Consumer Reports Cars Blog: 2008 SEMA - Grilling the Ford Transit Connect

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November 5, 2008

2008 SEMA - Grilling the Ford Transit Connect

Flipping through the brochure for Ford’s Transit Connect last night, I noticed something interesting. Most of the pictures of this "vanlet" show a TDCi badge on the front grille. That signifies Ford’s turbodiesel engine, a given for sales in Europe where the Connect was designed. Our Transit Connects get a normal 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Sure, the brochure contains some legalese: “Photography and specifications preliminary and subject to change at introduction.” Still, someone should have gotten out the hair dryer and floss and pulled off that grille badge. (In the SEMA spirit, the photo posted here is of a UK sport edition.)

The other thing I noticed: the load floor length specifications are eight inches too short for my whitewater kayaks. If the Transit Connect is going to become the next must-have kayak or surfboard rig, your toys may have to ride on top. Bummer, dude.

—Tom Mutchler

Read about more cars, gear, news, and views from SEMA.

Comments

Posted by: melville248 | Nov 6, 2008 10:45:01 AM

UK Sport addition? It's bad enough that there are so many amazing cars that never make it to the US, but come on Ford the least YOU can do is keep them straight!

Posted by: Cale | Nov 6, 2008 11:22:00 AM

Smaller vehicles may mean you'll need smaller toys. The roof rack doesn't create a huge problem for many outdoor enthusiasts that already prefer a rack system for bikes, skis, and kayaks. After all, you'll get better fuel economy in a Transit if you take the rack off when it's not needed. Better than an Odyssey, I'd venture a guess.

Posted by: Donna | Dec 3, 2008 12:52:13 AM

I've been too broke to even think about a new vehicle but today I heard about the Ford CEO taking $1 pay next year (ok, strings attached). I've always been a Ford person, but last purchase for my dad was 2000, mines a 94!! I like this Transit...EXCEPT I want to buy an American car made by AMERICANS! at least give us a great tax break for buying fuel efficent, like the gov gave out for all the Doctors and contractors to get those fuel guzzing hummers and trucks that cost more than my home!! BTW, I want this van for under $15K

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