What's this then?
Ford is introducing a new range of engines to the Transit and Transit Custom commercial vehicles.
What's new about it?
Well, everything in fact. It's a clean-sheet design and the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine will replace the outgoing 2.2-litre diesel unit. Despite being smaller it produces more power and crucially generates its torque at lower engine rpm, with 20 per cent more torque available from 1,250rpm.
What other features will the new engine have?
Ford has worked hard to improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. According to Ford's figures, compared with the older engine, the EcoBlue unit will see fuel efficiency increase by up to 13 per cent while emissions decrease to as low as 157g/km.
What about running costs?
Along with the potential cost saving in fuel, a figure that Ford puts at £1,250 over 80,000 miles, the scheduled service intervals have also been extended by up to an additional 6,000 miles.
What power options will there be?
Both the Ford Transit and Transit Custom will see the new EcoBlue engine offered in three different power variants. Starting off with a 105hp/360Nm unit, this sees power and torque increase by 5hp and 50Nm respectively over the outgoing 2.2-litre TDCi powerplant. A 130hp version with 385Nm will sit in the middle of the line-up, which has 5hp and 35Nm more over the old engine, while the range-topping 170hp unit also generates 405Nm of torque. This represents a 15hp and 20Nm increase in torque.
Will there be an automatic version?
Yes, buyers will be able to specify a six-speed automatic transmission on any of the three different engine outputs. This will also be compatible with the Auto-Start-Stop system and drivers will still have the choice to shift gears manually via buttons mounted on the gear lever.
Anything else?
In addition to new engines Ford will be offering a suite of extra safety systems as standard. As part of the upgraded Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, a new feature called Side Wind Stabilisation can reduce the effect of sudden gusts of side winds on the van. It works by applying the brakes to one side of the vehicle to improve stability.
Curve Control is another feature that can help drivers that take a bend too quickly. If you make a sudden dive for the motorway exit you almost missed, this system can help to keep the vehicle more stable in the manoeuvre. There's also a Roll Stability Control system, which can adjust the engine's torque and individual brake control to mitigate the risk of the vehicle overturning.
Dave Humphreys - 26 Apr 2016
