2010 Ford Transit Connect – The NY Cab of Tomorrow
Remember the glory days of Ford’s Econoline Van? You know, the one painters/welders/glass repairmen/child abductors use? It now seems, at least in Greater New York, Ford’s Transit Connect may become the new working class van. But can the smaller, European styling ride with 22/25 MPG and a load capacity of 1600 lbs compete against other work vehicles from GMC and even Ford’s Crown Victoria taxis?
In comparison to other utility autos the 2010 Transit Connect is a small wonder – measuring only 167 inches you wouldn’t think the an would be a great pick for commuter transport or delivery service. But Ford is staking a big claim on their Transit, with hopes that The Big Apple can be a solid testing ground for the vehicle, as it is up to use as construction automobiles as well as taxi cabs.
Transit Connect isn’t the most powerful thing on four wheels, nor the fastest. With a 136 horse power engine with 128 ft-lb of torque you won’t win any late night drag races out on Long Island. But you don’t need speed when it comes to a work van – or do you? Breakaway speed is sometimes essential while tooling around Midtown during rush hour. Transit Connect does feature solid steering, brakes (a must have) and a decent turning radius of 39 ft.
Ford’s Fiesta, the other great European Ford coming stateside, won’t be on sale until sometime next year – but FoMoCo is going ahead with sales of 2010’s Transit Connect this summer. You’ll be set back $21,475, but you can probably write it off as a business expense if you’re going to strap ladders and repair equipment in the rear. As for the NYC Cab connect we can’t wait to see if the Transit Connect makes a hit as a possible future Yellow Cab for New York City.
Pictures Courtesy of Ford & Jalopnik
I’d rather just have the full size body on frame rear wheel drive Econoline van thank you very much. If Ford plans on killing the Econoline van (now known as E-Series) I’ll just go out and buy a GM full size van instead.