Ford Transit ECOnetic: now meets Euro V

Ford Transit 280 SWB ECOnetic

What is it?

NEW Euro Stage V-compliant version of Ford's small Transit eco-warrior. Latest ECOnetic Transit model is more expensive than the old version it replaces, but more economical and laden with technology, including stop-start and a speed limiter.

What's hot?

• No change to the exterior styling, but we like the new 'Mars Red' colour of our test van
• Comfortable cab is unchanged, with comfortable cloth seats
• Dashboard has all the familiar Transit cubbyholes, cup-holders and document storage
• New 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engines are much more refined thanks to lower compression ratio and higher injection pressure
• Other refinements make for much quieter in-cab environment than ever before on a Transit
• Steel bulkhead is standard feature – and helps keep cab noise low
• Build quality is excellent – very few rattles and squeaks
• Dashboard-mounted gearbox now has six speeds as standard, and it retains its short, precise shift
• New 100PS 2.2-litre Duratorq engine is smooth, with improved torque of 310Nm
• Stop-start works well, and speed limiter helps boost fuel economy to 43.5mpg combined – almost 10mpg better than Stage IV Ford Transit 260S we tested last year
• CO2 emissions are just 173g/km, or 178g/km without the speed limiter
• Low-revving engine means comfortable 40mph cruising at below 1,500rpm
• Safety is paramount – standard features include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)...
• ...as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and ABS brakes with EBD
• New features include a rear-view parking camera...
• ...while simple sat-nav gives good graphics and instructions
• Service intervals have been increased to 20,000 miles or 12 months, which helps reduce costs...
• ...while residuals are likely to be better than Stage IV Transits

What's not?

• Speed limiter might not be to everyone's taste, though it does save money
• Likewise stop-start, though this does work well; you can switch it off
• Dashboard mobile phone holders are so 2006 – they'll take an old Nokia, but not an iPhone or a Blackberry
• Rear doors open 180 degrees, but don't lock in the fully open mode – a strong gust of wind blows them back
• Interior lights in the load area still look fragile and easy to smash
• List prices are higher than Stage IV Transits, model-for-model

What you need to Know

Business Van Manager Road Test Rating

You're hard-pressed to notice any difference visually – just blue numbers on the model badges instead of red – but this is a very important facelift for the Ford Transit. As well as much-improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions, the new Euro V turbodiesel engines are much smoother and quieter than the previous-generation motors. Add to that some neat new technology and significantly lower running costs and Ford can justify the fairly hefty price rises applied to the latest versions. A very good upgrade for the UK's market leader.

Also Consider

Vauxhall Vivaro

Volkswagen Transporter

Renault Trafic

Read our road test of the Euro IV Ford Transit ECOnetic
Click on the link: Transit ECOnetic - fuel-saving Tranny