Transit ECOnetic: fuel-saving Tranny

New Ford Transit ECOnetic gives better mpg

Transit ECOnetic test Review: Mark Bursa

Ford Transit ECOnetic SWB 2.2 TDI 115PS low-roof

What is it?

A green, more fuel-efficient version of the Ford Transit, Britain’s top-selling panel van. Ford has tweaked several areas including bodywork, gear ratios and tyres, to bring down CO2 emissions and increase fuel economy.

What’s hot?

• Economy increases from 34.9mpg (SWB 280) to 39.2mpg (ECOnetic)…
• …while CO2 emissions drop from 213g/km to 189g/km
• There’s the same common-rail diesels with offer excellent low rev torque
• Slight recalibration of the engine is hardly noticeable
• Low gear ratios stay, but a longer sixth gives improved motorway mpg
• Aerodynamic wheel covers and low rolling-resistance tyres help mpg
• Ford appears to have improved cab noise levels of Mk4 Ford Transit
• Class-leading cab and dashboard functionality remains unchanged
• New steering means greater manoeuvrability, especially around town
• Electronic stability control with hill launch are useful standard features

What’s not?

• There’s actually not a lot of difference – except…
• …ECOnetic carries a £280 premium over the standard Tranny
• 5mpg economy improvement should recoup the extra cost fairly quickly
• A lot of the ECOnetic performance improvements are down to the driver…
• …there’s a ‘change-up’ dash indicator to encourage low rev changes
• This is quite intrusive, though it does encourage better fuel economy
• It also means there’s no automatic option
• And there’s only one body option – SWB, low roof…
• …and no second sliding door option (adds weight, cancels fuel savings)
• 70mph speed limiter is standard – which might upset some users!
• Ford still hasn’t fixed the vulnerable roof-mounted loadspace lights…
• …these could easily be smashed by a tall load or a snug-fitting pallet
• It can meet Euro V emissions – but at the cost of a £750 particulate filter

What you need to Know

*Monthly contract hire rental generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

** Trade value of van if purchased after three years and 60,000 miles. (Powered by Deltapoint)

Business Van Manager Road Test Rating

ECOnetic sounds like a high-tech new powertrain, but really it’s just a series of tweaks on a standard Transit (different oil, tyres, wheel trims). And to make it work, you’ve got to drive the Ford Transit ECOnetic economically – short-shifting and keeping the revs below 2,000. If you don’t, that 5mpg saving evaporates. The options list is limited; only the smallest Transit body is available; and the lack of twin side doors will be a problem for many users. But if you can live with its limitations, its savings are worthwhile.

Option prices: Euro V DPF, £750; Visibility pack – heated screen and heated electric mirrors, £175; Alarm, £175; Load area protection kit – MDF rear trim, full-length rubber mat, £150; Satellite Navigation FX system, £945; Bluetooth, £200; Rear parking sensor, £200; Metallic paint, £350.

Read our road test of the latest Euro V Ford Transit ECOnetic van
Click on the link: Ford Transit ECOnetic – now meets Euro 5.