Ford Transit Courier review

Given the scarcity of competition from rivals, the Fiesta Van is probably the Transit Courier’s closest rival. The Transit Courier measures 4.16m in length, just 200mm longer than the Fiesta van, but the major difference is in the height and width. The Courier has an internal height of 1244mm and a width of 1488mm, creating a maximum load volume of 2.3m3, compared with just 1m3 in the Fiesta. Payloads on individual models vary from 519kg to 595kg, which also compares favourably to the Fiesta Van’s 485kg maximum.

A side loading door only becomes standard on Trend models but can be specified on Base vans. A solid steel bulkhead is standard fitment when a side door is specified, otherwise Base vans receive a moulded plastic bulkhead. A window can also be added to the steel bulkhead, but of more interest will be the folding mesh bulkhead that combines with a “fold and dive” seating pack to allow the passenger seat to fold completely flat. This creates a level loadspace floor, allowing the total space to increase from 1620mm to an enormous 2593mm. It also adds an additional 0.3m3 of storage space, while safely separating the driver from the load.

Loading height is fairly generous for a small van at 564mm, while door apertures are wide at 1104mm for the rear and 453mm through the side door – although access is hampered a little by the slope of the bulkhead. Six lashing points are standard, while protective flooring is an option. Trend models get a 12v power point in the loadspace as standard.