2014 Transit Connect = Goldilocks Van?

I am a professed van lover but i am very picky about the size/utility/efficiency quotient that some vans excel at, and others totally fail at.

In addition, i got spoiled in that the only van ive held onto over the years is such a paragon by those measures: My 1990 Caravan SWB 5spd, which averaged 27mpg while being smaller on the outside than, frankly, the MAJORITY of cars for sale in the USA, but bigger on the inside than it's closest modern equivalents in size and mpg (Mazda5, old MPV, and Rondo). I love the bigger vans that are now called mainstream 'minivans' as well, but i feel like there is a smaller size between the current 4500 lb minivans, and the 3000 lb tiny vans, that holds real untapped potential.

When ford brought the last-gen Transit Connect over, i thought it was tantalizingly close to hitting that mark, other than the lack of a 3-row option and efficient powertrain. It seemed to have the size thing pretty well nailed down other than the short wheelbase.

BUT LO! The new Transit Connect has appeared, and althought it has grown slightly beyond what i consider the perfect exterior size, it HAS that longer wheelbase and 3-row option, and it at least has the potential to be fitted with some gloriously efficient powertrains (diesel? c-max?), and the 1.6 ecoboost might do ok on the highway, at least...

DISCUSS!

ERMAGERD ORVRHED STURRAGE!

IT HAS FRICKIN TORQUE VECTORING. And the available skylight roof is pretty cool..

dowant

I hate to admit, but that looks pretty awesome. Any word yet on what the pricing will be?

Starts at 22k i think..

I won't get worked up over a diesel. Enthusiasts will want it only with a manual, Ford will pair it with a well-turned auto, Car Snobs will whine and abandon it for their worn-out VW TDI wagons, Ford will abandon the diesel idea... it goes on and on.

And yes, I'm bitter.

May I please buy it in a raised-roof version? I want to build a modern Westfalia.

I really like it. I've got an '06 Kia Sedona minivan that we'll be replacing in the next few years. But my question on this van would be if it can tow. My Sedona is rated at 3500lbs, and I've used it numerous times.

I'll just put this here.

What is that?!

cwh wrote: What is that?!

Facepalms, the new transit connect pedovan

In reply to cwh:

Looks like a scaled down Nissan NVwhatever hunk of ugly E36 M3.

Ranger50 wrote: Looks like a scaled down Nissan NVwhatever hunk of ugly E36 M3.

Its the ford.......

I was about to bag on how hideous it was...then a quick google search pulled up the panel version. Not quite as hideous. Great band-hauler!!! Certainly no uglier than the current offerings from dodge or MB.

yamaha wrote: Its the ford.......

"ERMAGERD ORVRHED STURRAGE!"

Ha, that rules.

I feel like the windowed version wouldn't be quite as hideous had they just gone all-out "Lunch box" on it ala 1st gen XB/Element. I don't like the taper front to rear.

You feel like? Really? Feel like? WTF?

Yes that van is hideous.

If GM sold an astro van on the Colorado chassis with the 4 cyl and 5 spd, I'd buy two.

I feel like the first time we meet, I'm going to kick you in the goddamned nuts, and then ask you what they feel like.

Looks like a current Taurus mated with a Kia Soul. I wonder if it holds 7 giant hamsters.

Duke wrote: Looks like a current Taurus mated with a Kia Soul. I wonder if it holds 7 giant hamsters.

Kia has the rights to use hamsters in their annoying ads, so Ford will have to stick with gerbils...

as far as what i think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDGlN6mluGA

i'm old school, in that a van to me needs to be big, with a V8 and a full frame..

poopshovel wrote: I'll just put this here.

"Finally! A rape van attractive enough that I may get consensual sex!"

My only experience with the Connect is from the service crowd. A lot of companies have switched to them for service vehicles. I know a bunch of the guys that drive them. Not one person I've talked to has had a positive experience other than easy to park. Several have been through transmissions. Extremely slow compared to a V6 E150. Merging into traffic requires turning off the A/C. Too small. Several of them are getting under 20mpg in mixed driving. Might be better as a personal vehicle, but color me unimpressed.

Vigo wrote: BUT LO! The new Transit Connect has appeared, and althought it has grown slightly beyond what i consider the perfect exterior size...

I wonder how big it is... I haven't really got much for scale beyond the driver, who does make it look pretty sizeable...

poopshovel wrote: I'll just put this here.

god dammit. i actually really like that. needs a little moar low, maybe some late model focus wheels.

ok im sold where do I sign? I want a stripped cargo but with that headliner with all the cubbys.

I drive a 2010 panel van for work with a 4cyl hauling about 1200lbs of tools and supplies i average 28.5 MPG. I love the thing for work but not for a personal van.