New Transit Takes A Bow
The Ford Transit focuses on lower cost of ownership as it prepares for a greener future.
Unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, England, the 2012 Transit offers new powertrains and green technologies to provide a lower cost of ownership, improved sustainability and CO2 leadership for most versions. All derivatives – front-, rear- and all-wheel drive – are powered by a new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. Paired with a 6-speed transmission as standard, the unit offers a range of power outputs, from
100PS to 155PS.
The new engine includes higher pressure common-rail direct injection, new variable nozzle turbochargers and an improved exhaust gas treatment, via a new Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and coated Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF), to help meet the stricter Euro Stage 5 emission levels. Additional measures, such as a new engine top cover and a carefully designed cold air duct, contribute to improved sound levels.
The power levels and characteristics of the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine have been carefully matched to the requirements of the various drive line combinations. Front-wheel drive vehicles will be available with 100, 125 and 140PS, while for the rear-wheel drive the most powerful unit will deliver 155PS. Torque is increased across the board, up to a maximum of 385Nm for the 155PS unit.
ECOnetic technologies offered as standard include Smart Regenerative Charging and Advanced Battery Management System (BMS), while an optional ECO Pack includes disengageable Auto-Start-Stop and 110km/h Speed Limiter functionalities. For customers seeking even lower fuel consumption and emissions, two new front-wheel drive Transit ECOnetic models are available – a 100PS FT280 version with short wheelbase and low roof and a larger, more powerful 125PS FT350 with long wheelbase and medium roof – both equipped with the ECO Pack as standard.
The more compact version provides average CO2 emissions of just 178g/km, which reduces further to 173g/km when equipped with an optional fixed 100 km/h speed limiter. Fuel consumption is improved by up to 10 per cent versus its predecessor. Additional improvements in the cost of ownership will be achieved by extended service intervals – new Transit models offer a service interval of up to 50,000 km/30,000 miles, or every two years. Internal calculations have shown that the annual costs for scheduled maintenance can be reduced significantly in comparison to the current model Transit, covering a range of savings from around 25 per cent to more than 40 per cent depending on model variant. Sales of the new model, which also features a number of subtle exterior design revisions, will begin in late 2011.
