and small businesses requiring a functional and compact van, the all-new Transit Courier will generate new sales for Ford in the fast-growing European small commercial vehicle segment. This adds to the momentum created by the larger products from the completely redesigned and expanded Ford Transit range.
Following the introduction of the all-new Transit, Transit Custom and Transit Connect models starting in late 2012, Ford’s share of commercial vehicle sales has grown to 10.4 percent across Europe in the first three months of 2014 – the company’s highest for the period in 16 years. year-to-date, Ford has sold about 50,000 commercial vehicles, an increase of 10 per cent over the same period last year.
The all-new Transit Courier’s highly-efficient diesel engines contribute to class-leading cost-of-ownership. In addition to the 1.6-litre diesel engine, customers can specify the 75 PS 1.5-litre diesel that Ford says also betters all rivals with a claimed 103 g/km CO2 and 3.9 l/100 km (or 72.3 mpg). Fuel-saving ‘Auto-Start-Stop’ is available as an option throughout the range.
All powertrains offer extended one-year/30,000 km service intervals and the vehicle design has been optimised for ease of serviceability and repair. A multi-piece rear bumper, rugged body-side protection and high-mounted front and rear lights help to reduce the cost of accident damage and lead to lower insurance premiums. and expensive fuelling errors ill be avoided by the unique, standard-fit, ‘Ford Easy Fuel ‘system.
The new Transit Courier has been engineered to deliver exceptional reliability, and prototypes have been tested over the equivalent of 1.6 million km, or two return trips to the moon. The durability testing is designed to simulate years of extreme use, and includes more than 400,000 km in typical customer operating conditions on public roads.
The all-new Transit Courier has a load compartment which offers superior load-carrying features compared to its direct rivals, including longer load length at floor level of 1.62 m, and easier loading of bulky items via wider sliding rear side doors (width 453 mm with bulkhead).
It also offers full-height, full-width steel bulkhead (glazed or unglazed), fully compliant with the internationally-recognised standards for load restraints DIN and ISO.
There’s also an optional folding mesh bulkhead (DIN- and ISO-compliant) and fold-dive passenger seat for longer items up to 2.59 m, and maximum load volume of 2.6 m3 (SAE)
There’re six cargo tie-down points (DIN- and ISO-compliant), including four rear side-mounted points to avoid obstruction of the floor area. And multiple pre-installed bodyside fixing points to mount racking or framework.
With a maximum payload capacity of 660 kilogrammes, the Transit Courier can accommodate a wide variety of cargo and equipment, including a standard Euro pallet. For optimum access to the load compartment, twin asymmetric rear cargo doors with an opening angle of up to 158 degrees are standard; single or dual sliding side load doors can be specified.
The cabin offers an ideal mobile-office environment, with a class-leading range of stowage features including a large centre console capable of storing A4 documents and small laptops. And also there’s a full-width overhead stowage shelf; and a drawer under the front passenger seat. Drivers can use their unique new ‘MyFord Dock’ to store, mount and charge their mobile devices such as phones and navigation systems; other smart interior features include rear view camera.
The Transit Courier introduces new safety features to the segment, and the ‘Commercial Kombi’ offers side curtain airbags, knee airbags and second-row seat beltminders as part of a comprehensive restraint system that also includes driver, passenger and side thorax airbags.
The new vehicle’s chassis has been tuned with a unique steering ratio and innovative dual-rate rear springs that help to deliver class-leading driving dynamics under all load conditions. The springs enable the vehicle to offer a smooth and refined ride even when unladen, while maintaining the agile handling and manoeuvrability of a compact vehicle in busy city streets.
The Transit Courier here will be available in the following series: the ‘Base’ 1.5 litre Duratorq diesel 75PS from €13.990; The ‘Trend’ 1.5 Duratorq diesel 75PS from €14.990; and the ‘Trend’ 1.6 Duratorq diesel 95PS version available from €15,490.
The Base series will feature standard equipment as follows: ESC with ABS, EBA and EBD; remote control double locking; radio with Bluetooth & USB; ‘Device Dock’; rake and reach adjustable steering; 15” wheels with centre caps; daytime lights; ‘Trailer Sway Control’; ‘Roll Over Mitigation’; full size spare; fixed moulded bulkhead; and immobiliser.
And the Trend series adds: full wheel covers; front fogs; body-colour door mirrors and door handles; single side load door; leather steering wheel and gearknob; overhead storage; power windows; radio with CD and ‘Ford SYNC’; illuminated glovebox; and a fuel computer.
