Perhaps inspired by the growing success of Chevrolet's HHR and its new panel-van body style, or motivated merely by the unlamented departure of the Freestar minivan and the hole it left beneath the big ol' E-Series full-size van in its commercial-vehicles range, Ford has made the very sharp decision to offer to its European-market Transit Connect vanlet to hard-working Americans. Popular in Europe to the tune of 109,000 vehicles last year, the Transit Connect demonstrates that a competent four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive hauler can suit the needs of a vast array of working folks who don't lug heavy equipment or a copious amount of supplies — caterers, florists, plumbers, electricians, DJs, you name it. Built in Turkey, the van is expected to go on sale here roundabout mid-2009, at a price that has yet to be announced. It features sliding doors on both sides, and double hatches at the rear that open out 180 degrees, giving access to a cavernous 143 cubic feet of cargo space (that's 12 cubic feet more than an extended-length Expedition with second- and third-row seats folded). Ford will offer the Transit Connect (initially, at least) only with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine matched to an automatic transmission.
As well as the Transit Connect is likely to serve working folks, we can't help but think what a very fine little surfer/camper/hippie-mobile it would make. Keep the price down, add a couple of rear seats, some rear glass, and maybe a roof rack, and perhaps drop in a small diesel engine with a manual gearbox — Voilà! — instant competition for the Honda Element.
More photos of the Transit Connect after the break, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.
