Auto Express recently put the full-size Ford Transit through an in-depth road test to determine whether the stalwart of commercial transport retains its class-leading status. Spanning prices from £56,539 to £79,819, the Transit line-up offers front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive configurations. Buyers can choose between pure-electric E-Transit power or a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo-diesel engine available in several outputs: an entry 104bhp unit with 360Nm of torque, the volume-selling 128bhp variant with 385Nm, a 168bhp tune, and a flagship 182bhp version with 415Nm. Front-wheel-drive diesels achieve up to 43.5mpg, while 48-volt mild-hybrid versions improve combined efficiency to between 44.8mpg and 47.1mpg.
On the road, the publication found plenty to celebrate. Auto Express commended the Transit’s polished road manners, noting that revised damper settings provide a supple ride that expertly cushions severe bumps even with a 600kg payload aboard. The responsive steering wheel, paired with an electrically assisted rack-and-pinion setup and an 11.9-metre turning circle, makes this hefty van surprisingly agile around tight town streets. The cabin earns marks for tough, durable plastics, passenger-car switchgear, and the available eight-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system with smartphone integration, while practical body mouldings and bumper sections help minimise routine fleet repair costs.
Downsides are relatively minor but worth noting. Auto Express pointed out that the control layout and dashboard interface can be confusing to navigate on the move. While cubbies for smaller essentials abound, storage for bulkier gear is limited to the under-seat passenger bin. The testers also observed that the Transit is far from the prettiest commercial vehicle on the road and that select heavy-duty competitors offer larger outright load volumes.
The Transit is aimed squarely at fleet operators, tradespeople, and delivery businesses that demand a durable, hard-working vehicle configured to exact operational needs, with peace of mind provided by Ford's nationwide Transit Centre network.
Verdict: Auto Express gave the Ford Transit an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, concluding that its vast choice of body variants, punchy powertrains, and car-like composure keep the iconic nameplate well ahead of the pack.