Published: Commercial Motor, 06 Dec 2001
Ford Transit FWD 300 LWB High Roofby: Toby Clark
When Ford introduced the latest generation of Transit it was a rear-wheel-drive design, like every Transit before it. But the Transit was intended to suit the vast majority of van operators, so front-wheel-drive models were always on the cards. These have finally appeared, although surprisingly the first one we’ve seen is a relative heavyweight – a long wheelbase, high-roof van at 3,000kg GVW that is not far off competing with its own RWD siblings.
Verdict
The Transit is at last showing signs of fulfilling its promise. The 2.0-litre engine is as characterless as the 2.4-litre one was, but it has delivered excellent fuel consumption.
Combine that with a good payload and an even better laodspace, and you have a very productive van. Driver comfort is good, service intervals are long (now 15,000 miles) and there is a three-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The only catch is perhaps that high purchase price. But for some customers, only a Transit will do and, even with front-wheel drive, this van is all Transit.
Vehicle Specifications
Ford Transit FWD 300 LWB High Roof
| Fuel Consumption: | 31.4mpg(9lit/100km) |
| Gross weight as tested: | 3,000kg |
| Net payload: | 1,159kg |
| Price as tested: | £20,606(ex-VAT) |
