New Transit Low Floor Model

The Ford Transit range has been extended and now includes front wheel drive (FWD) 330 and 350 models alongside the current rear wheel drive (RWD) models. This means that Transit now offers operators the maximum choice at the heavier end of the market with low floor FWD or RWD, which is ideal for towing. The new models will be available from Transit Specialist Dealers from August 2003 onwards and prices start at £16,591 (estimated on-the-road price).

The new low floor models offer a choice of two engines: 100PS Di TDI (74Kw) which is standard or the option of the common rail, 125PS Di TDCi (92Kw). The two-tonne, Transit low floor will be available in 330 SWB, 330 MWB, 330 LWB, 350 MWB and 350 LWB models. There are also single chassis cab models available as 350 MWB or 350 LWB.The class leading payloads range from 1436 kg to 1504 kg for the vans and from 1840 kg to 1741 kg for the chassis cabs – up to 50 kg more than their rear wheel drive (RWD) equivalents.

"The new two-tonne low floor means we can build on Transit's position as Britain's favourite van by extending our range to meet their needs. The 100mm lower floor gives ease of entry plus an extra 6 per cent load. Added to the 50 kg payload improvement, this makes it ideal for skilled trades people who need excellent load space combined with great access. It is also ideal for multi-drop companies and High Street deliveries agents who carry a wide range of goods, often not on pallets.

"These new derivatives also make Transit an ideal base for conversion into ambulances and community buses where low step-in height is essential," said Jon Fisher, commercial vehicle marketing manager, Ford of Britain.