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MUNICH, Germany – Facing stiffer new emissions rules and new entries in the light-commercial-vehicle market from its competitors, Ford Europe revamps its Transit lineup.
The new models, which will come to market before the end of the year, will be powered by the 2.2L Duratorq turbodiesel engine produced in Dagenham, U.K., and in Inonu, Turkey, by the Ford Otosan joint venture between Ford and industrial conglomerate Koc.
The new Duratorq replaces existing 2.2L and 2.4L engines and will come in 100-, 125-, 140- and 155-hp versions. Torque ranges 229-284 lb.-ft. (310-385-Nm).
The engine meets Euro 5 standards aimed mainly at reducing carbon-dioxide emissions by diesel powerplants.
The ’12 Transit comes with front- or rear-wheel-drive, as well as a 4X4 version. Those equipped with the 155-hp Duratorq engine will be offered only with RWD, however.
FWD versions have a new 6-speed transmission derived from the one used in Ford’s Mondeo passenger cars.
The RWD models will use the existing MT86 6-speed gearbox modified to accommodate the new Duratorq engine.
Technical upgrades to the’12 Transit include increased cooling capacity in the exhaust-gas-recirculation system, higher-capacity oil pump, variable-capacity pump for assisted hydraulic steering and a regenerative battery-charging system. The anticorrosion body warranty has been extended to 12 years from the current eight.
Ford will offer in the ’12 Transit an ECO Pack that includes a start/stop system and restricts top speeds to 168 mph (110 km/h).
The auto maker estimates the ECO Pack can reduce fuel consumption up to 4%.
The new Transit comes in six basic versions: Van, Kombi, Tourneo, bus, single-cab and double-cab, and with four different wheelbases.
