Ford introduces 7-passenger people mover with up to 30+ mpg highway: Transit Connect Wagon

13 November 2012

Ford is introducing a seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier. The Transit Connect Wagon offers customers a choice between two four-cylinder engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost that is estimated to deliver the 30 mpg-plus (7.8 l/100 km) on the highway.

Transit Connect Wagon Click to enlarge.

Both engines come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, geared for around-town responsiveness and low-rpm highway cruising.

The new Transit Connect Wagon will be offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations, and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. The wagon offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-pound payload and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space. When properly equipped, the wagon is approved to tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The all-new Transit Connect Wagon builds on the foundation of the current Transit Connect compact van, introduced in North America in 2009.

Transit Connect was recognized as an innovative “white space” vehicle—literally carving out a new category in the market—by the automotive industry press corps when it was named North American Truck of the Year in January 2010 at the North American International Auto Show. Transit Connect is selling at a pace of 35,000 units per year.

Transit Connect Wagon is slated to appear in North American Ford dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2013.