The Transit Connect has been named “International Van of the Year 2014” at the COMTRANS commercial vehicle exhibition in Moscow. Ford became the first single manufacturer to win the award for two consecutive years, according to the automaker.

Ford registered a record-equaling fifth “International Van of the Year” victory after the jury of 24 European specialist journalists awarded the Transit Connect 130 points from a maximum possible 163 to put it ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (123) and Renault Kangoo (25).

The award for the all-new Transit Connect follows previous successes for the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003), Transit (2007) and Transit Custom (2013).

“The all-new Transit Connect has moved the game on for compact vans – and we are really proud to win this significant award again,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of product development, Ford of Europe. “The new Transit Connect is just as tough and hard-working as all our commercial vehicle range, and comes with smart new looks and much lower fuel bills.”

The new Transit Connect joins an all-new four-strong Transit range, alongside the Transit Custom and the forthcoming 2-ton Transit and Transit Courier to be launched in 2014, according to the automaker.
The Transit Connect ECOnetic model delivers 4.0 l/100 km (70.6 mpg) and CO₂ emissions of 105 g/km — a 34 percent improvement versus the current model. The highly fuel-efficient, 1.0L EcoBoost petrol engine also offers class-leading petrol economy.

Available in Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi bodystyles, the Transit Connect also offers a load area with total volumes of 2.9 m³ and 3.6 m³ with a full bulkhead; maximum payloads of up to 1,000 kg match the best in class figure, according to the automaker.

The all-new Transit Connect is now available to order for delivery in late 2013.