On The Road
Before getting inside, it’s worth taking a walk around the Connect. The design may lack French or Italian flair but it has a distinct, purposeful look of its own.
You can’t help but admire this van when out and about; it really is a step up from the competition. As much as we like the Vauxhall Combo, this is that little bit better to drive. Firstly there is the superior build quality – it feels so well put together.
The chassis is very stiff and all the mechanical workings seem well fitted, leading to greater confidence on the road and increased concentration due to less outside interference.
Cornering is excellent with good body control and a degree of forgiveness, but not to the point of being ponderous. On A-roads and motorways, it feels well planted with little crosswind interference.
One thing that is worth noting is that the extra weight of the van compared to its rivals has nudged it over 2,000kg GVW. This means that it is now classified as a commercial vehicle instead of a car-derived van. Because of this, speed limits are reduced on single-carriageway A-roads from 60mph to 50mph.
Our vehicle came with Traction Assist, which reduces wheelspin during acceleration from rest on steep slopes or on slippery roads. During our hill start tests, the system was activated and did aid a successful climb. If you are going to be driving in harsh conditions or along roads with excessive cambers, then this feature is worth considering.
Allied to the chassis is the TDCi common-rail engine. Modern diesels have come on leaps and bounds in recent years and this unit is no exception. Start it up and you immediately notice its smooth idle and willing take-up. However like most small diesels we have encountered, you have to give it revs when fully loaded to avoid a slow take-off from standstill.
Going through the gears is a cinch, with an easy, short throw ‘box and positive shift. The steering is nicely weighted, with a good meaty feel that gives positive feedback. Again, the feeling of solidity shines through when turning into corners. All this adds up to a rewarding driving experience.
It’s good to see that a manufacturer recognises the fact that vans need the same quality of handling as cars, if not more so. It also has to be remembered that these vehicles will be carrying heavy loads, sometimes in unforgiving conditions. If the driver is not paying attention a poor chassis could catch them out.
Cab Comfort
Although not the brightest or most colour-coordinated, the Connect interior is very modern and functional, done out in an inoffensive shade of grey. Again, time has been spent on the design, and it shows.
The dash is clean and uncluttered with smooth and rounded edges that are continued into the door, giving a cosy feeling that is in keeping with the sturdy build of the vehicle. Instrumentation and switch-gear are well laid out and logical.
Finding a comfortable driving position is easy. The steering column is adjustable for both rake and reach, and the driver’s seat is adjustable for rake, front/rear and height. Again, Ford is claiming that this combination of adjustments is unique to the class.
Immediate storage space is a bit lacking, with rather small door pockets on both sides that are hampered by the strangely oversized armrests. There is also a drinks holder located between the seats that can accommodate two cans or small bottles, though larger bottles will be a problem. And located centrally above the heating vents is a handy instrument storage area for invoices, delivery notes, A4 clipboards etc.
To compensate for this lack of space our vehicle came with a full-length parcel shelf mounted on the ceiling that is ideal for holding charts or maps.
Although it comes at an extra cost, £50 to be exact, it is worth the investment.
On the road, noise intrusion into the cabin is minimal. Tyre roar, a problem with some vans in this category, is nicely suppressed and the engine is well sound-proofed.
