Ford revised connect range

Ford has facelifted its Transit Connect and introduced a Trend trim level between the Standard and Limited versions.

The revised Connect gets a new front bumper, grille, mirrors, head and tail-lamps, along with body side mouldings and optional alloy wheels. On the inside is a new car-like dashboard with audio controls on the steering wheel and a new seat design.

The new Trend version comes with body colour bumpers, fog lights, quick-clear windscreen, Bluetooth, a six-way driver's seat and an overhead storage shelf. Even the Standard model gets electric windows and remote double locking, while the Limited vans get more-power, air-con and rear parking sensors and glazed bulkhead versions get an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Power comes from Ford's 1.8 Duratorq diesel producing 55kW, 66kW or 81kW and mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A fold-flat passenger's seat and folding mesh bulkhead are standard, allowing loads up to 2.46m to be carried in short wheelbase (SWB) vans or 2.71m with the long wheel base (LWB).

Gross payloads range from 638kg with the high power, low-roof SWB van, to 902kg with the 66kW high-roof LWB version, while the crew van options are all in the 700kg range.