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2010 Ford Transit Connect fills a void for small business owners by offering them a smaller, more fuel-efficient cargo van that features a surprisingly spacious cargo area along with a low load floor and high roof.
If you add the available and innovative Ford Work Solutions package, owners can run their businesses from inside the Transit Connect.
While the Transit Connect is new to the U.S. market, it's been selling in countries around the world since 2003.
Built in Turkey, the Transit Connect is rather peculiar looking.
But once you get past its odd-looking shape, you'll like the roomy 135 cubic feet of cargo space.
You can get Transit Connect with or without windows in the sliding and rear doors. You can also opt for rear cargo doors that open 225 degrees instead of the standard 180-degree doors.
I like the tall 52.1 inches of load height provided by Transit Connect. That makes it easy to load tall items or to equip the cargo area with racks or shelves. The cargo payload is rated at just 1,600 pounds.
That's not a lot, but could be just enough for smaller businesses.
Unfortunately, only one power plant is available in the 2010 Ford Transit Connect. I think there should have been more choices, maybe a diesel.
The small 2.0-liter 136-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline-engine in my tester labored and buzzed when I had it loaded down with two engines and an engine hoist.
When lightly loaded, though, the engine felt quite peppy. Those that don't require a powerful cargo van will like Ford Transit Connect's 22/25 mileage rating.
Transit Connect's miserly engine and 15.1-gallon tank provides a good driving range without breaking the bank when filling it up. You'll enjoy passing by many gas stations with the Transit Connect.
Mated to Transit Connect's small engine is a four-speed automatic transaxle that distributes the power to the front wheels. Overall, the combination performed well and as expected.
What did surprise me, though, was how good the Transit Connect feels while driving around town and on the highway. The ride was smooth and stable, even on the highway.
Plus, there's no other cargo van available that comes close to being as nimble and maneuverable on cramped city streets as the Ford Transit Connect.
Some business owners may wish the Transit Connect's cargo area was a bit longer, but that would take away from its maneuverability and likely raise its low price of admission.
Priced in the low $20,000s, Ford's Transit Connect is perfect for many businesses that are just starting out or don't need something that's big and powerful.
I especially like the available Ford Work Solutions system. It features an in-dash computer along with a wireless mouse and keyboard, and a cellular broadband connection to the Internet.
The computer includes software for working with documents and spreadsheets. You can easily run a business from inside the Transit Connect.
If you have a fleet of vehicles, you can add Ford Work Solutions Crew Chief. It provides vehicle tracking, maintenance tracking and alerts you if any of your vehicles have a tire pressure or check engine light on - or if seat belts aren't being worn or the vehicle is being idled excessively.
Another optional add-on is Ford Work Solutions Tool Link by DeWalt. It allows you to mark and scan tools, equipment or inventory using radiofrequency tags. Whenever the vehicle is running it scans for those tags and alerts the driver if something is missing from the vehicle.
If you own a business and need a fuel-efficient and maneuverable cargo van, get over the funky styling and take a closer look at what the Transit Connect can offer.
2010 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT XLT CARGO VANENGINE: 136-horsepower 2.0-liter I-4
TRANSMISSION: four-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 22 city/25 highway
BASE PRICE: $21,840
AS TESTED: $23,600 (includes $695 for destination)
www.Ford.com