The Econoline is dead. Long live the Econoline! For 2015, Ford replaces the iconic Econoline/E-Series full-size van with its lighter, more fuel-efficient European counterpart: the 2015 Ford Transit.
Available in commercial and passenger versions that can accommodate up to 15 occupants, the 2015 Transit will offer three different wheelbase lengths, roof heights and engines. The standard engine will be a 3.7-liter V6 making 266 horsepower, while a smaller, turbocharged "EcoBoost" V6 should deliver 320 hp and 400 pound-feet of low-end torque.
A 3.2-liter turbodiesel generating 346 lb-ft of torque should strike the best balance between cargo ability and fuel economy. All engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.
Ford thinks the Transit's reduced weight (reportedly around 300 pounds lighter than the E-Series) and the EcoBoost V6 option can beat the E-Series with 25 percent better fuel economy.
The standard Transit offers a bare minimum of creature comforts, but those include front air-conditioning (long-wheelbase models add rear A/C), power accessories, three 12-volt power points and a basic audio system. The options list is long and detailed. Highlights include cargo area LED lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a navigation system, an eight-speaker audio system with Sync voice control, lane departure warning, a rearview camera with trailer hitch assist and a chrome exterior package.
The new van certainly delivers a visual break with the Econoline/E-Series legacy, looking very different from the upright, snub-nose long box that served general contractors, delivery services and garage bands for decades. The enormous swept-back windshield, the front end's soft corners and funky high-roof style mark a new era of space and packaging efficiency, evolved from the compact cities and roads of Europe where the Transit has served for decades.
Despite its Euro sensibilities, the Transit will be built in the U.S. at Ford's plant near Kansas City. The Transit arrives late to a segment where the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Nissan NV have established footholds, but offers a wider choice of customization options. The NV offers a V8 but lacks a diesel, while the Sprinter offers only a diesel V6 and starts at a Mercedes-appropriate price.
Check back for a full review of the 2015 Ford Transit, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.
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