In 1965, Blue Oval brand Ford produced a light commercial vehicle - the Ford Transit. Initially, it was used as a cargo van; however, due to its versatile platform, it is now being used for other roles as well. One of its most known functions is being a passenger van. The fourth-generation Ford Transit can be capable of accommodating 15 occupants as a hauler. The Ford Transit is the American carmaker\s second attempt at providing a people-mover after its first venture at its Ford E-150 a few years ago. On November 27, 2019, the vehicle was launched under the Light Commercial Van & Bus segment (LCVB), which aims at certain businesses that require an automobile that can be used as a crew, passenger, even as a cargo van if the rear seats are all removed. The Ford Transit goes with the same price range as the Hyundai H350, Foto Toano, and Toyota HiAce GL Grandia Tourer at a P2M mark. The Ford Transit guarantees a practical package that is also not bare-bones as what vans are thought to be compared to all the passenger-ferrying vehicles. The 15-seater Ford Transit is offered in three color options - Magnetic Metallic, Moondust Silver, and Frozen White. It also comes with a single powertrain option.
Launch
The Ford Transit was introduced on November 27, 2019, that only has one variant available for the Philippine market. It is the first minibus provided by the Ford Motor Company Philippines, Inc. that defines the brand's ideal space sporting vehicle.
The Ford Transit is created to provide mobility and transport businesses an additional push. It includes safety features such as the 15 three-point seatbelts with headrests as well as an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Moreover, it is a 15-seater van and is equipped with multiple power sockets. The Ford Transit competes with the types of Foton Toano and Hyundai H350 with a price of Php 2,300,000.
Exterior
The Ford Transit's exterior features fog lamps with halogen DRLs and a halogen head. The fascia of the minibus showcases the brand's signature grille. Also, it measures 5,981 mm, 2,517, and 2,474 mm for the van's length, height, and width, respectively.
The Ford Transit features airy and large windows while its sliding door is fixed on one side only. Moreover, its rear comes with a 50-50 split open door set up. In addition, the Ford Transit is equipped with 16-inch steel wheelset with hubcaps as well as disc brakes on all of its four wheels.
Interior
The Ford Transit's cabin design is slick, utilitarian, and contemporary that provides relative comfort and high functionality. It has a straight driver-centric dashboard, large round knobs, buttons, and huge A/C vents. It is a 15-seater van that includes the driver's and offers a 5-row 3-2-2-2-4 configuration that makes use of the vehicle's length but still provides enough space for adequate legroom.
Furthermore, it features large windows as well as single/double seat design on the second and fourth rows. Also, it allows ample headroom in the minibus because of its height that prevents its occupants from bending over that often.
Technology & Safety Features
The Ford Transit features a simple infotainment system that is capable of AUX, Bluetooth, and USB connections. A set of six speakers is used to transmit sound all over the cabin. It also comes with a backup camera and outputs to the rear-view mirror due to its small display. As standard, front and rear parking sensors are also available in the Philippine-spec Ford Transit.
In addition, the Ford Transit features two airbags for both driver and front-seat passenger, and all 15 seats have a three-point seatbelt, ABS with EBD, emergency brake system, and fading brake support. Moreover, it is equipped with tire pressure sensors, hill-launch assist, ISOFIX anchors for the seats in the second row, and a pair of emergency hammers.
Platform & Chassis
In the Philippines, the Ford Transit is configured as a people-mover. However, it is utilized for commercial purposes like transporting heavy parcels and loads or food delivery. The vehicle's underpinnings are the same as that of light to medium-duty trucks.
The Ford Transit's suspension system makes use of a combination of independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, and stabilizer bar for the front, and the rear gets gas-pressurized shock absorbers. This will guarantee a smooth ride and less bounciness when it carries a lesser load.
The Ford Transit is a wide 15-seater passenger van that measures 5981 mm of length, 2474 mm of width, and a wheelbase that measures 3750 mm.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Ford Transit in the Philippines is employed with a 2.2L Duratorq TDCi diesel power plant that generates 133 horsepower and torque power of 385 Nm. Its manual transmission has a total of six gears, and the power travels to the rear wheels. Its engine also acquired 80 liters of fuel capacity and is Euro 5 emissions compliant. It is matched to a 6-speed transmission as well.
Therefore, it gives the minibus a more economical and efficient driving experience due to the fact that the vehicle plainly cruises once it is on the 6th gear and has finally reached a high and enough speed.
