New 2017 Ford Transit Connect is ready for business. Flexibility is very important in business and every business owner looks for ways to make their business flexible. To aid in this, Ford steps in by offering flexible hauling of cargo and crew. For years, the Ford lineup of Transit vans has been at the heart of many people’s businesses hauling strategies. The Transit offers the best-in-class flexibility offering 58 different configurations meaning one is assured of finding a model that perfectly fits to his/her business. In addition, there are optional features which allow business owners to customize the vans to suit their unique business needs.
To improve this flexibility further, the automaker will increase configurations to 64 for the 2017 model year. The Transit models are usually offered in two different wheelbases, three different body lengths and three different roof heights as well as other configurations. This diversity has helped the model become very popular in the US: Read along to find out more about this dedicated hauler:
2017 Ford Transit Exterior
As said earlier, the best thing about the Ford Transit is that it is offered in a wide variety of configurations. Whether you constantly need to move your crew from one place to another or to carry various work equipment, the Transit is up to the task. The vans are largely classified into two groups, cargo vans with large cargo space and passenger vans which are fitted with 8, 12 or 15 seats. The vehicles are further classified in three trim levels i.e. Van, Wagon XL and Wagon XXL. The vans are offered in regular, long and extended lengths as well as in either low, medium or high roof heights. You will be surprised to learn that high-roof models can accommodate passengers as tall as 6 ft. 5 in.
In terms of cargo space, the regular wheelbase models with a low roof can tow 246.7 cu. ft of cargo while the long wheelbase models with high roofs can accommodate as much as 487.3 cu. ft. of cargo space. For easier access, medium and high-roof vans are fitted with dual sliding doors. For the low-roof vans without dual sliding doors, a wider running board is available.
2017 Ford Transit Interior
All Transit models will feature led lighting as a standard for better visibility when loading and unloading cargo. The automaker has also added a 12-volt power supply on the D-pillar which will be used to power various equipments.
All-new Transit models will have a low-profile center console which is designed to ease the movement from the cab to the rear mostly during deliveries. In addition, the console is very accommodating in case fleet owners decide to install computer equipment.
The driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat are upholstered in cloth in lower trims and in leather in higher trim levels. 10-way power adjustable front seats are an option for all models in the lineup. Transit Cutway models will feature audio system upgrades.
The vans also feature numerous up fitter switches which have been enhanced for the 2017 model year with 2 battery hot outputs, 2 increased amperage outputs and 2 un-switched outputs. The output connector has also been moved to behind the glove box. Other upgrades include an auxiliary fuse box, a heavy-duty alternator and dual heavy-duty batteries among others.
For improved connectivity, the vans have been upgraded to use the SYNC 3 which greatly improves connectivity in the cabin. This system features enhanced voice recognition, Siri seamless integration and a Capacitive Touch Screen which features swipe capability. In addition to the SYNC3, the vans also feature an array of other technologies including MyKey which promotes safe driving by keeping various safety features activated as well as limit top speed and volume of the sound system.
The models are also equipped with a rearview camera as standard. This camera is paired with a trailer hitch assist which transmits images of the rear to the multifunction display on the dash. Using multicolored guidelines, a driver is able to line up the trailer hitch with the receiver. Other technologies offered include lane-keep assist with a driver-alert feature. In addition, the vehicles feature Ford Telematics which assist companies to track their Ford fleet with real-time routing and maintenance information.
For safety, the vans have been hooked up with an AdvanceTrac system with roll stability control, front airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags, tire-pressure monitoring system, side-curtain airbags and a trailer-sway control system.
Engine and performance
The 2017 lineup of Ford Transit models will be powered by three different engines. The first engine is a 3.7 L, DOHC V-6 engine which is capable of producing 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The second engine is the 3.5 L V-6, DOHC which is rated at 310 horses and 400 lb-ft of torque. There will also be a diesel drive-train. This engine is a 2.0 L which can generate 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
All the three engines will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system which will send power to the rear wheels. Ford is yet to reveal details on the Transit EPA ratings and other performance features of the engine. However, we expect the model to feature improved fuel economy.
Price and release date
Ford will announce pricing details of the Ford 2017 Transit the models near their on-sale date in September. According to rumors, the base models will have a starting price of around $ 30,000 while the most expensive configuration will see one spend almost $ 50,000. The automaker began taking online orders in early April so make haste and reserve your transit today.
Competition
The 2017 Ford Transit will face stiff competition from the Ram ProMaster City, GMC Savana, Chevrolet Express and the Nissan NV200. However, the Transit practicability and the availability of different configurations will give the automaker an added advantage in the market.
