The 2012 Ford Transit family has Europe abuzz.

Ford’s new 2012 Transit range heralds the arrival of the most efficient, durable and technologically advanced version of this iconic commercial vehicle so far.

Going on sale throughout Europe before the end of this year, the 2012 Transit delivers impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions, plus – for the first time – extended service intervals (two years/50,000km) and an extended 12-year anti-corrosion warranty as standard.

It has been engineered to combat ever-growing running costs and introduces an all-new family of 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, which use less fuel yet produce more power and torque (up to 385Nm for rear-wheel-drive models).

Especially for operators seeking to achieve the most efficient freight logistics, Ford will offer two ECOnetic Transits, including – for the first time – a long wheelbase, medium-roof version. Both short and long wheelbase models come equipped with cutting-edge green technologies such as Auto-Start- Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging and Ford’s Advanced Battery Management System.

As a result, the compact SWB model consumes 8.5 per cent less fuel than the original Transit ECOnetic and is capable of 6.55l/100km (43.1mpg) when equipped with an optional fixed Speed Limiter, which equates to an NEDC average cycle CO2 emission of 173g/km. This economy equates to a significant savings of 909 litres of fuel over 150,000km, versus its predecessor.

The new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi replaces existing Transit’s 2.4- and 2.2-litre diesel engine options and will power front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive Transits. It also comes with a wide choice of outputs to suit every operator requirement.

The new front-wheel-drive Transit will be available with 100, 125 or 140PS, while the most powerful rear-wheel-drive derivative has 155PS. Even more impressive are the torque increases, with the entrylevel 100PS engine delivering 310Nm, while the 155PS rear-wheel-drive version has 385Nm of superior pulling power.

To fully exploit the extra power and torque of the new engines, all 2012 Transits will be equipped with a six-speed transmission as standard, featuring improved synchronicity and longer overall gearing.

In order to provide operators with the next step in sustainable goods logistics, Ford will also offer an optional ECO Pack for the 2012 Transit, which includes disengageable Auto-Start-Stop and 110km/h Speed Limiter function, available with most powertrain combinations.

The 2012 Transit has been engineered to provide years of reliable service, no matter how harsh the operating conditions. For added customer peace of mind, Ford is now extending the anti-corrosion warranty from eight to 12 years on new Transit by increasing under-body protection.

The new Transit will be the only full-size van on the market to offer front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive versions on the same platform. The extensive and versatile Transit range – including Van, Kombi Tourneo, Bus, Single Cab and Double Cab variants – gives customers the opportunity to choose exactly the right vehicle to run their business successfully.

Externally, the 2012 Transit is distinguishable by its new silver grille and blue coloured numerals on the power GVM badge. As before, customers will still be able to choose from one of five series levels – Transit, Transit ECOnetic, Transit Trend, Transit Limited or Transit SportVan.

Inside, a premium Sony ICE system is available and, in addition, customers can specify a satellite navigation system with five-inch colour screen.

Ford is also making Quickclear and Hill Launch Assist standard across the 2012 Transit range. Other helpful available features include a rear view camera for easier reversing and trailer attachment.