The Transit name is iconic - not only is it the name of Ford’s biggest panel van - it’s often used to describe any large van. Ford have a legacy, & the Transit name is now attributed to ALL their LCVs from the compact Courier, small Connect, medium Transit & THIS… the big boy… the Ford Transit Large Panel Van.
And it is large… this version - the L4H3 version is the biggest Transit in the range & thanks to the excellent Euro 6 2.0-litre Eco Blue engines that deliver amazing running costs, this van truly shows why Ford’s vehicles are still considered the benchmark in the sector!
Ford Transit Review
The front end of the Transit is instantly recognisable thanks to that big open grille with the three partitions & big blue oval in the centre.
And, it’s not only good looking, it’s functional at the front with a handy step here for you to be able to get up & clean the windshield.
The headlight clusters have been tightened up nicely from previous models & we love the sharp flick at the tips.
The indicators are wing-mirror mounted - as you’d expect for such a big van - & are split in half to bend your view even further away from the vehicle.
And with that, let’s get inside & check out the cabin.
This is another workhorse cabin - stripped back at the BASE level, but comfortable with good storage & best-in-class cup holders.
• 8-way adjustable driver's seat,
• Duel passenger with under-seat storage,
• Fold-out front passenger seat table,
• Bluetooth connectivity,
• Glovebox - A4 file storage,
• Storage in this van is IMMENSE,
• 2x12V sockets,
This is the biggest version of the Transit you’ll find - it has the highest height H3, & the longest length L4. The most popular version is the L3H3 which is slightly shorter that THIS vehicle but retains the height, which on this vehicle is:
Height H3: 2 metres
Cubic: 15 cubic metres
Payload: 1,100kg
Rear-door entry width: 1.5m
Rear-door entry height: nearly 1.9m
Length L4: 4 metres
Width: Just under 1.8m
Width (between arches): 1.4m
Sidedoor width: 1.3m
Sidedoor height: 1.6m
The 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, Euro 6 standard, delivers all the power & torque you’d need for hefting heavy loads without upping your emissions output - really clever stuff.
• Driving height is immense
• Visibility is incredibly clear
• Great control over the vehicle
Market Comparason
• Peugeot Boxer/Citroen Relay - these are two are essentially the same van. It’s not a bad thing, they’re big & robust workhorse vans available at great prices. Sounds good to us!
• Fiat Ducato - is the same platform as the Boxer & Relay but with a different engine… so it’s a new van right? Yeah, basically!
• Nissan NV400 / Renault Master / Vauxhall Movano - this pack of relatives share the same engines & platform, & in the large van marketplace have some of the best cabins you’ll see.
• VW Crafter - The payload isn’t enormous & neither is fuel economy, but it’s very user-friendly which is what is deservedly receives rave reviews for!
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - if the Ford Transit had a nemesis, THIS is the van it’s always sparring for the top spot with! The Sprinter is absolutely packed with tech & a bit of luxury. That’s a powerful combination!
So, how do we finish this?
Well, as we said earlier… the Ford Transit is an icon with a name that is so recognisable it named an entire of category of vans - but it has never once rested on its laurels - Ford has made sure this van grows up with the rest of its LCV line-up.
The Euro 6 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine is a major plus point in the Transit’s corner providing a blend of power & efficiency meaning that its not only built to be worked hard but it will return great running costs.
And if a van this big can still look & perform THIS well after so many years & updates, then what does that say about the competition? Food for thought.