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 Old Town Alexandria, VA -- An automotive writer gets to live many lives- all in the name of test driving new vehicles. One day, you can pretend you’re a racecar driver and take hot laps at a raceway, steering a sassy new roadster. Another day you can be a “soccer mom” and fill every seat with youngsters and every storage portal with goods and gear, maneuvering a cute new crossover vehicle or a cleverly-appointed minivan. Then, there are days when you imagine yourself bedecked by a hard hat, and that hauling a hefty load is your day job, as you perform towing exercises in a diesel dualie full-sized truck.
Recently, a test group of auto scribes got to try out three different careers in one day, while motoring in a unique slab-sided, Swiss-Army-knife-of-a-model that can be configured to hold two to five persons, as well as a wide variety of cargo, in a whopping array of shapes and sizes. Test driving the 2010 Ford Transit Connect, we delivered floral arrangements (we were veritable florists!); evaluated the usefulness of various stowage options that we might use if we owned a wine-making business (we only sampled the product at the end of the day!); and we learned how The Blue Oval’s state-of-the art business technologies would enhance our profits, if we were in the plumbing business, and needed to transport goods to different job sites, plus keep track of our workers and fleet of vehicles (Joe the Plumber would love this set-up, and the media would always know where to find him!).
 Ford has now brought its 2010 Transit Connect to the American market, promising low cost and high utility transportation for small business owners in the U.S. However, once you see it, you’ll have to agree: this new micro-van could appeal to a much broader scope of customer than those targeted by federal stimulus packages in businesses; that is, this small commercial van is also likely to find cache with hip buyers trying to make a fashion statement with the latest box-on-wheels --think the trendy Scion xB, Nissan Cube, or Kia Soul-but, with much more commercial-oriented utility.
 The Transit Connect is not an entirely new vehicle for Ford, as it’s been in production since 2002, in other parts of the world. Ford is leveraging its global reach to flush out its domestic lineup, a smart move considering the cost of new product development in a still-soft marketplace and the perfect timing for a vehicle with this footprint, utility and fuel economy. Automotive enthusiasts in the U.S. often complain about the lack of non-Euro models in America; clearly, Ford heard them on the commercial transit front.
While European models get diesel engines and manual transmissions, American customers are served an efficient and familiar 2-liter Duratec four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox, in a front-wheel-drive layout. Its power, rated at 136 horsepower and 128 foot pounds of torque, is respectable, as is the 25 miles per gallon that Ford claims the new model will get on the highway.
 Unique in proportions when viewed externally, the tall roof of the Transit Connect contributes to 135 cubic feet of cargo space inside, rivaling full-sized SUVs, in terms of capability; it actually doubles the load space of the Chevrolet HHR. The split-rear doors open up to 255 degrees, while dual sliding side doors further enhance access to more than six feet of floor space in length.
The new Transit Connect comes in a host of configurations including full panel van trim without windows; cargo van trim with rear windows only; or a wagon version with glass all around, and a folding second-row bench seat.
Ford’s innovative Work Solutions system has been integrated into the new model, providing Internet access via the in-dash computer and suite of computerized work gadgets, with a 3G wireless internet connection that uses the nav screen as its display; input is through the touchscreen display or a Bluetooth wireless keyboard. The computer is set up with Microsoft Office applications and can remotely control a desktop computer back at the business, office or home. There is also a wireless printer for tasks, such as printing invoices, estimates, receipts, or other documents for customers.
 Another novel technology is Tool Link, designed to increase productivity and, therefore, profits for businesses. This system incorporates RFID sensors into the van, which allows the driver or workers to see an inventory of all tagged tools onboard. The computer can automatically compare this inventory against prepared lists developed for different jobs, making it clear whether additional tools are needed, before leaving the office in the morning. This nifty system is also ensures that no tools are left behind at the job site at the end of the day. Also available is Crew Chief, a GPS device that lets a supervisor or business owner know the exact location of all company vehicles, at all times.
The 2010 Transit Connect is Ford’s response to a shifting economy that demands both utility and value. Whether or not “civilians” will scoop the vehicle up still remains to be seen, but it’s clear that this new model will make be a hit within the business sector. The new model is priced starting at $21,475, which includes air conditioning and audio. The XLT starts at $22,300 and adds power windows and door locks. The optional Ford Work Solutions suite is $2800. A battery electric version is expected to follow in 2010.
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