A name from the past has a whole new identity with the latest Ford Transit Courier. The new platform is ready to host battery electric traction, but for now allows for a diesel and petrol powertrain, which dates back to its true car-derived van routes. For most operators however, the diesel option will still be favoured until forced-induction finally gives way to enforced inductance.
Here the best value comes from the Leader trim, at under £17,500 (ex-VAT) with the 1.5-litre EcoBlue unit. This delivers 100hp and 250Nm of torque through a six-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. It’s not exactly brimming with power but the good (if narrow) torque peak serves the Courier well and the six speed gearbox is thankfully light and slick for it continuous involvement.
The new platform features redesigned rear suspension which now gives the Courier a between the arches width 1,220mm. This means it van can carry two Euro pallets, whilst cargo length has been increased by 181mm to 1,802mm and the optional load-through bulkhead enables long narrow items such as planks or pipes over 2.6m long to be accommodated. In total the load volume is a whisker under three cubic metres and the payload stands at 677kg with the diesel engine.
In the cab, the spacious layout and masses of headroom make its car-derived namesake a distant memory with excellent seats offering both comfort and day-long support, with a hip point that’s not too high for multi-drop work, well-suited to say, oh, a courier for instance. However, the instrument binnacle is rather low meaning very tall drivers might feel a little at odds, although the adjustment on the steering column is generous at least.
A centre screen controls most functions and the fiddly heater controls are the only real ergonomic flaw. The reversing camera is very clear and high quality with good low-light performance whilst front sensors provide close proximity and good graduation, the radio and media screen is good too and a well-placed smartphone holder for integration and ‘mirroring’ will please the parcel-packing fraternity too. A slim overhead shelf makes sense for documents whilst twin bulkhead coat hooks, a decent glovebox, good door bins and a facia-top slot complete the picture. Although the latter should be lidded to prevent reflection of paperwork in the windscreen or invitation to theft.
A nice design touch comes in the shape of asymmetric rear doors which open through 180º, whilst the side loading door gives a good aperture with a decent-sized step too for ease of access and within the load bay a full bulkhead, six lashing eyes and optional rubber load floor covering all bode well for ease of use and cleaning.
Loaded or empty, the Courier has good ride comfort, and although the pay-off is quite a bit of body roll and the early onset of gentle understeer, that’s a small price to pay for how the suspension copes with the UK’s awful roads. Ford has resisted to go too OTT with the wheel and tyre options and most Couriers run on 195/65R15 rubber, offering a decent initial suspension, good steering feel and moderate replacement costs.
The steering feel itself is excellent, light enough in city streets with sufficient feel at next-day delivery speeds! At more considered velocities expect 55mpg and 25,000 miles (or two years) between service visits, both of which bode well for overall productivity.
Highly Commended: Renault Kangoo, Mercedes-Benz Citan, Nissan Townstar
Now rebadged as three vans, the Renault Kangoo has always been a top contender in the Compact class. It sits on a 2.7m wheelbase and is 4.5m long overall, ideal for a tradesperson parking at home. Offering a load length of 1.8m, a load volume of 3.3m3 and a payload of 660kg, it ticks all the boxes for small business users.
The 1.5-litre diesel engine has 95hp, with 260Nm of torque and is best when mated to the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This gives a great combination of tall gearing for motorway work, ease in city traffic and over 50mpg. The cab is spacious with plenty of storage, the seats are comfortable and ride comfort is excellent, even when unladen. Although it’s the same van, service and warranty mileages differ between brands but all offer a great choice in this class.
