For the 2016 model year, Ford Motor Co. is offering several new options for its full-size Transit and compact Transit Connect vans.
First, is making its new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system available as an option of the Transit for 2016; a system that features more “conversational” voice recognition capability, a more smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface.
All 2016 Ford Transit vans and wagons will also be equipped with a rearview camera and trailer hitch assist technology as standard equipment.
The OEM said its trailer hitch assist technology automatically engages when the vehicle is shifted into reverse and displays a graphical overlay on the screen that helps guide drivers to line up a hitch with a trailer.
On top of that, all 2016 model Transit cutaway and chassis cab customers will have the option to display the area behind the vehicle on the rearview mirror.
Dual sliding side cargo doors also will be available for the first time on Transit medium- and high-roof vans, Ford added – meaning customers can now choose from 58 different vehicle configurations, up from 47 in the 2015 model year.
Transit fleet customers will also be able to add a speed limitation feature that caps the vehicle’s top speed at 70 mph, the OEM noted. Speeds already can be limited to 65 mph and 75 mph on 2015 Transit models, the automaker pointed out.
Other 2016 upgrades for the full-size Transit include:
- Optional auxiliary fuse panels on all Transit variants to power custom accessories or other implements;
- A single absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery as an option for all gasoline engine-equipped Transit vans;
- Heavy-duty alternators as an option on Transit wagons to provide more power to run accessories;
- Front dome lamps with map lights and theater dimming that will be standard on all Transit variants.
- A relocation of the vehicle’s USB jack port to above the cup holder in the center console for the Transit for easier access;
- Four new paint colors – Shadow Black, Caribou, Magnetic and Race Red.
The Transit Connect compact commercial van is also being updated for the 2016 model year, Ford noted, with a standard flexible-fuel system as the biggest upgrade.
Standard equipment on 2016 Transit Connect vans with 2.5-liter I-4 gasoline engines destined for non-California emissions states, the flex-fuel system will be able to operate on E85 fuel – a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline – unleaded gasoline or any mixture of the two.
Ford added that its 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine will also be an option for the Transit Connect van and Transit Connect Wagon XLT.
A perimeter alarm will be included at no additional charge when available remote start is ordered on 2016 model Transit Connect vans as well.
Ford noted that the 2016 variants of its full-size Transit and Transit Connect vans will be available at dealerships beginning in September.
