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Rod Chapman13 Sept 2014
NEWS

Ford unveils large-capacity Transit

New larger two-tonne Transit arrives Down Under, with six variants spanning van, cab/chassis and bus formats
Ford Australia has expanded its range of Transit light commercial vehicles, with the addition of six new two-tonne, rear-wheel-drive models complementing the one-tonne Transit Custom released here earlier this year.
Ford says the new large-capacity Transit is longer and wider than its predecessor, with a new roof design that frees up more storage space.
The VO Transit, as it is known, is available as a 350L long-wheelbase van, a 350E jumbo van, a 470E jumbo van, a 470E single-cab/chassis, a 470E double-cab/chassis, and a 410L 12-seater bus. The 350L and 350E have single rear wheels while the 470E models have dual rear wheels.
Based on a global platform, the new Transit is produced in the same facility in Turkey as the Transit Custom.
The 350L comes with a standard mid roof (optional high roof available), while the jumbo models feature a standard high roof and the cab/chassis models come with a standard low roof. The bus is built in a standard mid roof configuration.
All six variants are powered by Ford's 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, the latter featuring stop/start technology for better fuel efficiency. Ford claims outputs of 114kW at 3500rpm and 385Nm between 1600 and 2300rpm for the engine, which meets Euro 5 (ADR 80/03) emissions compliance.
Ford Australia says an automatic-transmission option will be added in due course, although timing is still to be confirmed.
All versions of the new model ride on a MacPherson strut/single leaf front/rear suspension package, with four-wheel disc brakes. Ford quotes a turning circle of 13.3 metres for all variants.
Payloads range from 1122kg (350E) to 2500kg (470E single cab/chassis), with internal capacities spanning 11.0 to 15.1 cubic metres. Ford says the smallest of the six variants, the 350L, offers more than an extra cubic metre of load space than the model it replaces.
The 470E has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a GVM of 4490kg, meaning it can be driven on a standard car licence. The 350L and 350E are rated at a GVM of 3550kg and a 2750kg braked towing capacity.
Ford has also brought the larger Transit's cab up to date. The all-new cab has more head room and shoulder space, offers better visibility and is quieter, says Ford, while it's complemented by new instrumentation, a range of internal storage options and a steering column that's adjustable for rake and reach.
Standard items include a digital radio, Ford's SYNC Bluetooth telephony/entertainment interface, two 12-volt power sockets, power front windows, cruise control (with adjustable speed limiter), and air-conditioning.
Reflecting an emerging trend for LCVs, Ford hasn't skimped on the Transit's safety features. The next-gen LCV gets driver and front passenger airbags, seat side airbags and side curtain airbags, along with anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, and three-point seat belts for all seats.
That's on top of Ford's Roll Over Mitigation, Load Adaptive Control, Torque Vectoring Control and Trailer Sway Control systems, and Emergency Assistance. The latter automatically places a hands-free call to emergency services in the event of an accident where the vehicle's airbags are deployed or the emergency fuel shutoff pump is activated – it's also included in the smaller Transit Custom.
The majority of the new two-tonne Transits are available now, while the 470E dual-cab/chassis will arrive at the end of September 2014 and the 12-seater bus will become available next year, with the latter's pricing to be confirmed closer to its release.
Pricing for the new Transit is as follows:
>> Transit 350L (LWB van, single rear wheels): $47,680
>> Transit 350E (LWB jumbo van, single rear wheels): $51,180
>> Transit 470E (LWB jumbo van, dual rear wheels): $54,180
>> Transit 470E (single-cab/chassis, dual rear wheels): $49,180
>> Transit 470E (dual-cab/chassis, dual rear wheels): $52,680
Starting prices for the Transit's rivals are lower (Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter from $46,290, Fiat's Ducato from $36,690, Renault's Master from $44,990 and Volkswagen's Crafter from $45,500). But Fiat aside, the price ceilings of those competitor ranges go higher than the $52,680 of Ford's Transit 470E dual-cab – considerably so in the case of Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.
Available in the standard colour of Frozen White, Ford says Moondust Silver prestige paint is available for an extra $385. The high roof option adds $1500 to the 350L and a single front passenger seat, instead of the standard twin-seat unit, adds $150. A City Pack adds front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and front fog lamps – it costs $1500 but it's not available on the cab/chassis models.
Ford says it's offering a five-year/200,000km factory warranty on the new Transit to its premium fleet buyers, but the standard warranty is three-year/100,000km.
According to Ford Australia's General Marketing Manager, David Katic, the new Transit will further broaden the manufacturer's assault on the LCV market.
"We're seeing the commercial vehicle segment develop into two clearly defined groups of operators; those people who want a one-tonne van like the Transit Custom and those who require a two-tonne van like the Transit," he said.
"Ford now has both bases covered for those commercial customers who have distinct needs for a vehicle that not only delivers maximum load efficiencies but is comfortable, has a car-like driving environment inside but can handle the heavy duty expectations of our customers."
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