2019 Ford Transit Connect Review - In-Depth Roadtest | Vanarama.com

Big on space, big on choice. It’s a bold claim from any manufacturer of small vans… can you guess whose it is? BINGO! It’s the tagline for the Ford Transit Connect.

And while it sounds like your usual catchy marketing speak, it’s 100% backed up by this excellent small van that has watched new arrivals in its sector from Vauxhall, Citroen, Peugeot and Toyota muscling in on the sector.

And while it might seem like it’s under siege from the other players, don’t believe the hype, the little Connect is a huge force to be reckoned with.

This is the Limited trim level which adds:
• The iconic Ford grille
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Body coloured door handles and mirrors
• Automatic wipers and headlights.
• Great profile, high enough off the ground.
• It’s still got the good looks – even after the facelift.
o Ford waved goodbye to the bar and brought it in line with their cars – good choice.

• Great headroom
• Nice trim – especially at limited – lovely seats
• Push-button start
• Electric windows
• Leather steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Rear-parking sensors
• DAB radio – USB, Bluetooth
• 4.2-inch screen
• Air-con
• Cup holders
• Storage
• Voice control
• Ford says the Connect is big on choice and big on space… and they’re not wrong! Even with this L1 model – you’re looking at:
• 1.2m wide x 1.2m high back doors
• 43cm wide x 1.2m wide side door
• Loadspace length is 1.5m, width is 1.5m at max and 1.2m between the wheel arches
• Really great little Loadspace, can easily fit 1 or 2 Pallets in here.
• Lashing points, hook points
• Payload across the L1 variants range starts from around 600kg – the average hovers around 740kg - and can top out at just over 1000kg with the bigger variants!

• 1.5 litre EcoBlue Diesel - 58.9mpg to 68.9mpg bracket! That’s amazing!
• Gearbox is responsive – the 6-speed really makes itself felt.
• Low turning circle.
• Car-like comfort and drive.
• Handles like a dream. Feels like a sportier vehicle.
• Mercedes-Benz Citan – some people say it’s not up to the usual Merc levels of Luxury, but I’d still drive one!
• Nissan NV200 – odd shape, odd size, it’s neither a proper small van or a medium van.
• Renault Kangoo – it’s been around for a while and fleet users love them, but it’s gotta be time for an update surely.
• Fiat Doblo Cargo – payloads of 1000kg and high roofs make this a good contender.
• VW Caddy – it looks awesome, payload is pretty high too.
• Vauxhall Combo/Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner – These PSA Group vans are great and if you’ve driven one you’ll nail the rest. The Berlingo is getting rave reviews too!
And there you go, small vans literally come in all shapes and sizes. The Connect may have the others licked on running costs thanks to its 1.5l EcoBlue engine, but the rest of the pack is filled with plenty of variety in terms of user-friendliness and quirky features.

• This is a small van that packs a punch in the small van sector.
• An excellent cabin – in fact, one of the best I’ve ever sat in – is just one reason to love it.
• The other is a Loadspace that, for such a small van, really can hold a lot.
• Ford’s Transit Connect does face competition from other small vans, and there are plenty of others that might turn your head… all I can say is that while others might squeak ahead on their user-friendly interiors or a knock-out front end, the Ford Transit Connect often has them beat by having all that AND an MPG rating that will save you a packet in fuel costs!

[macmad]

Just recently purchased one, and I am not disappointed, it’s a smooth ride with plenty of punch from that engine, I opted for the 1.5 Eco Blue Diesel, and it come fully loaded in the spec department, one of the nicest looking vans on the road.

[ygovpvh]

Great Review, purchased a 2020 L2 Connect Trend version, much better than the PSA berlingo or partner. Comfortable, quality parts and equipment. At least you won't have to change the Co2 sensors in 3years like a berlingo. 😀

[georgewarmowski]

Just bought a 2020 model, really love this thing.

[niceguyuk]

Took a 120ps manual out for a drive a few days ago and the throttle lag was really bad.

[Ethankeenan]

Connect is the best small van in looks and interior quality and space

[niceguyuk]

Is it me or did the rear lights come on every time you opened a door?

[bhpartywallsurveyors]

Sounds like he is in the pay of Ford.

Makes obvious mistake in describing the lip preventing a phone from sliding out during heavy breaking. Sudden acceleration possibly could cause the phone to lurch backwards but not sudden breaking.

[randyvalantino]

Don't forget to mention the exhaust filter overload problem it constantly comes on telling you to take it for a blast down the motorway. So if your planing to buy a van for just small trips . Take care

[niceguyuk]

IS there a refresh on this model in 2020? Many accessory shops lists this van 2013-2020.

[fortitudevalance]

The original Connect wasn’t a particularly nice vehicle to drive in facts it was awful as a car but okay as a van. I have tried a new one recently from a hire firm and yes it feels like a Focus to drive. The seats, it feels like sitting on a soft marshmallow but would like them heated personally.

[markheywood]

If you want to feel like you're in a car, then get one. But the PSA small vans take so much more capacity with heavier payload, three seats, much more cabin storage and flexibility, with load through capacity. The Peugeot Partner is the best of them and has high spec trim levels which will give you all the spec you need. All based on the Peugeot 5008 SUV platform, so pretty car like drive too. I Just don't see why you'd buy a smaller van that's less practical and more expensive to run.

[howardgiraud]

Good afternoon what's the price of this vehicle

[rhysevans]

Its a fuel funnel not ad blue, , Ford has a weird filler nozzle so they don't need a locking cap

[generalphoney]

Not sure if you guys are allowed to show this but it would be useful to see what the actual max payload is rather than the manufacturers limit. Thanks

[shaggymcdaniel]

Way smaller than my Transit Connect 2012. What about reliability of all of these vans. Sure, they look nice when they’re brand new, but what about reliability. That’s the most important part. This felt more like a commercial.

[addybra]

I have the 2017 usa model and I love this van.. great video 👍

[scottcraig]

Wish i could get a manual trans on this in the states.

[debbieeames]

Can you step through from front to back? Deb from Oz

[gerrydays]

Nice looking van we are thinking of a new small van going to look at our local ford dealer shortly great driving van 😄

[jbwheeler]

What is the MSRP and the gas mileage? C'mon man, give us what we need to know. JB