Our Verdict
Connect, the baby of the Transit family, is an excellent light van and it sets high standards in its market segment for build quality. Front-end styling updated towards the end of 2009.
A real winner. 

While it won’t win any prizes for styling, there’s no denying that Ford’s Transit Connect is a solidly-built workhorse that’s more than capable of tackling a hard day’s graft.

One for builders rather than florists, it’s available with two different wheelbases and two different-sized cargo areas; 2.8m³ or 3.7m³. Maximum payload capacity is 902kg depending on which model you pick. Load length can be extended if the swivelling mesh bulkhead and folding passenger seat package is specified.

Power comes courtesy of a 1.8-litre diesel on offer at 75hp, 90hp or 110hp. Peak torque figures are 175Nm, 240Nm and 280Nm respectively. A battery-powered Connect Electric, developed in conjunction with Azure Dynamics, made its UK debut in 2011; See video Brief Test below.

For your money you get a highly competent chassis and sharp handling, with plenty of feedback through the steering. Nor is Connect lacking when it comes to performance; the 110hp version in particular is a real flier.

A slick gearchange allows you to make the most of what the engine has to offer, but it’s a pity that Connect can only be ordered with a five-speed manual gearbox. The two most powerful versions are crying out for a six-speeder.

People who spend most of their lives at the wheel will welcome the roomy cab. Three specification levels are on offer — base, Trend and Limited — and all models are fitted with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Electronic Stability Programme. BlueTooth is standard on Trend and Limited derivatives.

Security features include having to use the ignition key to unlock the bonnet. Don’t forget that Transit Connect can be ordered as a five-seater Crew Van with 1.4m³ of load space if you need to cart around a gang of workers plus their tools.

Service intervals are set at 15,000 miles and you benefit from a three-year/100,000-mile warranty.