Ford's launch of its new Transit Courier will be important news to many SME owners out there. The new Courier is the fourth and final vehicle in what is now an all new Transit range and is hoped will help Ford achieve its ambitious plans to increase sales by 50 per cent by 2016 - to a total of 400,000 units per year.
The Transit Courier is the first time that the Transit name will appear in the compact van segment. Using Ford's B-segment platform, the new Courier has a load length of 1.62 metres.
Exterior
Styling wise the new Transit Courier and Connect models gain that now very recognisable trapezoidal front grille, similar to what can be seen on the Ford Fiesta and B-MAX. The body, which includes a stylish and strong shoulder line, is fitted with rugged, hear wearing bumpers and body side mouldings that should help protect it from the rough and tumble of work life.
Interior
Ford has paid close attention to the practical nature required in this kind of vehicle; after all, for many business people this is their mobile office. With that in mind Ford's designers have worked in some clever storage spaces including a 'mega-centre' console that is capable of storing A4 documents and even small laptops. There is additional overhead stowage for extra paperwork as well as a drawer underneath the driver's seat.
There is a device dock fitted into the centre of the instrument panel to enable drivers to plug in and charge their phone and satnav unit while keeping them in easy reach. It will also be possible to order Ford's SYNC system, which offers voice-activated in-car connectivity.
Mechanicals
The Transit Courier will be offered with a 1.5-litre 75hp TDCi diesel engine and a slightly larger and more powerful 1.6-litre 95hp TDCi unit. On the petrol side of things, Ford's impressive 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will be available and all engines will be available with stop-start.
Storage capacity will be the one of the most important things for buyers of these vehicles and Ford has thus packaged the Transit Courier very well. The full height, full width steel bulkhead will be available both glazed or unglazed and is fully compliant with DIN and ISO standards. The rear cargo area will have six tie-down points as well as four rear side-mounted points.
Anything else?
Aside from being quite practical the new Transit Courier is also rather stylish given the nature of its existence. The super-economical engines could make it a smart purchase for small businesses while its car-like driving position will make it comfortable to spend long periods of time, which many business users do.