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Ford has an enviable reputation in the field of motorsport going back many years, so it was no surprise when it unveiled a new range of special edition light commercials at last year's CV Show under the Sportvan banner.
Transit was the main focus of attention, alongside the Fiesta Sportvan and a concept version of the baby Transit.
The latter, the Connect Sportvan, is now a reality and will be on sale in August, albeit in limited numbers.
The approach taken with this Connect is similar to that of the other two Sportvans - it's a visually distinctive special edition with a host of optional extras at an attractive price, but based on the running gear of a standard van.
As with the others, the main and unmistakable external feature is the Performance Blue metallic paintwork and the two wide, white stripes running up the centre of the bonnet. These are vinyl and can be removed if required with relative ease. Finishing touches to the exterior include rather attractive seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with accompanying low-profile tyres and the tastefully small, colour-coded, roof-mounted spoiler at the back.
The 110PS version of the 1.8TDCi engine was introduced last year and it's just what was needed for anyone hacking up and down the motorway on a regular basis. The additional torque it provides compared to its less powerful stablemates is spot on. In particular, it generates a much more positive response in the middle of the rev range.
We tested a 110PS long-wheelbase high-roof Connect last year and it returned 40mpg running unladen. The short-wheelbase, low-roof Sportvan should be marginally more frugal.
The ride quality is slightly harder thanks to stiffer tyre sidewalls, while the steering response is improved and the handling is a bit sharper. The marginal downside is an increased tendency to follow ridges and camber changes in the road. This could be interpreted as no bad thing, as it simply means the driver is receiving more feedback from the road conditions.
All Connects are front-wheel drive with a manual five-speed gearchange.
Where buyers of a Connect Sportvan really score is in the amount of extras included in the package. As well as those already mentioned, anti-lock brakes are standard, but it's bolstered with the addition of traction control. Parking sensors are fitted into the rear bumper for added safety.
Access to the load area is via the standard-fit twin glazed symmetrical rear doors, but add a nearside sliding side door and a full-steel bulkhead with window and the 2.8cu/m of space is not only easier to get at, but is also more secure. This security is enhanced by the inclusion of a perimeter alarm and remote locking.
Move to the cab and the list just keeps on growing. Leather-covered heated seats and steering wheel, air conditioning, full-width overhead storage shelf, CD/radio with steering column stalk controls, Bluetooth and in-dash six-disc multi-changer all feature.
The centre console has a metallic backplate and this finish is mirrored on the gearknob.
The basic price of Connect Sportvan had not been finalised at the time of writing, but expect it to be between £15,000 and £15,500, which represents good value considering the number of extras fitted, not to mention a rather sharp, and exclusive, exterior treatment. It also retains all the load-carrying virtues and fuel economy of the standard offering.
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