Launched in 2001, the Connect quickly established itself as one of the best small vans on the market, thanks to its robust build and driver friendly design.

However, time has seen rivals introduce newer products, with Citroen's Berlingo and Volkswagen's Caddy the main antagonists.

To keep things fresh Ford has given it a facelift, which inlcudes new grill, lights and bumpers - though it's not wholly successful, making the front appear a little glum.

The rear gets new lights, and there's also redesigned side mouldings.

Inside there's a new dashboard (lifted from the company's S Max passenger car), seats and colour scheme; and it works well, giving the Connect a modern, progressive look.

Also now fitted as standard are ESP, traction control and hill launch assist.

On the road the Ford feels, well, pretty much like the old version, and that's a good thing.

It retains that bullet-proof quality, making it easy to drive and live with. Steering and suspension provide excellent communication, while handling is failsafe whether laden or unladen.

And this inner strength also gives an insight into the ownership costs for the Connect. Build quality is among the best in class making this a van that'll stand the test of time, retaining its value when the time comes to selling.

THE VERDICT

The latest version of Ford's Connect continues to garner our respect thanks to its all-round class. It might be putting on the years; however the update does enough to maintain its position as arguably the best small van on the market.

Engine: 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi

Power: 74, 89, 109hp

Torque: 175, 220, 250Nm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Payload: 607-902kg

Price: TBA

Taking a practical approach to fuel economy is Ford's Transit ECOnetic, which combines a number of features to shave off mpg.

They include improved rolling resistance tyres, a shift indicator light to inform the driver of optimal gear changing, modified engine calibration and low friction oil, a standard 70mph speed limiter and low-drag wheel covers.

There's also shorter gearing in first gear for improved pull away performance and a longer top gear which is claimed to improve highway fuel economy by 10%.

Currently only available in 280SWB 2.2-litre 115 TDCi guise, Ford claims the ECOnetic can achieve 39.2mpg on a combined cycle, while average CO2 output is 189 g/km.

Due to its specific design the ECOnetic isn't expected to sell in great numbers, however don't be surprised to see this approach replicated by the likes of Mercedes and Volkswagen, who've already exhibited similar modifications on show vans.

And unsurprisingly it drives just like any other Transit, which means it steers, handles and goes without any discernable negatives.

The engine is well mated to the new six-speeder and gives a nice spread of torque from low-down, avoiding the need to use the revs.

Inside, the cabin retains its high degree of practicality, though the overall dimensions are a little tight for taller drivers.

THE VERDICT

If the ECOnetic's modifications seem a little underwhelming in terms of technology, they also make practical sense at this point in time.

By focusing on the vehicle's existing areas of energy expunging and combining the results you get a van that requires little extra investment and no alteration in ownership/servicing.

Combine this with an informed driving style and you should significant gains in fuel economy.

Engine: 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi

Power: 114hp

Torque: 300Nm

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Payload: 1,097kg

Price: TBA

There are few commercial vehicles that cross the business divide and gain recognition in the wider public psyche. Ford's Transit is one example, leading the way in a mass movement of tradesman (and tools) that has become as much a part of the landscape as the Premiership and Tikka Masala. And Toyota's Hilux is another. Whether in this country, were it dates back to 1972 or abroad, where it has backed revolutions, shipped drugs and saved lives. What we have here is the sixth generation version, complete with 2009 facelift, which adds a restyled exterior, tweaked suspension and larger brakes, while the D-4D 3.0-litre version (producing 169hp) gets a five-speed transmission to replace the previous four-speeder. Prices start at £13,995 for the single-cab HL2 120 and rise to £21,795 for our all-singing, all-dancing test vehicle, the automatic Invincible. While the addition of an extra cog wasn't going to produce any revelation in terms of fuel consumption, it did lift the figure from 30.1mpg to 31.0mpg for a laden run, while unladen saw it creep up to 35.0mpg from 34.5mpg. In the rear a payload of 1,075kgs stands up well, while the load bed dimensions work out at 1.0m cubed. The Hilux also provides arguably the best cabin in the class,from the driving position, which is commanding without being overbearing, to the clarity of the control layout, the it avoids any pick-up clichés. On the move the suspension tweaks are impressive producing possibly the most confident riding pick-up on-road. While off-toad no matter what the conditions are thrown at it, it remains unruffled, digging in with confidence, while the suspension does a good job of soaking up peaks and troughs without transferring the action into the cabin. Contributing to this effectiveness is the 3.0-litre engine. Full of torque and urgency, it offers more than enough power to get up any gradient without stressing, allowing you to concentrate on staying on track. If we had to pick a machine to go into battle with, or just off-road, the Hilux would be at the top of the list.

The timing for Ford's launch of the latest version of its Ranger pick-up is a strange one especially when one considers the market for these types of vehicles is down nearly 50% for 2009.

Despite the numbers, Ford has taken the view that attack is the best form of defence and it is hoping the updated Ranger will bring about a return to the happy times.

Four trim levels are on offer starting with the base XL, followed by the XLT, Thunder and finally the range-topping Wildtrak. Softer styling, engine refinement and commanding driving position ticks all the right boxes and the Ranger is one of the few commercial vehicles that manages to be comfortable, luxurious and practical all at the same time.

We're not sure about the Wildtrak's on-road performance, which is mainly down to the larger 18-inch wheels and tyres that fail to soak-up bumps in the road.

Off-road the Ranger is as you'd expect it to be, but with the anti-stall device installed (principally designed to stop the dual-mass flywheel from overheating) it makes off-road driving a little too simple and unengaging.

If you're in the market for a tough, reliable and comfortable pick-up then the revised Ranger is definitely worth a look. The revisions help to increase appeal as does the high level of specification on each respective variant. Read the rest of the first drive in Commercial Motor 27 August.