Ford is announcing a number of minor improvements for the Transit Connect. The brand’s compact van can now run on biodiesel and has a slightly higher payload. It is also available with a new trim level: the Limited.
The improvements to the Ford Transit Connect are actually only incremental. The biggest change is that the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engine is now approved to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), also known as ‘blue diesel’. This biodiesel is made from biological residual products from the food industry, including used vegetable oils and animal fats. The use of biodiesel should further reduce CO2 emissions. The 75, 100 and 120 hp version of the 1.5 EcoBlue is suitable for this fuel. In addition, Ford says that the Transit Connect now has a higher maximum payload of 982 kg. That is 79 kg more than the previous version with high payload. The maximum payload also depends on the chosen version and engine.
Ford also reports that the CO2 emissions of the Transit Connect have been reduced to 134 grams per kilometer. However, this CO2 reduction is very marginal, because previously the Transit Connect vomited 135 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Furthermore, Ford comes with a new version for the Transit Connect: the Limited. It offers 16-inch alloy wheels and the exterior mirrors, door handles and side panels are painted in the body color. It also has heated front seats, automatic air conditioning and a light and rain sensor. Transit Connect prices have remained the same. It is available as L1 Ambiente with 1.0 EcoBoost from € 12,995. The Limited must yield at least € 18,775, but then you get it immediately as L1 with the 100 hp 1.5 EcoBlue.