For decades, the Ford Transit has been synonymous with reliability, versatility, and sheer capability in the UK van market. From small businesses to large corporations, its diverse range caters to a wide spectrum of needs.
This article delves into the comprehensive world of Ford Transit vans available in the UK, exploring their usability, practicality, features, specifications, and prices. With information spanning from the nimble Courier to the mighty 5-Tonne, we’ll help you identify the perfect Transit for your specific requirements.
The Transit Family:
1. Ford Transit Courier:
- Usability: Compact and agile, perfect for urban deliveries and navigating tight city streets. Ideal for small businesses, tradespeople, and couriers.
- Practicality: Offers a decent cargo space (2.3 – 2.9 cubic meters) and flexible seating configurations.
- Features: Available with SYNC 3 infotainment system, cruise control, and parking sensors.
- Specifications: Petrol and diesel engine options, front-wheel drive, payload capacity of 638kg.
- Price: Starting from £16,200 (excluding VAT).
2. Ford Transit Connect:
- Usability: Larger than the Courier, offering more cargo space (3.6 – 3.9 cubic meters) and passenger capacity (up to 5 seats). Suitable for a wider range of businesses and activities.
- Practicality: Cargo area accessible through side and rear doors, with the option of double rear doors for easier loading.
- Features: Comes with SYNC 3 infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and driver assistance features like Lane Departure Warning.
- Specifications: Petrol and diesel engine options, front-wheel drive, payload capacity of 982kg.
- Price: Starting from £24,485 (excluding VAT).
3. Ford Transit Custom:
- Usability: The gold standard in mid-size vans, offering excellent cargo space (6.8 – 15.1 cubic meters) and various configurations (panel van, double-cab, kombi). Suits a diverse range of needs, from tradespeople to delivery companies.
- Practicality: Flexible loading options with side and rear doors, bulkhead configurations, and roof heights. Tailored versions for specific trades like refrigerated vans and tippers are available.
- Features: Offers features like SYNC 3 with DAB radio, voice control, and navigation. Advanced driver assistance systems include Active Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Assist.
- Specifications: Diesel engine options with optional all-wheel drive, payload capacity of 1,190 – 1,450kg.
- Price: Starting from £31,600 (excluding VAT).
4. Ford Transit:
- Usability: The largest offering in the Transit family, catering to demanding jobs requiring significant cargo capacity (9.5 – 15.1 cubic meters) and payload (2,108 – 2,410kg). Perfect for large businesses, logistics companies, and specialist operations.
- Practicality: Wide-opening side and rear doors, optional tail lift, and various roof heights cater to diverse loading needs. Chassis cab variants allow for custom bodywork for specialized applications.
- Features: Comes with SYNC 3 infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and driver assistance features like Lane Keeping Aid and Traffic Sign Recognition.
- Specifications: Powerful diesel engine options, rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, payload capacity of 2,108 – 2,410kg.
- Price: Starting from £40,220 (excluding VAT).
5. Ford Transit 5-Tonne:
- Usability: The ultimate heavy-duty workhorse, designed for the most demanding jobs. Boasts a massive cargo space (15.8 cubic meters) and impressive payload capacity (up to 5 tonnes).
- Practicality: Offers various configurations, including dropside and tipper models. Ideal for construction, waste management, and heavy-duty deliveries.
- Features: Comes with SYNC 3 infotainment system, driver assistance features like Lane Departure Warning and Hill Start Assist.
- Specifications: Powerful diesel engine, rear-wheel drive, payload capacity of up to 5 tonnes.
- Price: Starting from £46,620 (excluding VAT).
Making the Right Choice:
Choosing the right Ford Transit depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like:
- Cargo space: How much space do you need for your goods, equipment, or passengers?
- Payload capacity: What is the maximum weight you need to carry?
- Fuel efficiency: Will you be primarily driving in urban areas or on long journeys?
- Features: Which features are essential for your daily operations (e.g., infotainment system, driver assistance)?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on the van itself and potential modifications?
Beyond the Basics:
Ford offers a wide range of customization options for its Transit vans, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs. This includes:
- Bulkhead configurations: Separating the cargo area from the cabin for additional security or temperature control.
- Roof rack and ladder: Essential for tradespeople who need to carry tools and equipment on the roof.
- Tow bar: Expanding your capabilities by towing trailers or equipment.
- Internal racking and shelving: Optimizing cargo organization and accessibility.
- Tailored decals and branding: Promoting your business while on the road.
The Final Verdict:
The Ford Transit family offers a versatile and capable solution for almost any van requirement in the UK. From the nimble Courier to the mighty 5-Tonne, each model provides a unique blend of usability, practicality, and features. By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can find the perfect Transit to become a reliable and productive partner in your endeavors.
