Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 105PS

What is it?

We review the Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 105PS version as the multiple award-winning Transit Custom receives its first significant upgrades since its 2012 launch, with the most important being a new range of Euro 6-compliant 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines in 105, 130 and 170 PS outputs.

We’ve got what is expected to be of the most popular versions of the new EcoBlue Transit, the L1 H1, in 105 PS form to see what it’s like.

What’s hot?

  • That new EcoBlue engine, which is not only cleaner (now 161g/km), it’s smoother and more refined too with 103bhp, boasting 360Nm of torque and a 46.3mpg combined fuel consumption figures. A compact design like the EcoBoost petrol engine has innovative features such as an off-set 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 the entry-level version of the EcoBlue, this Transit is still a performer. There’s plenty of low-down pull and this engine revs cleanly and impressively smoothly right through to around its 3,000rpm peak.
  • The Transit Custom has always been a driver’s van, with its keen dynamics. The new EcoBlue engine does nothing to change this, but Ford still took the opportunity with the new engine to tweak this van’s damping and steering. The result is a Transit that steers even more keenly and even with 400kg test ballast on board, the ride on the 16-inch alloys was compliant and body roll kept well under control.
  • Outside, you’ll have to have a keen eye 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.
  • Car-like is a term often banded about in the van-world, but the Transit Custom is more than most. Getting behind the wheel of the Transit Custom is like getting behind the wheel of a Focus and it is easy to get comfortable when you get there. The standard seats are supportive, the switchgear is logically placed and the instruments easy to read at a glance.
  • The Transit Custom’s boxy dimensions equal a spacious load area of 6.0 cubic metres and there’s extra practicality in the form of twin sliding side doors.
  • 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 105 PS version of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel might be smoother and more refined than the outgoing 2.2-litre, but it’s still a bit too noisy at idle and under heavy acceleration. In our opinion, despite the lowdown torque it needs to be worked hard to give its best performance.
  • The Transit Custom’s interior is built for work, but we still think there could be more surprise and delight on show inside the Ford – think Volkswagen T6 for a van interior majoring on quality.
  • The Transit Custom’s SYNC infotainment system might now be fitted with a four-inch colour screen, but it feels a bit dated when rivals are offering bigger touch screens. The better SYNC 2 system with its six-inch colour screen is only available on bigger Transit models.
  • The Transit is not a cheap van – the basic price for a similarly priced Limited trim van without options is £24,181, £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 refill up to four-times over the new 2-year 37,000-mile variable service intervals.

The Verdict

With the new EcoBlue engine, Ford has managed to improve on the already great Transit Custom van.  Already good to drive and be in, the new EcoBlue engine not only meets the latest stringent Euro 6 emission regulations, but it’s also more efficient, more powerful and has more torque.

Add in the extra safety features and the Transit Custom is a hard-to-beat commercial package. We just wish the interior felt higher quality.

Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 105 PS L1 H1 FWD 6-speed manual

On the road price (ex VAT): £24,181
Load length: 2,555mm
Load width (max): 2,443mm
Load height: 1,406 mm
Load capacity: 2,555 litres
Payload: 874kg
GVW: 2000kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked: 1400kg/690kg
Engine: 2-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel
Power/torque: 103bhp/350Nm
Economy (combined): 46.3mpg
CO2 emissions: 161g/km

 

Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue 105PS

The Ford Transit Custom with the new 2.0 EcoBlue 105PS engine

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