The latest Ford Transit SportVan has been released - in the Transit's 45th anniversary year. Just 100 examples will be built, featuring a unique paint scheme and dark alloy wheels.

This is the sixth SportVan; each version has been built in limited numbers with a different colour scheme. The latest variant is painted Colorado Red with white bonnet stripes. It comes with dual exhausts, a body kit and flared wheelarches to accommodate the 18-inch graphite alloy wheels and 235/45 section tyres.

Inside the cab the Transit features electric windows, cruise control, a six CD multi-changer and a DAB Radio; the latter is apparently a first for a van of this size. Options include leather seats and satellite navigation with a five-inch screen.

The Transit SportVan is based on the 260 short wheelbase van. Power comes from a 138bhp 2.2-litre TDCi Duratorq turbodiesel, which drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Ford expects the latest limited edition model to sell out fast; it costs £22,630 and is available from the end of October.

John Lambert - 13 Oct 2010