Fleet managers looking for a compact van that is designed specifically to meet the needs of their operation need to look no further than the 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The third-generation Transit Connect offers fleets a full complement of technology, versatility, and comfort designed to meet the needs of the fleet’s company and its customers.
Two Engines, Two Choices
The 2019 Transit Connect comes with a standard 2.0L direct-injection I-4 gasoline engine, featuring auto start-stop and paired with a new 8-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The 2.0L is equipped with EcoMode and EcoCoach, which monitor fuel economy and encourage fuel-efficient driving behaviors.
The base 2.0L engine is available with E85-compatibility and comes with a standard heavy-duty battery and available heavy-duty alternator to supply power for upfit applications. The 2.0L has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway in the wagon.
Fleets will also have a second engine option, a 2.5L iVCT I-4 gasoline engine with a CNG/propane gaseous fuel prep package on the XL and XLT cargo vans and XL passenger wagons. The exclusive fleet engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Cargo and Capability
Convenience and capability are day-to-day benefits fleets receive with the Transit Connect. City-friendly dual sliding doors, 180-degree swing-out rear cargo doors, a wide and flat load floor finished in durable vinyl, near-vertical cargo walls, integrated tie-downs, and the 38.3-foot turning radius (in the short wheelbase model; a long wheelbase model is also available) make the 2019 Transit Connect ideal for delivery and service functions on tight city streets. Fleet only cargo options include a third-row seat delete in the wagon and carpeted floor cover for all rows.
Transit Connect Cargo Vans and Passenger Wagons have seating capacity from two to seven and max cargo capacity ranging from 60.1 cubic feet to 145.8 cubic feet depending on the trim (XL, XLT, or Titanium).
In addition, the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon has the added capability to tow up to 2,000 pounds when paired with the available tow package.
As with it larger cousin, the Transit, the Transit Connect is customizable — with a network of aftermarket upfitters and suppliers who offer interior cargo management solutions, ladders, and roof racks to meet the specific operational needs of any fleet.
Safety First
Safety is a top-of-mind concern for today’s fleet managers, and the Transit Connect offers peace of mind with many driver-assist technologies, including standard automatic emergency braking, which is included with the pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection; adaptive cruise control; blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert; standard side wind stabilization; a standardrear-view camera; and Ford's lane-keeping system.
On the outside, the Transit Connect features optional HID headlamps and LED fog lamps.
Connect Is Connected
Fleets are becoming increasingly connected and the Transit Connect helps managers stay in touch with their drivers, keep them safe, and help them do their jobs.
FordPass helps monitor small fleets, including driver location, fuel level, and tire pressure. The MyKey programmable ignition key remains standard for the Transit Connect XLT, enabling fleet administrators to preset warnings and limits for vehicle speed while restricting the entertainment system’s audio to 45% of maximum volume.
Transit Connect now includes a standard embedded 4G LTE modem that provides Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, helping drivers do their jobs when they arrive on at their destination. An available wireless phone charger keeps driver-employees connected at client and job site destinations by keeping compatible mobile devices topped off and ready for use.
An available 6.5-inch floating touch screen running SYNC 3 helps drivers keep their eyes on the road as they navigate to job sites.
Taken together, the Transit Connect offers the whole fleet package — power, capability, safety, and technology — to get the job done.
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