08/11/2024 It’s Brilliant! I thought I’d save you a bit of reading… although maybe I should use a bit of click bait and say its still has flaws so read on…
The Transit Courier is the baby commercial in the Ford range and a perfect example of how a compact van can move its class forward. The Romanian built Courier comes with a choice of petrol or diesel engines (100hp/250nm) and there is a 135hp/290nm electric version also. Our test Courier, powered by an EcoBoost petrol engine features a turbocharged 1 litre three-cylinder powertrain pushing out 125hp (from €22,140) via a manual 6-speed gearbox (a 7-speed auto is available), a 100hp petrol is also available. The front-wheel drive Courier is an urban machine with long distance potential. Our tiny petrol unit is a far distance from a diesel and the result is a driving experience that is relatively calm. The engine when pushed can handle higher speed without the need to stir the six-speed manual gearbox too often. In urban settings it is quiet and refined. Higher mileage users should opt for the 100hp 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine. No matter what is under the bonnet, the Courier is targeted at and is perfect for light business users.
Outside the Ford is a handsome and blocky looking machine that has maximised its interior load and passenger areas to great affect. Load volume has increased by 25%, two euro pallets will fit and there is greater weight carrying capacity too. This can be further increased using the new load-through bulkhead that enables drivers to carry items such as pipes or planks over 2,600mm long. The front end looks very handsome and bang up to date. The side view screams function over form, and the rear design is again the result of design following function with its split asymmetric rear doors. Ford says cargo length has been increased by 181mm to 1,802mm, and new rear suspension with angled shock absorbers increases the load width between the wheel arches to 1,220mm. You can choose between a standard or a high payload version fitted with dual-rate springs to handle maximum gross payload of up to 854kg – an increase of over 45% over the outgoing model. Maximum towing weight for all versions is 1,100kg. In the rear all versions feature 180-degree opening rear cargo doors and six floor tie-down points as standard. LED loadspace lighting, rubber or wooden floor covers and half-height cargo stowage rails are available to help operators use the load area more efficiently.
Inside, Courier treats the van driver on equal terms to a car driver. The interior is comfortable and features all of the creature comforts you’d expect in a private car. There is a high level of built-in technology, headlined by the “digiboard” instrument panel. It contains a digital instrument cluster and eight-inch centre touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4 connectivity system. Subscription-based ‘Connected Navigation 6’ Ford says ‘can boost productivity and reduce driver workload with updates on traffic, parking and local hazards’. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard.
Courier is a very safe van and has scored highly in NCAP testing with a platinum award. Standard fit includes: Lane-Keeping System 13, Pre-Collision Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and Rear parking sensors. The Transit Courier is fully integrated with Ford’s ‘Pro’ platform of software and connected services. This allows efficient operation for owner-operators or large fleets. Ford’s Pro Software management tools and Ford Pro Service will assist in reducing the cost of ownership.
“We’ve responded to customer demand with the all-new Transit Courier, delivering the capability of a larger van while keeping the footprint compact, and adding connected support including Ford Pro Telematics and uptime-boosting FORDLiive to accelerate productivity,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. For businesses requiring enhanced security for their vehicle and its contents, Ford Pro is partnering with vehicle security experts TVL to offer a range of convenient factory-fit lock packs, to provide improved protection against a range of threats including physical attack. Pricing starts from €18,819. Four grades are available: Leader, Trend, Limited and Activ. The new Transit Courier is a great little van. Michael Sheridan
