Here’s the 2020 Ford Transit
Even though Ford is now focusing on SUVs and vans, the Dearborn-based manufacturer hasn’t forgotten its commercial division, which yields massive profits for the company thanks to its 44% market share.
About a month ago, we gave you the scoop on the 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty . Now here’s news on the 2020 version of the ever-popular Ford Transit.
Four-wheel Drive and Extensive Technology
The big news for this commercial van is that it’s finally getting all-wheel drive. Even though this option will only be available on the gas-powered versions, it could still steal sales away from the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which has offered AWD for a while.
An all-new 2.0-litre EcoBlue four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has been added to the range, along with a new 3.5-litre gasoline V6, which replaces the old 3.7-litre mill. The 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel is no longer on the menu, but the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 is still available. Both gasoline engines will be equipped with 250-amp alternators to better handle challenging conditions.
Not surprisingly, all Transit vans will be equipped with the new 10-speed automatic transmission seen in the F-150, Super Duty and other Ford products.
Available in cargo van, crew, passenger, cutaway van and chassis cab variants – with single or dual rear wheels – the 2020 Transit will come standard with a whole host of driver assistance technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and lane keep assist. The complete Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety technologies will be included in the more high-end trims.
In addition, there will be a Wi-Fi hotspot (data subscription required) that can connect to up to 10 devices and two new fleet management systems called Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services. Together, these systems will better monitor van operations and propose strategies for reducing fuel consumption and saving money through preventive maintenance. A new power sliding door has also been added to the Transit passenger wagon and minibus.
Ford has yet to release the new Transit’s engine output, fuel consumption or towing capacity numbers, but they’ve shared that the gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating for the cutaway van and chassis cab variants is up from 10,360 lbs. (4,699 kg) to 11,000 lbs. (4,989 kg).
The 2020 Ford Transit will arrive in Canadian dealerships before fall. The technical specs will be released a few months prior to that.
