Ford Transit 2020
Introduction
The Ford Transit was updated for the 2019 model year, five years after its initial launch in 2014. Along with a modest facelift, the Ford Transit 2020 facelift features a stylish new interior, plenty of new gadgets and the engineers have managed to shave off up to 80kg of weight.
Background
The Ford Transit was launched back in 1965 it and became an instant success with the British public. In its first year, it helped Ford take the number one spot in the commercial vehicle sales charts – an accolade that it has held ever since.
For the first four generations, the Ford Transit competed in both the medium and large panel van segments but, for the latest generation, Ford decided to create two distinctive vans and reserve the Ford Transit name solely large panel vans, while the new medium van would be called the Transit Custom.
The new big Ford Transit was launched in 2014, and this update consists of a light facelift, weight saving to improve payload and the introduction of new technology.
New face
Visually, the 2020 Ford Transit will differ slightly from the current model thanks to new headlights, a three-bar radiator grille and front bumper that Ford says makes it more aerodynamic and creates a ‘bolder’ appearance. Higher spec models, like the Limited, will feature powerful bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.
Ford Transit 2020 specification
Inside, there will be new seat fabrics and a stylish new dashboard made of new hard-wearing plastics which is also more practical with open-topped bins on the top of the dash and a smartphone dock, even on lower series.
Ford has introduced the tablet-style 8-inch touchscreen display with SYNC3 from the Custom, which can be operated via voice commands, or via pinch and swipe gestures.
New technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Lane-Keeping Assist, Front and Wide-View Cameras, Active Park Assist (which allows drivers to park hands-free), Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist and Blind Spot Recognition with Cross Traffic Alert.
This beams radar out of the rear bumpers to detect if any vehicles have passed into the driver’s blind zone or if any pedestrians, cyclists or motorists could potentially collide with the vehicle while reversing.
Ford Transit 2020 weights and dimensions
There’s good news regarding the weights; the new Transit will shed a lot of weight by introducing an aluminium bonnet, in place of steel, a polymer bulkhead, instead of steel, and lighter wheels. Currently, the Transit has the heaviest chassis on the market meaning it has a payload of less than 1.5 tonnes (at 3.5t), although engineers have increased the payload by 50kg on FWD models and 80kg on RWD models in spite of adding new components to comply with the new Euro 6D emission standard.
In terms of dimensions, the next generation Ford Transit will largely remain the same. There will be three load lengths and two roof heights, offering load volumes of between 9.6 and 15.0 cubic metres. There will also be the option of a power side load door to make loading and unloading easier
Ford Transit 2020 engine
In 2016, Ford introduced the new 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines into the Transit range and this will remain with the next generation. Along with the current power ratings, of 105hp/360Nm, 130hp/385Nm and 170hp/405Nm, there will be a new 185hp/415Nm output for more heavy-duty operations. The engine will continue to be hooked to a six-speed manual transmission, with the option of the six-speed automatic, and an option of front or rear wheel drive. From 2020, a 10-speed automatic will become the alternative option on RWD options.
Engineers have streamlined the Transit, reduced the weight and increased the pressure inside the cylinders to 2,200 bar to achieve a ‘real-world’ fuel economy saving of 7% to around 44mpg, although official figures have yet to be announced.
mHEV – a first for the segment
On the optional mHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle), the standard alternator is replaced with a heavy-duty belt-driven generator to enable the recover and storage of energy during deceleration by charging a separate 48-volt battery. This then powers the vehicle’s ancillary electricals and provides torque assistance to the engine. However, real-world testing suggests this only results in a 3% fuel saving.
