Top Motorist

2017 Ford Transit - Review

Ian Harwood

That high roof is an unusual look for a van, or is it?

Driving down the road, you see quite a variety of work vehicles, Cube van’s, Flat decks, Service trucks, and pickups to name but a few. The days of the traditional van have gone except for a few that have seen more than a little action in its life. Consumers looking for a work van want more headroom in the back to carry out products to the job site or perhaps use as a portable office or shop. Enter the European vans that to us in North America look different. The Sprinter van is a classic example.

It started with a few driving the streets and now the template for other vans to inspire to be. The 2017 Ford Transit is relatively new to us but has been around for many years in Europe, a success there and very possibly on its way to becoming a huge success here.

The looks scream European, but it fits right at home here in Canada. The headlights and front grille look just like most Ford products, and in fact, I found myself doing a double take when I first came across one.

In the cab, I found plenty of room and could see myself working in this all day, jumping out to make deliveries and working very comfortably. The Transit Van is available in three body lengths, 320 cm (126”), 363 cm (143.7”), 436 cm (172.2”), and three roof heights 211 (83.2”), 255 cm (100.7”), and 279 cm (110”).

There is an available Crew Chief option that helps you track your fleet. A GPS enabled black box is mounted in the vehicle and records detail information like location, speed, and fuel economy. It can also tell if the driver seat belt is in use.

Power:

The available engines are 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 with 275 hp, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 310 hp and a 3.2L I5 Diesel with 185 hp all mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission

Safety:

A work van should be just as safe as a cubical when it comes to being a part of the workday. The Transit van offers driver and passenger airbags, side curtain and front thorax side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and 3-point seat belts. If the SYNC option is chosen a distress call is made for you when the airbag goes off.

Roadworthy:

The power rack and pinion steering set up helps this van drive like a dream. Turning is very easy, and backing into loading bays is a piece of cake. The optional backup camera helps to dial in the proximity of the rear bumper and a wall. I thought a van of this height would be more problematic on the highway with the crosswinds but a trip across the Port Mann being passed by a large semi I felt very comfortable. It is very much like driving a minivan. I highly recommend a test drive.

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