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Looking to hire or buy a van? The Ford Transit is one of the most popular options due to its reliability. But do you know that there are various Ford Transit van types? No matter if you’re looking for a double-cab-in van or a classic panel van with great payload capacity to carry items, the Ford Transit lineup is there to suit all your transport needs.
So before you decide on your hire, we’ll help you differentiate between the various Ford Transit types and their common uses. We’ll also cover the origin of this van and how it has evolved over the years.
Table Of Contents
Different Types Of Ford Transit Vans
The Ford Transit van is available in four main options that can be customised as either a passenger van or a cargo van. Every type is a high-quality vehicle that comes with its pros and cons.
Ford Transit 350
The Transit 350 stands out among other commercial vehicles. It comes as a chassis cab and is available in multiple configurations. The van has high payload capabilities, making it suitable for transporting large amounts of goods. The wheelbase comes in three sizes: small, medium and long, and you can choose between two rooflines.
You have Trend, Leader, and Limited trim levels available for this van. The Transit 350 features a range of advanced technological features that enhance driver comfort and vehicle safety across the trim levels. Its overall versatility makes this a great van choice for various jobs.
Fun Fact: The Ford Transit van is one of the top 15 most stolen vans in the UK, but this is mostly due to it being one of the most popular vans in the country.
Ford Transit Courier
The most compact member of the Ford Transit family, this van is ideal for navigating congested city streets. Its small size allows for easy handling and manoeuvrability, which makes it well-suited for urban delivery and small businesses.
But don’t let the size fool you; the Transit Courier offers impressive cargo capacity with a volume of 570 L. It can accommodate various types of cargo, from packages to tools and supplies. The engine also provides a balance of performance and fuel economy. You can choose between the commercial or Kombi body style, where you can fit up to five people.
Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom is a big vehicle with a spacious cargo area to fit large boxes and bulky items. As a double cab, Transit Custom offers five seats, while you can expect nine seats in a Kombi version. When it comes to engine options, the van boasts a 2.0-litre engine.
There are also four different trim offers and choices of manual and automatic transmissions in this van. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for a wide range of commercial applications. The Transit Custom van has held the title of the best-selling van in the UK for two consecutive years.
To help you become a van pro, we prepared a guide about other van types as well, so make sure to check it out.
Ford Transit Connect
Next in the lineup is the Ford Transit Connect, the perfect balance between the spacious Custom and compact Courier. It provides more cargo space but remains manoeuvrable enough to drive through crowded areas. As with the other types, you have the option of a cargo or crew van with the Transit Connect.
The Transit Connect prioritises safety with a range of advanced features and driver assistance technologies. Overall, it’s a vehicle that offers a compelling combination of versatility, efficiency and comfort.
Ford Transit Connect is set to get a PHEV drive option in 2024.
The Origin & Evolution Of The Ford Transit
The Ford Transit has come a long way from when it was introduced many decades ago. There are four basic generations of this vehicle, with each one undergoing at least one major facelift. Here is a brief overview of each generation:
- First Generation (1965) – First Transit was introduced in 1965 in Europe as a successor to the Ford Thames vehicles. It featured a high roof, which automatically allowed for impressive load space. The van was designed to meet the growing demand for a modern, efficient, and versatile commercial vehicle and quickly gained popularity across the continent.
- Second Generation (1986) – This generation represented a significant evolution in design. The van featured a more modern and streamlined exterior design, with a sleek windscreen that matched the bonnet’s angle and a boxy design. Ford also focused on improving driver and passenger comfort.
- Third Generation (2000) – The third generation introduced an iconic Duratorq turbo diesel engine, delivering improved performance. These vans were coupled with more sophisticated systems and included the option for automatic transmission vehicles. The range of body styles expanded to include multiple wheelbase options, high-roof variants, and extended cargo vans. This generation of the Ford Transit was so impressive that it won the International Van of the Year 2001 award.
- Fourth Generation (2014) – The boxy shape of the vehicle was further refined with smoother lines and aerodynamic styling. This van also introduced swept-back headlamps. The fourth generation also features a range of advanced technology features to enhance convenience, connectivity and safety.
While knowing about history can help you know what to expect from your van, there’s a lot more to consider, such as how much you can tow with a van. Make sure to check out our van size guide for an insight into the dimensions and capacity of various vans.
Technology And Safety Features In The Ford Transit
The Transit is set to receive an upgrade, with many notable features coming to the 2024 iteration of the van. Here are the most notable features of the current vehicle:
- Parking sensors – These sensors are strategically placed around the van’s exterior to detect objects, vehicles or obstacles in close proximity. They will provide you with an additional layer of safety and peace of mind when driving.
- Pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking – Utilising radar and camera technology, this system can detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians ahead of time and automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid accidents.
- Rear-view camera – This camera provides drivers with a clear view of the area behind the van when reversing. You’ll find it particularly useful in crowded parking lots, narrow streets and tight spaces where visibility might be limited.
- Lane-keeping system – A useful feature that prevents unintentional drifting out of the lane by alerting the driver and gently steering the vehicle back into its lane.
- Adaptive cruise control – This system maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting the van’s speed to keep a safe following distance in varying traffic conditions.
Common Uses Of Transit Vans
Due to the range of body styles it offers, the Transit can be used for various tasks.
Commercial Uses
As a commercial vehicle, Transits serve the following purposes:
- Delivery services – They are popular choices for delivery companies due to their spacious cargo area.
- Trades – Contractors and tradespeople often use Transit vans to transport tools and equipment to job sites.
- Shuttle services – Transit vans are frequently used for shuttle and transportation services, such as airport shuttles, hotel shuttles and employee transportation for companies.
Check out our blog post on panel vans to learn what to look for when hiring a Ford Transit panel van or any other type of panel van.
Personal Uses
Here are the most common use cases of the Transit among individuals.
- Family transportation – Large families may choose a Transit for its spacious interior and seating capacity.
- Outdoor adventures – These vans are popular among outdoor enthusiasts. They can carry gear and provide a comfortable sleeping space for overnight trips.
- Moving and hauling – Individuals and families moving to a new home often rent a Transit van for transporting furniture, boxes and other belongings.
If you’re looking for van hire services that will provide you with a new Transit to conquer Britain’s roads, contact SDVH today for our Ford Transit van hire deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Types Of Transit Vans Are There?
There are four main types of Transit vans, which are the Ford Transit 350, Ford Transit Custom, Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit Courier. Ford Transit models offer different body styles, such as a double cab or a Kombi van. You can also get these vans in four trim levels with diverse features.
Why Is The Ford Transit So Popular?
The Ford Transit is so popular because it is versatile and reliable at a reasonable cost. Ford Transits have a lot of different configurations, which results in greater efficiency. You can choose from three wheelbase lengths and different roof heights. There are all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive options available to suit every driver’s needs.
Is The Ford Transit Van Fuel Efficient?
Yes, the Ford Transit van is fuel efficient. There are advanced hybrid and diesel engines available in the Ford Transit range for maximum efficiency. You have three body lengths to choose from, which can also impact the fuel economy. The biggest van is likely to be less fuel-efficient than the compact one. Ford Transit has made efforts to improve fuel efficiency by offering options like the ECO mode feature.
What’s The Difference Between The Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit 350?
The main difference between the Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit 350 is the body type and intended purpose. The Ford Transit 350 comes as a chassis cab and can be customised with different trim levels. Ford Transit Connect offers a perfect balance between load space and manoeuvrability, making it an ideal choice for those who want to transport cargo in congested areas.
What Is The Best Ford Transit Van?
The Ford Transit Custom is the best Ford Transit van, especially if you have large cargo to transport. If you’re looking for a more compact vehicle, the Ford Transit Courier is your best bet. For those looking for a vehicle that strikes a perfect balance between Transit Custom and Transit Courier, make sure to check out the Transit Connect.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the main Ford Transit van types, you can hire the one that suits your needs. Versatile Ford Transit models can provide you with comfort and sufficient space for cargo. You also get to choose from four trim levels, so you’re guaranteed to find a range of features that align with your needs.
