Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 130PS L2 H2 FWD

What is it?

Like the smaller Transit Custom, the Transit range receives the same significant upgrades since the 2013 launch, with the most important being a new range of Euro 6-compliant 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines in 105, 130 and 170PS outputs. We’ve got what is expected to be the most popular version Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 130PS, L2 H2 version in Trend 290 spec, to see what it’s like.

What’s hot?

  • That new EcoBlue engine, which like the 105PS Transit Custom we also drove is now cleaner with 174g/km, smoother and more refined too with 128bhp, boasting 385Nm of torque and a 42.2mpg combined fuel consumption figure with start/stop. A compact design like the EcoBoost petrol engine, the new EcoBlue unit has innovative features such as an offset camshaft and a clever mirror-swirl intake port design. It is still mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission, with an automatic option due later this year.
  • On the road, even though this is just the mid-range version of the EcoBlue engine, but the biggest Transit still performs well. In character, it feels the same as the smaller 105PS version, with just with more low-down pull. Thankfully, despite the extra poke, this engine still revs cleanly and impressively smoothly right through to around its 3,000rpm peak. Interestingly, when fitted in the bigger Transit it seems more refined than the smaller Custom.
  • The Transit range has always offered keen dynamics, despite being a van and this being the largest version. Yet, despite its size, in our opinion, it’s the most impressive version to drive. Like the Custom, it has benefited from tweaks to the damping and steering. The result, which is mostly due to steering, means the biggest Transit almost shrinks around you on normal roads and even with 400kg test ballast on board, the ride on the 16-inch alloys was comfortable, with the tall body kept well under control in corners.
  • Like Custom versions, you’ll have to look closely to spot the EcoBlue Transit over the outgoing model. In fact, the only difference is a very subtle chrome strip at the bottom of the front air dam.
Transit EcoBlue 130

Cabin of the new Transit

  • The Transit is a big van, describing the cabin as ‘Car-Like’ is we think stretching the truth a bit, but getting behind the wheel is still easy and comfortable when you get there. The standard seats are supportive, the switchgear is logically placed and the instruments easy to read at a glance.
  • Go for the biggest Transit and you’ll benefit from the now fitted, better SYNC 2 system with its six-inch colour touch screen. This is way better than the Custom’s smaller SYNC 1 system.
  • The Transit’s boxy dimensions equal a spacious load area of  ten cubic metres and there’s extra practicality in the form of a single sliding side door.
  • EcoBlue versions of the Transit also see the introduction of new safety features including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Protection and Traffic Sign Recognition.

 What’s not:

  • The Transit’s interior is built for work, so shiny textured plastics are the order of the day. However, we still wish there could be more surprise and delight on show inside the Ford – German rivals to the Transit have more of a quality feel.
  • The Transit is not a cheap van and £950 being the increase for picking the new EcoBlue engine across the range.
  • Being a Euro 6 engine, it needs AdBlue to run, which is still new to van drivers. Despite the 21 litre tank, high mileage drivers might need to top it up to four-times over the new 2-year 37,000-mile variable service intervals.

The Verdict on Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 130 PS L2 H2 FWD

The Ford Transit still seems too new to be receive such a massive make over, but that’s what Ford have done when slotting in the new EcoBlue 130 diesel engine.

However, the addition of the new EcoBlue engine just makes the Transit an even stronger buying proposition. Why? Well, Transit was already good to drive and be in, with the new EcoBlue engine it meets the latest stringent Euro 6 emission regulations, is more efficient, is more powerful and has more torque.

Add in the extra safety features and in our opinion, the Transit remains a hard-to-beat commercial package. We just wish the interior was as polished as the driving package.

Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 130PS L2 H2 FWD six-speed manual

On the road price (ex VAT): £24,930
Load length: 3,044mm
Load width (max): 1,784mm
Load height: 1,886 mm
Load capacity:  10 cu m
Payload: 914kg
GVW: 2,940kg
Towing capacity braked: 2,550kg
Engine: 2-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel
Power/torque: 128PS/385Nm
Economy (combined): 42.2mpg with stop/start
CO2 emissions: 174g/km

 

Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 130PS

Transit EcoBlue

 

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