Not all businesses need a delivery vehicle as large as a Dodge Sprinter. With the HHR Panel, Chevy realized this, but that converted compact five-door offers only 62.7 cu. ft. of cargo volume. For those who need more room, Ford presents the "just-right" 2010 Ford Transit Connect, which is making its debut in U.S.-spec trim at this week's 2009 Chicago Auto Show.
The 2010 Transit Connect, set to hit Ford dealerships this summer, offers 135 cu. ft. of space, yet it costs just $21,475 including the destination charge. To get that much covered cargo space in Ford's lineup, you'd need to step up to the Expedition. The Transit Connect, first shown at last year's Chicago show, is new to the U.S., but not to Europe, where it won the International Van of the Year award in 2003. Ford says it has sold more than 600,000 Transit Connects to customers in 58 countries.With a 2.0L Duratec four-cylinder delivering an estimated 136 horsepower @ 6300 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque @ 4750 rpm mated to a four-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive), the Transit Connect takes its time. We imagine buyers might be more interested in maximizing fuel economy -- estimated by Ford to be 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. A final-drive ratio of 4.20 to 1 is designed to give Transit Connect additional pulling power, and it rolls on 15-in. steel rims wrapped in P205/65R-15 rubber.