Can a Transit Connect be sporty?

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In the last few days we've seen a battery-powered Ford Transit Connect from Smith Electric and a hybrid version from Connaught Engineering. But do white bonnet stripes belong on a delivery van? Ford certainly thinks so (again), and is debuting the Transit Connect Sportvan today at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham in the UK. The latest version of the long-running Transit van will go on sale in September with a 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 110 PS engine that delivers 250 Nm of torque. The exhaust has an optional c-DPF (coated Diesel Particulate Filter) that is compliant with Euro Stage IV regulations and, under normal driving situations, is maintenance-free. Exterior sportiness is generated by the colored bumpers, bright chrome grille and a roof spoiler, among other enhancements fully described by Ford's crack PR team after the jump.

Press Release:

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT SPORTVAN DEBUTS AT CV SHOW

* Stylish new Transit Connect SportVan is now a production reality
* Available in Performance Blue with white bonnet stripes
* Powered by the acclaimed 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 110 PS engine
* On sale from September 2008
* Prices announced nearer the on sale date

Birmingham, 15 April, 2008 – The new Ford Transit Connect SportVan production model makes its global debut today at the Commercial Vehicle Show, at the NEC, Birmingham.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "The reaction to the Connect Sport concept shown at last year's Show, left us in no doubt that there is a demand for a production version. Just 300 models will be available when they go on sale this summer and we anticipate the same interest as we got for its big brother Transit SportVan.

"Transit Connect SportVan is all about style. Our customers want to stand out from the crowd in a vehicle that keeps their business moving," he added.

The Transit Connect Sport has an array of additional exterior and interior styling features over and above the established Transit Connect, including: full body coloured bumpers, a bright chrome grille and side skirts, front and rear sports skid plates, body coloured roof spoiler, silver door mirror housings and exhaust finisher complete the look. Wheel arch liners and bodyside mouldings offer protection from minor knocks and dirt accumulation.

Exterior colour is Performance Blue with bold Ford GT-style white stripes and 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels complete the sporty exterior styling features.

Inside is just as sporty with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, a silver surround to the centre stack and Transit Tourneo-style air vents. High quality leather seats with eight-way seat adjustment, ABS with anti-spin, traction control and park distance control, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and a side loading door. High levels of audio equipment are included; a six-CD changer, Bluetooth® and remote stalk operation. A full bulkhead prevents any cargo movement and is partly glazed.

Like all Transit Connect models the cabin is ergonomically and practically designed, with overhead full width storage and an overhead centre console. Recognising the high security needed for goods often carried in the Transit Connect, the vehicle is equipped with a full bulkhead, remote double locking and a perimeter alarm as standard features.

The provision of a rear floor mat helps retain the high level of finish to the floor and is designed to prevent any cargo from slipping. In terms of safety, front and side airbags are standard Front fog lamps are also standard as is the heated windscreen with Ford's Quickclear technology.

Equipped to provide performance and efficiency
The Transit Connect Sport is based on the SWB 220 van and is fitted with the acclaimed 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. Delivering 110 PS, this engine is the most powerful of the three available to Transit Connect customers, delivering
250 Nm of torque.

The Transit Connect range is now available with c-DPF (coated Diesel Particulate Filter.) It is available as an option on two of the three power outputs of the 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi – the 110 PS and 90 PS. Compliant with Euro Stage IV regulations, the c-DPF is of a design that re-generates itself. If normal driving conditions are attained, there is no need for special servicing or individual attention to be given to the c-DPF.

[Source: Ford]