Ford is showing off the 2019 Ford Transit Connect at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. The latest Transit Connect sports updated styling joined by new safety and entertainment tech and a diesel engine. While the diesel engine is an interesting move, considering the recent scrutiny coal-rollers are facing from the government, the extra safety tech is a welcome addition.
If you decide you don’t want the available 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel, don’t worry — the 2.0-liter gasoline-burning I4 is standard issue. Both engines are mated to a new eight-speed transmission. Sticking with the trend of downsized diesel engines, the 1.5-liter EcoBlue won’t be as powerful as the 2.0-liter gas engine but should be good for at least 30 mpg on the highway. Ford hasn’t released official numbers yet, but those should be coming closer to the van’s launch. When equipped with a towing package, the Transit Connect can tow 2,000 pounds or have a payload of 1,600 pounds, both in keeping with the van’s typical commercial uses.
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Alongside the new styling and new engines, the Transit Connect now comes standard with autonomous emergency braking. The standard emergency braking comes with pedestrian detection to make urban driving even easier. There’s also available adaptive cruise control, but that will set you back some extra cash. Same goes for a lane keep assist system. Ford also made a 6.5-inch floating touchscreen available but that too is extra. The 6.5-inch media screen runs Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system.
Targeting the active baby boomer and empty nesters looking to get a jump on a second career or hobby, the Transit Connect could appeal to more folks than what Ford is expecting. The hyper utility and flexibility of the new Transit Connect could make it useful for anyone that needs something, well, flexible. If you’re looking to replace your aging Windstar or your older Transit Connect, this 2019 goes on sale in the fall.