New Ford Transit models conquer Arctic test

Ford is continuing to win hearts and minds with its reborn Transit range of light commercials, the maker recently claiming a double victory with its new two-tonne Transit and compact Transit Connect models in Europe’s arduous Arctic Van Test.

It’s the first time Ford has achieved a double victory in the punishing shootout, which is hosted by Finland’s Auto Tekniikka ja Kuljetus magazine and determined by an expert panel of judges sourced from all over Europe.

The annual comparison test is now in its 23rd year and pushes expert drivers and vehicles to their limit on ice and snow in the north of Finland, where temperatures can drop to as low as -50ºC.

Conducted over five days with expert drivers from six European commercial vehicle magazines, the test comprises extreme cold starts, negotiating a frozen slalom course, and a gruelling 700km endurance drive.

Both the new two-tonne Ford Transit (due for release in Australia in June 2014) and the Transit Connect (the smallest model in the revitalised Transit range – no official word yet on whether or not it will reach our shores) won their respective classes in the comparo, rising to the fore across categories spanning fuel efficiency, load carrying and handling.

Ford Europe’s Paul Randle said he wasn’t surprised by the Transits’ victories.

“Every one of our new Transits is tested in the world’s toughest climates and driving conditions long before launch, so they are prepared for just this kind of challenge,” he said.

“Our customers depend on their Transits to get the job done and we have made sure they are ready for work, whatever the weather.”

The two-tonne Transit came first or equal first in nine of 13 categories against rivals from Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Opel, while the Transit Connect came first or equal first in seven categories against competitors from Citroen, Renault and Volkswagen.

According to Heikki Laurell of Auto Tekniikka ja Kuljetus, the Transits excelled themselves in the ice and snow.

“The Ford vans were clear winners in very slippery conditions – a great advantage when frozen roads can be found anywhere, and not just found on the test track,” he said.

These latest accolades follow on from Ford winning International Van of the Year 2014 with the Transit Connect and International Van of the Year 2013 with the one-tonne Transit Custom, the latter recently going on sale in Australia in February 2014.

Take a look at this YouTube clip for a taste of what the vehicles contesting Arctic Van Test 2014 were subjected to.

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