In America, we pretty much grow up with the idea that bigger is better, and our vehicles reflect this.  Cars get longer and more luxurious, and trucks get bigger and tougher every year.  Today’s half-ton pickups are almost as capable as the one-ton pickups of two decades ago.  Larger, stronger, faster, and more complex, that’s the way things go.

Ford’s newest commercial vehicle answers a question that’s so basic it’s amazing nobody thought of it sooner:  what if you don’t need something bigger?  Perhaps it’s because the new Transit Connect hails from Europe, where they tend to be more sensible about the size of things.  Whatever the reason, the Transit Connect is here, offering an efficient, right-sized solution to the needs of smaller businesses, and it’s brilliant.  Besides, I like to haul things, and that’s what the Transit Connect’s all about.  We understand each other.

An unlikely combination of Ford Focus and Econoline full-size van, the Transit Connect provides four-cylinder fuel economy and capable handling as well as a cavernous cargo area that’s a virtual blank slate for just about any kind of small-business specialization.
Versatility is the name of the game for the Transit Connect.  From the front, it looks like an economy car, thanks to a smoothed-back grille and headlights reminiscent of the Fusion.  The Transit Connect doesn’t have much in the way of chrome, though; this truck is all business.  The hood slopes up to a fast-raked windshield, then to a bulbous and boxlike body with little pretensions of style.   From the A-pillar back, the Transit Connect is a cargo-carrying tool.   Dual sliding doors allow access to the front of the cargo compartment or for passengers, if the available rear seat is installed, and buyers can choose whether the rear panels are blocked out or equipped with windows.  At the rear, 52-inch tall split cargo doors can be opened to 180 or 255 degrees, folding flush with the sides of the truck for easier cargo maneuvering.  A short step bumper eases access into the rear.  Dual wipers keep those big, flat back windows clear when it’s raining or snowing.  It’s not madly stylish, but it does have a very businesslike look that comes in handy when one is, say, driving it for a business. The Transit Connect looks good enough that it serves as a promotional billboard as well as a transportation tool.

The interior is very industrial, and will be familiar to anyone who’s driven a commercial vehicle.  High-durability gray cloth on the seats and low-shine gray plastic on the dash indicate that the Transit Connect has been screwed together with hard work in mind, rather than toting soccer teams.  The Transit Connect comes from Ford’s European arm, and the switchgear reflects this.  The standard radio only has front speakers, and the rear seat is an option that many won’t take because the seatbelt anchors eat up cargo space even when the seat is folded.  The seats are comfortable enough for getting around town, but don’t expect any lumbar support or heater functions.  Above the driver’s head, there’s a handy storage shelf.  Front and side airbags are standard.

The Transit Connect takes its work-readiness a step farther with Ford’s available Work Solutions system. Work Solutions incorporates an in-dash computer running Windows CE 6.0, and the wireless keyboard enables web surfing, inventory management and printing right from the driver’s seat.  Tool and fleet management systems can also be incorporated.   An in-dash navigation system is also available and can be linked to Work Solutions, though it’s one of the slowest and most archaic nav systems I’ve used in quite some time.

The Transit Connect was born to be a delivery vehicle.  I obliged it, loading the rubber-floored cargo area with massive boxes of clothes for Goodwill, a mattress and building materials to help renovate a house recently acquired by my sister, and a heavy load of antique windows bound for storage.  The Transit Connect even schlepped a racer’s rolling tool box weighing several hundred pounds.  Cargo tiedowns in the floor ensure that large loads don’t shift while underway.  Various bulkhead, rack and shelving options for the interior are available; the Transit Connect is endlessly customizable for the needs of just about every small business.

Conventional wisdom has it that a commercial vehicle needs a sturdy V6 or V8 engine, but the Transit Connect makes do with a 2.0 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine.  Ford’s Duratec powerplant is known for reliable longevity, leading to its choice as the motivation for the Transit Connect.  It’s all about fuel economy, and the Duratec’s 136 horsepower is more than enough to get this lightweight cargo carrier moving, even laden with over a thousand pounds of…whatever.  Shifts from the standard four-speed autoatic transmission are astoundingly smooth, especially into and out of overdrive–it’s as smooth as a CVT when kicking down.  It’ll keep up with freeway traffic easily, though it’s a bit pokey off of the line.  The Transit Connect isn’t a speed demon, but it will rumble up to speed and has no trouble staying there.  The tradeoff there is of course fantastic economy and range–25 mpg on the freeway will have small business owners who rely on delivery vehicles to jump for joy.

That said, it’s a capable driver.  On the road, the Transit Connect drives much like the economy car that it resembles.  It’s confident and nicely planted on the road, and crosswinds don’t affect it as much as you might expect.  Road and wind noise, on the other hand, are present in spades.   Roll Stability Control  is available.

The cargo hold will swallow about 135 cubic feet of cargo.  The Ford E-Series van, traditionally the only option for small business owners, will hold about a hundred cubic feet more, but also comes with a thirsty V8 and heavy-duty towing capacity that many small businesses don’t need.The 1600-pound payload comes courtesy of a low floor and a tall roof, and unlike minivans and SUVs that can match its cargo capacity but are unsuited to load-hauling, the Transit Connect doesn’t waddle or squat when heavily loaded.  Its road manners are also unaffected when it’s laden.  Anti-lock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard.  The Transit Connect’s turning circle is wider than expected considering its size; I found myself backing and filling at unexpected times on narrow suburban streets.

That gripe aside, the Transit Connect is the answer to a question that many small-business owners have no doubt asked, and it’s fantastically executed.  By aiming this vehicle at the commercial market rather than the suburbs, Ford has managed to keep the price tag from creeping up with unnecessary standard equipment.  Transit Connect pricing starts at $21,475.  My tester was equipped with Roll Stability Control, a navigation system and a handy reverse parking assist, and stickered for $23,600.

Specifications:  All specs are for the 2010 Ford Transit Connect.
Length:  180.6 in.
Width:  70.7 in.
Height:     79.3 in.
Wheelbase:  114.6 in.
Curb weight:   3470 lb.
Cargo space:   135 cu.ft.
Payload:  1600 lb.
Base price:  $21,475
Engine:   2.0 liter DOHC inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain:  four-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:  136 @ 6300
Torque:  128 @ 4750
Fuel capacity:  15.1 gal.
Est. mileage:   22/25

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