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The Ford Transit is an iconic vehicle, ruling the roads and serving with distinction as one of the most popular vans in the world. Dubbed the ‘jack-of-all-trades’, you can find transit vans everywhere, from construction sites to family vacations.
Transit vans have been providing reliable service for over fifty years. In this article, we’ll explore what makes them so special, detailing everything you need to know, including their history, defining characteristics and models on offer. We’ll also provide some tips to help you select the most suitable Transit model based on your needs. So, what is a transit van?
Table Of Contents
What Is A Ford Transit Van
Ford Transit is a name of a supercategory of the multiple van series Ford has been producing since the mid-60s. Their common virtues are an expansive interior layout and dependable driving performance, so it’s no wonder why these vehicles are still so widely sought after today.
Ford Transit vans come in many models that accommodate different load capacities and different types of transport, with the option of having them filled with seats built for additional passengers. You can either opt for a Ford Transit LWB hire or rent one of the shorter vehicles.
A Quick History Overview
Ford’s Cologne subsidiary, Taunus, was the birthplace of the original Transit badge in 1953. After 8 years, this groundbreaking vehicle went from being called the FK-1000 to Ford Taunus Transit.
The vehicle named Ford Transit first took to the streets in 1965, revolutionising commercial transportation. Boasting a 20-year production run and groundbreaking ‘one box’ design, it set the standard for modern transit vehicles with its fully independent front suspension system.
The 2000 Ford Transit was an exciting upgrade from the previous generation, bringing with it front and rear-wheel drive train options and a range of new gasoline and diesel engines to choose from. It featured modern design updates as well as enhanced performance features for drivers looking for added power outputs.
Ford Transit Models
With four Ford Transit types available, find out which one is best suited for you.
Ford Transit
The largest model of the Transit range, the Ford Transit 350 is known for its exceptional handling and driving comfort that make it the best standard panel van on the market.
Since it’s available as a chassis cab, you can modify the new Transit into a Luton, dropside or a tipper with ease. Depending on your budget or need, you can choose between three different load lengths, two roof heights and three trims. The Ford Transit 350 has three trim levels:
- Trend
- Leader
- Limited
For those seeking more specialised performance, Active, Sport and Trail models offer enhanced features to optimise your experience.
The Limited and Trend models have everything you could want in a car, including cruise control, touchscreen and parking sensors. The Leader also comes close with just one or two advanced features missing. Transits feature EcoBlue 2.0 litre TDCI gasoline engines, which offer excellent power outputs whilst being eco-friendly.
Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom is a great choice for those needing extra load space without compromising comfort. Its versatility stands out in its two versions, the double cab van with five seats and the Kombi with nine.
The same 2.0-litre engine is present in the Ford Transit Custom, and the options of buying it with a manual or automatic gearbox and different trim make it a really customisable vehicle.
The Ford Transit Custom gives you increased loading possibilities with a choice of either the space-saving Short Roof or High Roof, measuring 2.02 and 2.39 metres, respectively.
Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect is a midway solution between the bigger Custom and the smallest Courier. It offers an impressive load space to tackle any job efficiently while remaining compact for tight city streets. Choose between 3 trims based on your preferences, each one packed with helpful features, such as parking sensors and automatic headlights.
The Limited version of the Transit offers an ECO mode feature to maximise fuel efficiency.
Ford Transit Courier
The Ford Transit Courier is the most petite and straightforward of all Transit vans, perfect for when space matters. You can choose between the commercial vehicle or the Kombi version, which seats up to five people.
Tip: For extra carrying space, you can fold the passenger seat.
Which Model Is The Best For You?
When it comes to which model is the best for you, it depends on what you need it for.
The Transit Courier and Transit Connect are excellent choices for families needing to transport a bit more than what a typical car can carry. Looking to haul something extra-long? No problem; the versatile Courier can accommodate items up to two metres long.
The Ford Transit Custom and regular Transit are your best bet for transporting a large family or cargo. If your cargo transport demands are smaller, you’re better off looking for a smaller vehicle like the caddy van.
Why Are Ford Transit Vans So Popular?
Ford Transit Vans are so popular because they provide reliable performance and ample cargo space at an accessible price point. Even their entry-level models boast impressive fuel economy, sturdiness and power windows. Higher-end versions add in even more luxuries like voice control and touchscreen panels without drastically increasing the overall cost compared to rival vehicles.
The load length of each of the Transit models is what makes them the top choice of companies and private owners. Offering unbeatable load space and capacity at an affordable price point, it’s no surprise why these models are often drivers’ go-to choice.
Hire a Transit van from SDVH’s diverse fleet today and seamlessly transport cargo across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Transit Type Van?
A Transit type van is a vehicle that is popular for its use in transporting goods. Ford revolutionised the passenger and delivery vehicle space in 1965 when it unveiled its iconic first line of Transits. Today, this legendary design continues to evolve with four unique models, from compact vans perfect for small businesses to larger vehicles ideal for transporting large cargo and passengers.
What Is The Difference Between A Cargo Van And A Transit Van?
The difference between a cargo van and a Transit van is that a cargo van is any larger van meant for carrying cargo, but ‘Transit’ refers to Ford models. Drivers requiring ample cargo space for transportation needs will enjoy the increased payload capacity of a traditional cargo van. On the other hand, a Ford Transit van may work for cargo or passenger transportation, depending on the model.
What Is The Most Popular Type Of Vans?
The most popular types of vans are the semi-large cargo vans like the Ford Transit Custom, which utilise slightly smaller dimensions than a full-sized van making them more convenient to drive and use on a daily basis. The Mercedes Sprinter also fits this description, depending on what model you choose.
How Many Types Of Transit Vans Are There?
There are four types of transit vans when it comes to Ford. The four models are the Ford Transit, Ford Transit Custom, Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit Courier. The regular Transit, also known as the Transit 350, is the biggest, and the Transit Courier is the smallest Transit model.
What Weight Is A Transit Van?
What weight is a Transit van depends on the model. The Ford Transit 350 is the heaviest weighing from 2.15 (4800 lbs) to 2.25 tonnes (5000 lbs). On the other hand, Ford Transit Courier vans are the lightest. For example, the Courier 1.5 TDCI 100HP weighs 1.3 tonnes (2900 lbs).
Conclusion
Conclusion
What is a Transit van? It’s the Ford series of vans that started all the way back in the mid-twentieth century and is now split into four different models. Those vans are among the most popular ones worldwide. The four models of the Ford Transit are very customisable, so make sure to check all of the options before purchasing the van.
