First Drive: 2010 Ford Transit Connect
Ford is proud of the Transit Connect's 39-foot turning circle, and the little truck was impressive on a tight figure-eight Ford set up for us. Steering is light, and feedback is more by tire squeal and body roll than through the wheel. This was an unloaded truck. The street drive featured a model outfitted with pots and pans and other accoutrements for a catering service. And the best thing that could be said of that setup is that it's far less cumbersome than driving a traditional, V-8 E-van or worse, a cube van.
It doesn't have the dynamics of the faster, better-handling Chevy HHR, though of course this is a much taller truck; the space created by the higher center of gravity affording more than twice the HHR panel van's cargo space. Most workers ought to appreciate the "normal" driving position, as the driver is at eye-level more with tall cars and crossovers. The seat is reasonably comfortable and firm, and of course with no bolster, making entry and exit many times a day easy.
The underpowered gas four, four-speed automatic with overdrive, and firm, positive brakes work together well, being plenty adequate for stop-and-go deliveries around town. This combo makes it less attractive as a personal people mover, of course, if you're considering one as a windowed HHR or a Mazda5 alternative. Although Ford provided no European-spec Transit Connects for the drive, this powertrain seems a big compromise from the overseas diesel/five-speed manual setup.
On a brief freeway run, the 128 pound-feet strains against the 3500-pound van's light load. If you need to carry as much as the 1,500-pound load limit, you won't come close to the EPA fuel mileage estimates, as your driver will be using a lot of throttle just to merge into fast traffic. Still, it will be better mileage than a V-8 van with 1,500 pounds, or two HHR panel vans loaded to the limit.
In the end, the Transit Connect is a modern-looking compact truck that will do the style- and efficiency-conscious business owner proud.
| 2010 Ford Transit Connect XLT |
| Base price | $21,475-$23,045 |
| Vehicle layout | Front-engine, FWD 2-, 4- or 5-pass, 4-door van |
| Engine | 2.0L/136-hp/128-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic with overdrive |
| Curb weight | 3500 lb (mfr) |
| Wheelbase | 114.6 in |
| Length x width x height | 180.6 x 70.7 x 79.3 in |
| 0-60 mph | 11.0 sec (MT est) |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 22/25 mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 0.83 lb/mile |
| On sale in U.S. | Currently |