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car review

2015 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

The Transit Connect Wagon is Ford's best seven-seat people-mover. It doesn't tow much, it doesn't four-wheel and it doesn't have big honking horsepower, but it does have room for seven, reasonable load flexibility and purchase and operating costs superior to any Ford E-badge except the Escape. (Overall score: 6.4)

Walkaround

TC Wagon comes only in the long-wheelbase model, which falls, by size and weight, between Odyssey or Sienna and the Mazda 5. Family resemblance to the Transit full-size is obvious, though the Connect has rounder windows and proportionally-thicker pillars, painted bumpers on this Titanium, and no concealed side pillars. It's a big greenhouse—with third-row windows where ProMaster City has none—and I'd recommend the rear window tint package even if you live in the rainiest, greyest place on earth.

The tail is typical van, perhaps why the stylish bumper scuff trim carries the name. Side doors slide and Titanium uses a rear liftgate, but lesser models offer the choice of rear cargo doors. Maximum load is 576 kg, somewhat behind the five-seater ProMaster City.

An XL Taxi package drops the third row for more second-row room, adds power second-row windows and is the only way to get School Bus (not Taxi?!?) Yellow paint. (Score: 6.0)

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Interior

In Titanium trim in the TC Wagon's cabin seems as nicely finished as an Escape or Rogue, with pleasant, job-appropriate materials and nothing phony.

The huge windshield is far away—I couldn't reach any of it from the driving position, which is neither upright van nor reclined passenger car. It feels like they put a Focus dash and seat in a Class A motorhome. Big sun visors cover windows well, but a windshield tint band would help.

Third-row seats slide for leg or cargo room, yielding 447-558 litres behind. Flop cushions forward, drop the backrests, and there are 1,668 litres behind the second row; fold that and it's 2,951 litres and a flat floor about two metres long, with a few centimetres at the very rear, inviting you to sack out and let your feet hang off. Seat folding isn't the most convenient and the second-row doesn't recline like the third, but floor height of 577 mm is an easier lift than any crossover.

Gauges are familiar to any small-Ford driver, as is the touchscreen a considerable reach forward. Climate and other controls are simple, and there's good storage space in doors and overhead bins front and rear. (Score: 7.3)

Tech

Theatre systems of larger alternatives aren't offered; neither are their price tags. Optional parking sensors may be rear-only or front and rear, but the large windows, squared design and available rear camera make it easy to maneuver. MyKey, inexpensive if not standard, can set limits for other drivers. The infotainment system did what I asked, though the small buttons and relatively lethargic response often made it a chore. (Score: 5.3)

Driving

Wagon TC comes only with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder of 169 hp for its 1,800-plus kg. That's fine around town and cruising along the plains, but you'll be working it hauling full loads around the mountains. It won't complain and never felt strained, but it'd be nice if the 1.6-litre EcoBoost's added midrange grunt currently reserved for Cargo Van models. Throttle response in reverse was enthusiastic.

The six-speed automatic works as it should, aware of the limited power reserves. It can be thumb-shifted manually, but only after selecting 'S'. This powertrain rates 11.7/8.4, and I did about 12.0 in daily driving and 8.0 even on a highway jaunt with minimal load.

Handling is predictable and secure, the center of gravity is not high as you'd think given roof height. Effortless steering points it accurately and executes a U-turn in a respectable 12.2 metres. Disc brakes all around are a step up on similar vans. Road noise is well controlled, you don't detect wind noise until 100 km/h and it's not objectionable up to autobahn speeds. I found seat cushioning more than capable of softening any input the suspension didn't, and because it can carry a third of its own weight, it seemed smoothest with three or four people on board. (Score: 6.8)

Value

This fanciest Wagon with leather, SYNC and cornering lights begins around $35,000; with alloy 17s, electric windshield defrost, overhead rear storage, front/rear park assist and navigation is more than $37,000. Most "minivans" and seven-seat Explorer with leather costs more, but a smaller, more nimble Mazda5 GT, if you don't need as much room, or want a manual gearbox, is $9,000 less. (Score: 6.7)

Conclusion

The Transit Connect wagon fills a small niche, a seven-seat van that's a better people and things mover than most crossovers, and not as big, thirsty and pricey as what used to be called minivans. If you basically need a school bus that will fit in your garage and comfortable for long trips, connect with it.

Autofocus.ca is a Canadian automotive website dedicated to making car shopping easier and driving more fun. Follow Autofocus on Facebook and Twitter.

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