FORD PLUGS A GAP (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The third generation Ford Transit Connect is at its most efficient in this Plug-in Hybrid form. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 43

The third generation Transit Connect, we're told, is the 'final piece' of the jigsaw in Ford's mission to electrify its European van range. Strange then, that it can't be had as an EV, offered only in the PHEV guise we look at here.

Backgroundword count: 170

For Ford, there haven't been too many downsides to their 'Project Cyclone' agreement with Volkswagen which has allowed the Blue Oval brand to share the development costs of its two most recent LCVs (the Ranger and the Transit Custom). Not as ideal has been the basing of the third generation Transit Connect on the Volkswagen Caddy, a van never designed to be offered as an EV. Which means the Connect is the only member of Ford's four-strong battery-powered LCV line-up that can't be had in full-electric form. Still in compensation, there's the option of the PHEV version we look at here, which at launch in 2024 was the compact van sector's very first Plug-in Hybrid. In the segment, only this model's Volkswagen Caddy clone can also be had with this technology. PHEV tech was pioneered in vans by Ford back in 2019 with the a rare variant of the larger Transit Custom, but few operators chose it and no rivals appeared. How will this smaller Plug-in Hybrid Transit model fare?

Driving Experienceword count: 212

Like other current Transit Connects, this one borrows its chassis from Volkswagen - and its Plug-In Hybrid engine too, though Ford has badged it a 1.5-litre Ecoboost unit. It uses a high voltage battery and electric motor to deliver a combined 150PS, with 350Nm of torque through the 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission you have to have. EV range is up to 73 miles. There are various drive modes you'll need to master: 'EV Now', which drives using only the electric motor; 'EV Auto', which balances electric and petrol power to best suit driving conditions; 'EV Later', which drives using only the petrol engine, saving all the battery energy for use later; and 'EV Reserve', which saves a driver-defined level of battery energy for later use. As with other variants in the range, your car can be specified with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, which provides assisted driving for accelerator, braking and steering functions to reduce stress on highways or in stop and start traffic. Unlike with the combustion model though, there's no all wheel drive option. You wouldn't expect engaging handling from a compact LCV and you don't get it here. But the compact body makes this small van easy to manoeuvre around town, as does the light steering.

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