All-new Ford Transit Courier on the way

The all-new Ford Transit Courier is on its way to Irish showrooms and will go on sale in March, with ordering now available.

Ford boasts its new Transit Courier will deliver enhanced productivity and connectivity for customers.

Entry-level pricing for Ireland is €18,573 including VAT (but plus delivery charge). That is for the ‘Leader’ model, 1.0 litre EcoBoost (petrol) 100PS, 6-speed manual.

The new Courier will be launched with petrol and diesel versions. And Ford adds that the Courier range will be completed by the electric E-Transit Courier model by this time next year, with order books opening later in 2024.

To maximise productivity, Ford says that the Transit Courier has been completely redesigned around a larger and more flexible cargo area that delivers 25 per cent more load volume than the outgoing model, offering space for two Euro pallets and increased payload.

The all-new Transit Courier is becoming available in a choice of four attractive series options: Leader, Trend, Limited and Active. The well-equipped Limited series includes desirable standard features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, 12 front parking sensors, 12 keyless start and a wireless device charging pad.

A bolder exterior design is said to make the Transit Courier a more desirable, eye-catching billboard for operators’ businesses.

Inside sees an all-new load area and cabin design. Ford points to its customer-led features to boost productivity and comfort while at work. A comprehensive array of driver assistance technologies has also made Transit Courier the first van to receive a platinum safety award from Euro NCAP, according to its most recent testing standards.

The all-new Transit Courier is fully integrated with Ford Pro’s platform of software and connected services to drive efficient operation, whether for owner-operators or large fleets – including uptime-boosting Ford Pro Software management tools and Ford Pro Service to reduce cost of ownership.

The Transit Courier’s significantly enhanced capabilities start with the space-efficient squared form, which helps deliver increased load capacity in all dimensions, while its short overhangs and SUV‑inspired design emphasise its toughness and capability.

Cargo length has been increased by 181 mm to 1,802 mm, and new rear suspension with angled shock absorbers increases the load width between the wheel-arches to 1,220 mm.

This means the compact van can now carry two Euro pallets. Total cargo volume is 2.9 m3, 25 per cent more than the outgoing model. But as always, remember that cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.

This can be further increased using the new load-through bulkhead which enables customers to carry items such as planks or pipe over 2,600 mm long.

Customers can now choose between a standard payload model, or a high payload version fitted with dual-rate springs to handle maximum gross payload of up to 854 kg – an increase of over 45 per cent compared with the outgoing model.

Maximum towing weight, which as always varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers is 1,100 kg for all variants, according to Ford.

All panel vans feature 180-degree opening rear cargo doors and six floor tie-down points as standard. Options such as LED loadspace lighting, rubber or wooden floor covers and half-height cargo stowage rails are available to operators if required for using the load area more efficiently.

Customers can also choose a double-cab-in-van body style to carry a work crew as well as their equipment. The double-cab-in-van features a three-seat second row with 60/40 split that can fold and tumble; with the rear seats up, there is space for a Euro pallet in the load area. Pop-out second row windows and glazed rear cargo doors are standard; full side glazing is optional.

For businesses requiring enhanced security for their vehicle and its contents, Ford Pro is partnering with vehicle security experts TVL to offer a range of convenient factory-fit lock packs, to provide improved protection against a range of threats.

The all-new Transit Courier introduces a 125 PS variant of Ford’s efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, offered alongside the 100 PS version of the same engine, which Ford says has been optimised to produce less CO2 and improve fuel efficiency in comparison to previous models.

The EcoBoost powertrain is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, or a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission to support customers who often drive in stop-start traffic. Ford boasts that the system’s twin gearsets enable smooth, fast gearshifts with no loss of torque to improve low-speed efficiency and the driving experience.

A 100 PS 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine will be available for customers with higher-mileage use cases. The engine is available on the Transit Courier van and double-cab-in-van models, and teamed with a six-speed manual transmission.

Taking advantage of the advanced features and enhanced capability offered by Ford’s latest compact vehicle platform, Transit Courier raises the standards within the segment with a Platinum NCAP-award-winning suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard fitment includes: Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, and Rear parking sensors.

Transit Courier’s high level of built-in technology is headlined by a “digiboard” instrument panel containing a digital instrument cluster and eight-inch centre touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 connectivity system.

Ford claims that subscription-based Connected Navigation can boost productivity and reduce driver workload with updates on traffic, parking and local hazards. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard.

For drivers who need regular access to their smartphone, a built-in dashboard phone mounting fin is standard on all Transit Courier vans. This removes the need for a vent or windscreen mount and keeps the phone in a safe but visible location.

New in-cab storage solutions keep the paperwork, devices and cables necessary for a day’s work organised.

The FordPass Pro mobile app is available to assist busy small business owners who manage their own vehicles. The complimentary smartphone app enables customers to remotely lock and unlock their van, check its location, track fuel spending, and receive health alerts for fluid levels, tyre pressures, oil life and brake condition to help prevent costly breakdowns.

Customers with five or more vehicles can also benefit from one year of complimentary access to the tailored features of Ford Pro Telematics. The system uses live data to help maximise productivity, including dashboards on vehicle location, health and servicing status.