Ford Transit

Inside the Ford Transit is a slick, contemporary, utilitarian cabin design that is highly functional while providing relative comfort. The driver-centric dashboard is pretty straightforward and has an old school charm with its big round knobs, buttons, and giant AC vents. Don’t expect plushness here, this Ford van is designed to accommodate 15 passengers including the driver. The roomy interior gives wat to a five-row 3-2-2-2-4 configuration that maximizes the length of the vehicle but still has ample space for decent legroom. Large windows on all rows lessen any restrictive feeling you might have of the tight seating arrangement. The single/ double seat configuration on the 2nd to the 4th row ensures passengers get to reach the rear seats with relative ease. And with its tall height, there is enough headroom to walk inside this minibus van without having to bend over so much.

The Ford Transit Minibus van commands an imposing stance. And no, it does not come on its massive hexagonal front grille, but rather on its actual size. The Transit measures 5,981 mm long, 2059 mm wide, 2,517 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 3,750 mm. The front features two colossal halogen headlights with daytime running lamps and front fog lamps on the lower bumper. A matte black molding on the lower bumper wraps around the entire vehicle to give this van a simple dual-tone look. The side features a wide side door coupled with a standard power sidestep to make entering and exiting the van a breeze. The rear features a pair of horizontal taillights, a high-mounted stop lamp, and cargo doors that open up to 180 degrees for easy access on luggage. The Transit is available in three color options: Frozen White, Magnetic Metallic, and Moondust Silver.

Handling this gigantic vehicle is not advisable for novice drivers. Its sheer size makes driving this Ford a task best left to professionals. Even seasoned drivers may find that they need some getting used to when it comes to navigating the vehicle’s clearance especially on driving in crowded streets or making turns. Another challenge in managing the Transit that you have to overcome is that it is a bit difficult to park especially on our packed and narrow parking lots. Good thing the sensors and rearview camera helps ease driver fatigue. But if you are not used to driving a massive vehicle before, you may find that you can’t truly relax as you have to remain alert at all times for any road hazards. The hill start assist is essential for such a heavy transport and gives the vehicle a much-needed boost on uphill terrains. When it comes to riding comfort, The Ford does not disappoint. The dual AC systems and multiple rear vents ensure that passengers, even those seated on the farthest row get a comfortable ride. NVH levels are also fairly low which adds to its riding quality. The suspension system that utilizes a combination of independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, and stabilizer bar at the front and leaf springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers at the rear ensures that the Transit offers a cushioned ride and minimizes bounciness when not carrying a full load.

The Ford Transit van is powered by a 2.2 L Duratorq TDCi diesel engine that delivers 135 PS of output at 3,750 rpm and 385 Nm of torque at 1,500 – 2,000 rpm. The 2,198cc Euro 5 compliant engine can hold 80 liters of fuel in its tank and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This makes driving this minibus more efficient and economical because the vehicle simply cruises when it is on the 6th gear and has reached a high enough speed. The transmission is highly responsive when shifting gear and acceleration is not jerky at all. In terms of fuel economy, Ford Philippines has learned its lesson to not offer a gas engine on its van. This means the shift to a diesel engine alone lets the Transit haul more passengers and cargo which gives more bang per mileage.

Compared to some of its local competitors, the Ford Transit offers more safety and driver-assist features as well as an enhanced braking system. The brakes are a combination of a dual-circuit disc at the front and disc at the rear. The stopping power is further enhanced by the antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic stability program (ESP). The ABS + ESP helps stabilize the vehicle by applying braking forces to the suitable wheels in critical conditions. Fading brake support reduces the chances of the brakes from overheating as well as prevent premature wear of the brake discs so you get the most efficient braking. This Ford van is also equipped with front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera to make parking this gargantuan vehicle a little less stressful. Other safety features worth mentioning are the driver and front passenger airbags, seatbelts and seatbelt reminder for the driver, tire pressure sensors, ISOFIX child seat fixing points, perimeter anti-theft alarm, power central door lock, emergency brake warning, and hill launch assist. Safety is also embedded in the design of the van itself. There’s the wide passenger side door with grab rails, a rear roof escape hatch, and a pair of emergency hammers to prevent passengers from getting trapped in an emergency or critical situation.

The Ford Transit is a good commercial vehicle that offers comfort, versatility, and performance at par with its local rivals. The Ford brand adds a sense of reliability and durability on a vehicle segment which is relatively new to them in a saturated market where vans are a favored hauler. The only downside would be the maintenance cost as Ford vehicles tend to have higher aftersales upkeep.