Sourcing the best lease deal on your Ford Transit Van with tips from the van experts
The Ford Transit Van provides an array of specifications which are open to adjustments depending on the driver's needs. Various models across the Ford Transit range have different features - an important one being body styling which alters between the Transit Jumbo, MWB and SWB vans. You can expect all Transit vehicles to have the classic three-bar grille and plenty of room in the cabin but you can pick between short, medium or long wheelbases and rear, front, or all wheel drive depending on which Transit motor you have. Transits are manufactured with powertrain or drive train operating systems and different engine specifications, from the 2.3 Duratec to the 2.2 and 2.4 TDCi engines. You also have the choice of three roof heights with your commercial Transit van. Common specifications across all Ford Transit motors are a self-charging ignition key, a handy Hill Launch Assist (HLA) system and a unique Shift Indicator Light (SIL) which tells the motorist the best time to change gear in order to save fuel. Functional in-car features are integral to all Ford Transit commercial autos with generous stowage compartments, central locking, electric windows and a ICE 6000CD player for entertainment on the road.
The reliable Ford Transit Van has an outstanding safety record within the motoring industry thanks to a plethora of safety features across the Ford model catalogue. The unique Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) allows the engine to be disabled - this engages when the key is freed from ignition. For added security, shielded car locks are provided to prevent break-ins. Other locking systems in the Ford Transit Van range include lock-in-latch door systems, configurable locks and double locking as well as a key-operated bonnet release and a handy locking fuel cap. Slam locking makes it easy to instantly lock your cargo doors after the vehicle is locked via remote key fob. A perimeter alarm is also present to protect the Ford Transit vehicle which signals to the driver when the trailer has been taken off. Motorists love the reassurance that the safety features of the Ford Transit Van provide and the vehicle is made with a special structural integrity to convey energy of the collision safely away from passengers. A driver's airbag comes as standard with optional front passenger and side curtain airbags available.
In 1965 the Ford Motor Company started making the Ford Transit Van and set new standards in van, minibus and pickup truck manufacturing. More than 6 million Ford Transit Van units have been made and now it is not unusual to hear 'Transit Van' in relation to any commercial van. Although the FK 1000 was produced in Germany in 1953, it wasn't until 1965 that the UK Ford Transit Van was made. Three key platforms of Ford Transit vehicle have been produced since then, all having different 'Mark' numbers. The Mark 1 featured a long-wheelbase and was known as the 'Second Generation' version in Germany - this vehicle was available from between 1965 and 1978 and it enabled the Ford Transit to make a name as a popular commercial automobile. In March 1978, the Mark 2 Transit Van was released and had such features as a Pinto engine and a restructured nose. After this, the Mark 3 Transit motor was made from 1986 to 1991 with 1991 to 1994 witnessing the Mark 4 release - their "one-box" bodyshell was a distinctive upgrade. A new nose design and dashboard were introduced in the Mark 5 and the Mark 6 had front and rear wheel drive - the current Mark 7 was released in 2006 and has a dashboard gearstick.
You'll find a wide selection of Ford Transit Van styles, all meeting different safety, feature and performance needs. A real favourite is the Ford Transit Van Leader which incorporates a 260 SWB and a high power 2.2 TDCi (85 PS) engine. Efficiency is at the heart of the Ford Transit ECOnetic, offering Stage V emission standards with an intelligent 70mph hardwired speed limiter to cut back on fuel wastage. If you want a stylish commercial van with serious design credentials the Ford Transit Trend will tell the world what your business is about. Bodyside mouldings, colour-matched body colour grilles and crafted interior leather inserts along with conveniences like cruise control, Bluetooth and auto-headlights. With the Ford Transit Limited range you can expect high quality functionality, such as a convenient load area protection kit and air conditioning - additional features on the Transit Trend option. As an award-winning model, the Ford Transit SportVan is equipped with outstanding features and offers 18" alloys, rear lower spoilers and Kado velour trim interiors. But for a van above and beyond, try one of the four variations of the limited edition Ford Transit Sapphire created to mark 45 years of Transit van manufacturing.