Auto Express published an in-depth road test of the third-generation Ford Transit Connect, a compact commercial vehicle built alongside the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo. Priced between £29,575 and £42,835, the Connect comes in two body lengths: the standard L1 and extended L2. The powertrain lineup comprises a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel with either 101 bhp or 120 bhp—delivering up to 52.2 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle—alongside a front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 19.7 kWh battery to produce 150 PS and up to 72.7 miles of electric-only driving range. Load volume stands at 3.1 cubic metres for the L1 and 3.7 cubic metres for the L2, with maximum diesel payload reaching 790 kg, dipping to between 606 kg and 739 kg for the heavier PHEV.
On the road, the reviewer commended the Transit Connect for driving with the composure and light handling of a conventional hatchback. The cabin received praise for its plush materials, generous storage bins, and a full five-star Euro NCAP safety package. Auto Express singled out the optional "FlexCab" system as ingenious, noting that the second row folds flat against the front bulkhead in seconds to free up significant cargo capacity. The PHEV's rare 50 kW DC rapid charging support was also highlighted as a major practical plus.
On the downside, Auto Express noted that carrying capacity is noticeably compromised. Rivals such as the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner carry close to a tonne, leaving the Connect's 790 kg limit feeling modest. Other frustrations included the lack of a fully electric version, the steep purchase price of the plug-in hybrid, intrusive cabin boom from the plastic bulkhead at motorway speeds, and Volkswagen's fiddly, menu-heavy touchscreen software.
Verdict: Auto Express awarded the Ford Transit Connect a score of 4.0 out of 5 stars. The publication concluded that while it will not suit operators requiring outright hauling muscle, it represents one of the most civilized and refined small commercials on the market. It is ideally targeted at city couriers, sole traders, and dual-purpose business owners who prioritise cabin quality, car-like road manners, and seating flexibility over maximum payload limits.