New variants of Ford Transit and Tourneo

Anyone who is asked about famous Ford models does not immediately have a long-standing bestseller in mind. Fiesta, Focus and of course the Mustang are easy on the tongue. But who can think of the transit, which celebrated its 55th anniversary this year. Admittedly, a well-known commercial vehicle that often ends up in private hands - usually as a used one. The 70s will never be forgotten, when the Transit was popularly renamed “Ford Türkspeed” because the guest workers at the time preferred to roll in it full on vacation and back again.

The travelers of that time would now reach some remote places in Turkey with less stress. Because for the transit and the civilian minibus version with the name Tourneo, equipment variants are now appearing that feel particularly at home away from paved roads. It can also be all-wheel drive, but it doesn't have to be. Because for the front-wheel drive models of the so-called custom series, there is a small but fine component that has made its way into commercial vehicles via the hot sports models like Fiesta ST or Focus ST.

Perfect for recreational athletes

The limited slip differential for the front axle with the designation “mLSD” is always activated when one of the two front wheels loses its grip on a slippery surface. The drive force is distributed back and forth at lightning speed, spinning is largely prevented. In all of this, the purely mechanical lock is networked with the electronic anti-skid ESP. While the system in sports cars is primarily used to accelerate out of curves faster and without understeering, future owners of the Tourneo Active eight-seater MPV, for example, should be able to move safely on rather critical surfaces. This applies to mud and snow as well as to extremely wet roads.

But: This does not turn the fine business shuttle into a flawless off-road vehicle. In addition, the Tourneo lacks a full-fledged all-wheel drive and long legs. However, the new limited-slip differential certainly helps to free yourself from situations in which the normal front-wheel drive has to give up. Quite interesting for recreational athletes whose hobby does not always start on paved roads. Mountain bikers or canoeists, for example.

Suitable for all weather conditions

In addition, depending on the budget, the sedan chair also indulges you with modern technology in the engine compartment. It uses a starter generator instead of an alternator, stores the energy generated during deceleration in a 48-volt battery and thus supplies the electrical auxiliary units. This means that the Tourneo can call itself a “mild hybrid”.
The big brother of the Tourneo, the flawless commercial vehicle Transit with the addition "Trail", is then a real all-wheel drive. The 3,5-tonne truck powered in this way can be recognized from the front by the black radiator grille with oversized Ford lettering in the style of the American pick-up legend Raptor. When driving in impassable terrain north of Munich, he proved his skills on inclines, through deep grooves or forest paths softened by continuous rain. The Amazon messenger could also use it to deliver to the hermit in the nirvana of a rainforest if the online retailers want to afford the price of the four-wheel drive. However, the 5,50 meter giant has to pass in the climbing discipline, for example over obstacles such as boulders. Four-wheel drive doesn't turn a bulky van into a jeep or Land Rover.

The benefits of the new technology can be used with various models of the Transit family, including the smaller Transit Custom Trail panel van, which competes against the classic VW Bulli. In addition, different roof heights, wheelbases or driver's cabs are possible for the commercial vehicle variants. The new transit models can be ordered immediately.