The Transit is an M-segment, light commercial vehicle (LCV) primarily sold as a cargo van. Ford has also built it as a pickup truck, minibus cutaway van chassis, minibus, and a passenger van (marketed as Ford Tourneo since 1995). Before unveiling the first generation in 1965, Ford had already produced the Transit (badged as Taunus Transit) from 1953 through 1965 in Ford's plant in Cologne, Germany. Since then, the Transit has been around for four generations and has sold over eight million units.
Interesting trivia: The Transit is the third best-selling van of all time.
First Generation (1965-1986)
The first generation Transit was a three and 4-door van based on the FR layout. Ford sold the first units in the UK, Belgium, and Korea, and only made it available for Australian buyers in 1973. The model produced between 1973 and 1980 (the base model) came with a 4,089cc 4.1 litre 6-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a 3-speed automatic or manual transmission and attained peak outputs of 87 kW and 272 N.m.
Second Generation (1986-2003)
The second generation premiered in January 1986, featuring a different design (the one-box design). It later received a facelift in 1994. Ford reintroduced the Transit after a 13-year absence in the Australian marketplace. The car featured a 2,500cc 2.0l DOHC 8-valve engine, which had a maximum output of 59 kW and 168 N.m and powered the drive wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission.
In 1996, Ford introduced the Low and Mid Long Wheel Base (LWB) and Short Wheel Base (SWB) trim models. Also, the engine capacities were improved and now faster. The Mid LWB and SWB were available with a 2,496cc 2.5L diesel engine that produced a maximum power of 74 kW and torque of 220 N.m. You'd get one with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
The Low SWB trim model came with a 1,998 cc 2.0L petrol engine that produced a power of 83 kW and 200 N.m torque (also introduced to the base model). Another option would be a less powerful 2,496 2.5L diesel engine that pushed 74 kW and a torque of 220 N.m through a 5-speed manual transmission. In 1999, a new 12-seat people mover entered the market using a 2.5L diesel and 2.0L petrol engines, which sent power to the drive wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.
Third Generation (2000-2014)
In 2001, Ford introduced new petrol engines - 2,402cc 2.4L (66 kW, 200N.m) and the 2,295cc 2.3L (130 kW, 200 N.m) - both paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. In 2005, the Jumbo LWB High Roof variant joined the other models. It came with a 2,402cc 2.4L diesel engine (92 kW, 285 N.m) and 5-speed manual transmission. In 2006, the Extended Frame model fitted with a 2,402cc 2.4L (103kW, 375 N.m) diesel engine was introduced. Other notable changes included a 6-speed manual transmission (used in the Extended Frame, Mid MWB and LWB, Low SWB, High LWB, and the base model).
In 2009, the Low SWB and MWB models were fitted with a 2,198cc 2.22L diesel engine that produced 81 KW in power and a 285 N.m torque. The Econetic Low SWB, introduced in 2012, used the same engine as the 2009 Low SWB, but this time, it produced 85 kW and 300 N.m.
Fourth Generation (2013-present)
2018 saw the introduction of a 1.995cc 2.0L diesel engine that reached a peak output of 125 kW and a torque of 405 N.m. Some of the features you find in the newer models include an automatic stop-and-start function, Bluetooth connectivity, dynamic stability control, ECO mode feature, power mirrors, and tinted windows, among others.
-Eric Anyega