Ford to unveil more frugal Fiesta van

Ford is to introduce an all-new Fiesta van capable of doing almost 70mpg and has launched a new 2.2-litre engine for front-wheel drive Transits.

The van is based on the new Fiesta car about to be launched in the UK, with the commercial version available next spring.

Payload has yet to be published, but the usable loadbed length is expected to be 1.3m, with more than 1m between wheel arches and 936mm of load height.

Three engines options are available: 1.4 and 1.6 litre diesels producing 50kW and 66kW respectively and a 1,250cc/60kW petrol.

The smaller diesel returned 67.7mpg on the EU's test cycle (helped by electric power assisted steering), while the bigger diesel comes with a closed-loop coated diesel particulate filter.

The new 2.2-litre/84.5kW diesel engine for the Transit has a peak torque of 300Nm (available between 1,800rpm and 2,000rpm) and is mated to its six-speed transmission.

Ford said the 'shorter' lower ratios allow a 5.5t GTM towing capacity, while a 'longer' top gear should improve fuel economy by about 5%.