A CLEVERER COURIER (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Ford's second generation Transit Courier is a small van with big ideas. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 48

Ford has re-invented its smallest van, the Transit Courier, for a new era. That means a full-EV version. But the brand still also offers this little LCV with the more affordable option of petrol or diesel combustion power. Either way, it's practical, affordable to run and surprisingly practical.

Backgroundword count: 207

Today, a Ford Transit can be many quite separate things. Depending on the model range you prefer, select from either large or very large, compact or, as in this case, spaciously small. Welcome to the Transit Courier, here resigned in second generation form. Like its predecessor, which was introduced back in 2014, it's aimed at the urban delivery market and businesses whose cargo needs don't really justify a stretch to Ford's larger Focus hatch-derived 'Transit Connect' model. And it's built by the Blue Oval brand's Ford Otosan commercial vehicles division in Romania, where the EcoSport crossover used to be made. As before, as well as the Transit Courier panel van, there'll be a Tourneo Courier small MPV version of the same model. But this time round, combustion versions of both will also be joined by two full-electric models, the E-Transit Courier and the E-Tourneo Courier. Ford reckons that LCVs like the Transit Courier have traditionally under-performed in terms of their usability. In response, this MK2 Courier model has the potential for slightly greater carriage capacity and a significantly greater payload. The Blue Oval brand also believes that it brings to this segment traditional Transit toughness. So, a lot's being promised. Let's see what this van can deliver.

Driving Experienceword count: 243

It's a mark of the slowness of the van market to adopt the current electrified culture that Ford feels the need not only to continue to offer combustion versions of the Transit Courier but also to continue to offer a diesel. That's the usual 1.5-litre EcoBlue unit with 100PS. The fossil-fuelled alternative is a 1.0-litre three cylinder EcoBoost petrol unit, which has 100PS in manual form or 125PS with a 7-speed auto. Obviously you'll have to have an auto (the usual EV 1-speeder) if you choose the E-Transit Courier. This has a 134bhp electric motor mounted on the front axle. There's no dual motor AWD version. Expect a battery size around 54kWh and a range of around 200 miles. Top speed is 90mph and there's 290Nm of pulling power. The ride's quite firm - you're certainly aware of every bump, but not to a really uncomfortable degree. And the steering's accurate and refinement's acceptable for the kind of small van this is. Unfortunately, the brakes are a bit grabby. And the mandatory speed limit beep is as awkward to turn off as it usually is on a modern vehicle. In town, a 10.7-metre kerb-to-kerb turning circle and the vehicle's overall length of under 4.4 metres improve manoeuvrability and access to tight spaces. If your Transit Courier will often be driven out of town, you might want to specify it with an Adaptive Cruise Control system that features Lane Centring and traffic queue 'Stop&Go'.

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