Ever since Ford announced it would be bringing its Transit Connect small utility van stateside next year, the automaker has displayed it in various guises -- first in delivery truck form at the Chicago Auto Show in February, then as a special taxi concept in New York last month. Not to be left out, now the British are being shown their own special version of the versatile hauler: the Transit Connect SportVan.
On display at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, the "sport" element of the Transit Connect SportVan mostly refers to interior and appearance upgrades, for while it does include the van's most powerful engine offering, that's only a 2.0-liter Duratorq diesel making 108 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. However, Ford of Britain never claims it to be a drag racer, as Commercial Vehicles Director Steve Kimber explains that the van "is all about style."
In terms of style, the Transit Connect SportVan is brimming with it. Changes to the exterior include body colored bumpers and a roof spoiler, a chrome grille and side skirts, front and rear skid plates, 18-inch alloy wheels, and Performance Blue paint complete with white racing stripes. Inside, drivers enjoy a multitude of upgrades, such as a leather steering wheel, shift knob, and seats, as well as a silver surround on the center stack. The van also includes park distance control, Bluetooth, and a six-CD changer.
When the Transit Connect SportVan goes on sale this September only 300 vehicles will be available, and at present the package is only destined for England. But now that American buyers are finally getting a crack at the popular European transporter, perhaps our own custom sport version will soon follow. Of course in addition to the style upgrades, dropping the turbo inline five-cylinder from the upcoming European RS under the hood would certainly be appreciated as well.
Source: Ford
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