Ford reveals new Transits with AdBlue engines and automatic gearbox

The advanced all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, powering the latest Transit and Transit Custom vans, took centre stage at the recent 2016 IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show. The Ford EcoBlue engine claims an increase in fuel efficiency by up to 13 percent compared with the outgoing 2.2-litre TDCi engine, with CO₂ emissions from 157g/km, and delivers significant improvements in low-rpm torque for enhanced driveability.

Hannover also marked the show debut for the new six-speed automatic transmission variant of the Transit and Transit Custom. Ford also revealed an enhanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system and the new SYNC 3 communications system on Transit.

Bernhard Mattes, Chairman, Ford of Germany, said, “Ford’s EcoBlue engine is a real diesel game changer, combining reduced cost of ownership with outstanding performance and cleaner emissions.”

Cheaper to run, better to drive

Available now in the latest Transit and Transit Custom models, the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue engine is offered in 104bhp, 128bhp and 168bhp power ratings, each of which offers increased power and torque compared with the outgoing 2.2-litre engine. Improved low-end pulling power, with 20 percent more torque at 1,250rpm, delivers more flexible and responsive performance in everyday driving. Transit van models equipped with optional Auto-Start-Stop achieve CO₂ emissions from 174g/km and average fuel consumption from 42.8mpg – a 10 percent reduction over the equivalent outgoing model.

Transit Custom vehicles fitted with optional Auto-Start-Stop deliver CO₂ emissions from 157g/km with average fuel consumption from 46.3mpg – a 13 percent down from the equivalent outgoing model.

Ford’s Hannover stand reflected the huge variety of Transit and Transit Custom models available with the EcoBlue engine, including a comprehensive offering of specialised body options and conversions ranging from tippers and refrigerated vans to minibuses and emergency vehicles.

Smooth-shifting six-speed automatic

Transit front-wheel drive and Transit Custom customers who require improved comfort and convenience in urban driving will be able to choose a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission in place of the standard manual gearbox, for delivery in early 2017. The new transmission can be specified in combination with the 128bhp and 168bhp versions of the Ford EcoBlue engine, and Auto-Start-Stop is standard on all variants.

The electronically-controlled transmission delivers smooth and quick gear changes – with typical shift times of less than 0.5 seconds – and the SelectShift facility provides the option of manual shifting for enhanced control using a switch mounted on the side of the gear lever. The Auto-Start-Stop feature has been carefully tuned to suit the needs of commercial vehicle customers, with an on-demand electric pump to maintain transmission pressure so that the driver can pull away quickly as soon as the engine has restarted.

Transit intelligent AWD – lighter and more capable

Ford’s intelligent AWD system for the Transit model has been re-engineered to deliver improved capabilities in combination with the all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine.

The new fourth generation Transit AWD system features an enhanced driveline design that combines the front differential and AWD coupling into a single, compact unit. This revised design reduces weight by 10kg, and allows the driveline to be packaged more efficiently around the layout of the EcoBlue engine.

Ford engineers have also further optimised the calibration of the Electronic Stability Control and AWD control systems to provide improved traction and stability in all driving conditions.

Transit AWD models can be specified with the 128bhp and 168bhp Ford EcoBlue engines, which deliver improved fuel efficiency with CO₂ emissions from 224g/km and average fuel consumption from 32.8mpg – an 11 percent improvement compared with the outgoing model.

The AWD driveline option is available on a broad range of Transit van and chassis cab bodystyles. The AWD models are available to order at the end of the year for delivery in 2017.

SYNC 3 communications

Ford’s latest Transit, Transit Connect and Ranger models can now be specified with the new SYNC 3 communications system, which allows drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, navigation, and climate functions (where fitted) with more conversational voice commands.

Simply by pushing a button and saying, “I need fuel”, “I need a coffee”, or “find an address”, drivers can locate nearby fuel stations, cafés, or the location of their next job. The system then guides the

Designed to complement modern smartphones, SYNC 3 provides a powerful set of features for customers who use their vehicles as mobile offices, including phone calls using simple voice commands, audible text messages, and full compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions.

Using the integrated AppLink feature, customers can voice or touch control a wide range of popular apps from a connected Android or iOS smartphone, enabling them to access the latest weather forecast, music services or local parking information.

Here's when Ford first announced details of the new engines.

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