Chicago Auto Show: 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

by Alex L. Dykes

February 8th, 2013 10:50 AM

chicago auto show 2014 ford transit connect wagon

If you were an early adopter of Ford’s compact cargo hauler, news of the 2014 Transit Connect may upset you. Rather than letting the old baby-Transit languish in America like Ford did once upon a time with thee Focus, the new Euro van is coming to America later this year. With new engines, new transmissions and a corporate grille, should you put your purchase on hold?

In a word: yes. The new Transit Connect isn’t just more stylish than its predecessor, it comes with a host of improvements for people and cargo hauling alike. Payload remains somewhat low at 1,600lbs but cargo room is up thanks to an extended wheelbase model. Ford is even tossing in their 6.5 inch version of MyFord Touch.

If people carrying is your goal, that extended model will now haul 7 passengers and Ford improved interior parts quality. While the last Transit connect was slathered in hard Euro plastics, the 2014 model borrows from Ford’s Focus, Escape and Fiesta parts bins. The result is a mini-van that looks like one of the family and finally doesn’t have any painted metal showing on the inside.

Under the hood Ford is using a naturally aspirated 2.5L four cylinder or a force-fed 1.6L four borrowed from the Escape and Fusion. Assuming the 1.6L doesn’t get recalled, the boosted four’s broad torque range coupled with Ford’s 6-speed automatic should improve the Connect’s performance on the road. Ford is claiming the combo will also be good for 30MPG on the highway which is impressive for a commercial vehicle, as long as they can meet their claim.

#2014FordTransitConnect #AlexL.Dykes #ChicagoAutoShow #Ford #FordTransitConnect #TransitConnect

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High-brid on Feb 08, 2013

Is it just impossible these days to have a vehicle with a horizontal belt line? These things always look off-kilter, rather than rakish, which is the apparent intent.

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- Dolorean on Feb 09, 2013
  
  Actually I'm chuffed that Ford left the amazing Greenhouse alone for once, not chop-shoping the windows to gun slits in a tall bunker.
  
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Tifighter on Feb 08, 2013

Thanks Alex for the pics and info. This one is the shorter wheelbase model; only 174 inches long. The LWB/7 seat model is 190 inches long; I'd prefer the shorter one but am guessing the my 76" long mountain bike will need the longer version. Still about a foot shorter versus a minivan. In any case, the TC is way high up on the shopping list.

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