New Ford Transit delivers heating and hot water comfort

Scores of the new Ford Transit, launched just two months ago, have gone into service thanks to a major order from domestic heating manufacturer, Worcester, part of the Bosch Group.

The company has been running an all-Ford light commercial fleet successfully for more than 10 years, and is continuing the replacement of its 250 existing Transit service vans with new-generation models.

The first batch of 20 short wheelbase Transit 300 85PS diesel vans was delivered in July. More will follow as existing vans come up for their three-year or 100,000-mile replacement. The vehicles are used by Worcester’s service team of engineers, carrying out regular maintenance as well as responding to calls from customers.

Interior and exterior, back to front, on the surface and under the skin, every area of the new Ford Transit has been examined and improved. The most noticeable exterior changes are at the front where the bold new three-bar grille sits between new, more vertical headlamps and a nine-inch Ford oval badge on the grille.

Major improvements have also been made to the Transit interior, reflecting the demand for the same level of user-friendly features as passenger cars. A completely new dashboard, instruments, switches and a new steering wheel greet the driver, while new, considerate and innovative storage solutions ensure that Transit is now an even more convenient workplace.

A significant change in cabin ergonomics sees the gear lever moved up to the dashboard – giving a more car-like driving position. It also gives a completely clear floor area from the driver's side to the passenger's side for a "walk through" access. Options for new Transit drivers include four trim levels including leather seats; three heating and ventilation choices, cruise control and Bluetooth technology. Drivers also get the first self-charging, waterproof ignition key, a boost for those who are frequently unlocking doors for deliveries.

"We target our engineers to carry all the spares they require for a market-leading first-time fix, so we look for the biggest load capacity for the smallest footprint," said Mr Freeman, project manager for the Worcester, Bosch Group Service Department. "The engineers are often driving around town, so they need quite a compact van.

"These requirements were met by the previous Transit and the capacity is identical with the new one. I found it very good to drive, much more like a car with all the improvements at the front end."

The new Transits being driven by Worcester service engineers are equipped for safety with the Visibility Pack option, which includes tinted glass, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlights, heated front screen, reverse gear-activated rear wipe and fog-lights. They are sign-written and racked out by Bott Ltd of Ashby de la Zouch.