Experiencing the Ford Transit

Launched in 2013, the latest (fourth) generation Ford Transit is already seven years old but still very young by the nameplate’s standard as it has averaged 17 years in between full model changes with the longest being 21 years (between the first and second generations).

It has implemented the high-ceiling version since the second generation in 1986 but features like air-conditioning, electric windows, central locking, electric mirrors and airbags were still optional.

The first time Ford moved the gear shifter to the dashboard was in the facelift of the third-generation model in 2006. A year after, it won International Van of the Year.

The Detroit automaker calls it a van but it can be classified as a minibus locally. The Transit is huge even by Ford standards. It is 5,981mm in long, 2,059mm in wide, and 2,517mm in tall, plus it comes with wheelbase of 3,750mm.

First thing that’s noticeable is the very high roof that won’t fit into several parking garages and drive-through lanes I know of.

It doesn’t come with the typical “forward control” layout where the driver and front passenger are ahead of the engine. It comes with a bonnet where engine is located in front order to keep the heat away from the cabin while also giving the front row passengers (including the driver) more crash space for a higher level of safety and protection.

Pop the sliding door open and the power side step automatically deploys for easier ingress. If you still need assistance stepping up into the high-ceiling cabin, grip the long yellow side grab handles to pull yourself in.

There is more than ample legroom not only for the driver but also for the front passenger. Having a power adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seat would have been ideal but the spaciousness around the front area more than makes up for the manually adjustable seats. The steering column is also manually adjustable for both reach and height. 

The infotainment system, which is plain and only has a slim monitor, an AM and FM radio, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, and sends music to six speakers looks like a throwback from the EcoSport circa 2012.

It uses multi-reflector halogen headlamps with daytime running lamps, front fog lamps, power-adjust side mirrors with power-fold function, high mounted stop lamp, and intermittent variable front wipers and rear wipers with washer.

One of the major benefits of having this much space is the ability to have plenty of storage space and in the Transit there are 21, not counting the 12 bottle holders (six in front and six in the rear). Even the glovebox is large and can accommodate several A4-sized folders. It also has a 12V auxiliary power point sockets (two in front and one in the rear).

Seats are covered in fabric, the steering wheel is of urethane material to immediately signal the model’s utilitarian purpose but the latter does have audio controls to manage the infotainment system.

The gearshift knob is placed on the dashboard to free up more space in the center console and also to make it easier to reach even for drivers of let’s say, with shorter arms.

Its new chassis feels stiffer than the previous generation model and therefore shows very little body roll. Ford did well in enhancing the ride comfort in order to further its claim as a people mover in the Philippines.

Steering has been improved as well which makes this large vehicle much easier to maneuver, even in tight spaces and heavy traffic on Metro Manila roads.

Even with a curb weight of almost two tons, the Transit moves easily and doesn’t feel too encumbered even with only 133hp. This is thanks to a copious amount of torque at 385Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Safety and security features include driver- and front-passenger airbags with a passenger airbag deactivation switch, front three-point seatbelt with load limited and pretensioner, rear three-point seatbelt on all twelve seats, driver seatbelt reminder, anti-lock braking system with electronic stability program, fading brake support, emergency brake warning, hill launch assist, tire pressure sensors, front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, Isofix child seat fixing points, trip computer, two emergency hammers, and a perimeter anti-theft alarm.

The Ford Transit is priced at P2.3 million and comes with a five-year maintenance service schedule.

Engine photo from Ford Philippines, others from Kap Maceda Aguila