CHICAGO — Small, boxy cargo vans are seen all over Europe and in many other parts of the world — except for North America. That will all change when the Ford Transit Connect arrives on these shores in mid-2009.
Designed by Ford of Europe and built in Turkey, the compact Transit Connect is aimed at small-business owners and other commercial users, but it should have widespread appeal thanks to its spacious interior, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and projected EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.
By the time it begins showing up at U.S. dealerships, the Transit Connect will be more than six years old; it was launched initially in Europe, on its own dedicated commercial-vehicle platform, in 2003.
But the baby cargo hauler has lots to recommend it, including dual sliding side doors, wide-opening double rear doors and a flat load floor.
What this means to you: For pure cargo-hauling capability, nothing beats a box on wheels. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Designed by Ford of Europe and built in Turkey, the compact Transit Connect is aimed at small-business owners and other commercial users, but it should have widespread appeal thanks to its spacious interior, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and projected EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.
By the time it begins showing up at U.S. dealerships, the Transit Connect will be more than six years old; it was launched initially in Europe, on its own dedicated commercial-vehicle platform, in 2003.
But the baby cargo hauler has lots to recommend it, including dual sliding side doors, wide-opening double rear doors and a flat load floor.
What this means to you: For pure cargo-hauling capability, nothing beats a box on wheels. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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