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What is it? The Transit Connect is a small, front-wheel-drive commercial van that Ford is importing from its European division. It is available as a cargo van or in a passenger van with three-across seating in the second row next to the sliding doors. The rear cargo area is six feet long, more than four feet tall, and not quite four feet wide. To make this space more usable for commercial applications, Ford will also sell a full line-up of cargo organizers.
The Transit Connect will use a relatively fuel-efficient, 136-horsepower, 2.0-liter gas engine and a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Base price is about $21,500.
What is new or notable: In 2010, Ford plans to launch an battery-electric-powered version of the Transit Connect, which it claims will have a range of 100 miles between charges. The electric versions will be converted by a British company, Smith Electric Vehicles, and may be available only for fleet sales. Ford also said it will have another small electric car in 2011.
CR's take: The Transit Connect will open up a variety of right-sized commercial applications, making it an attraction alternative to full-sized vans. We look forward to seeing what creative applications are created, such as an RV conversion.
When will it be available? Spring 2009.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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