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T he short wheelbase Transit line-up is a pretty radical departure
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for Ford, most versions coming with the two-litre, front-wheel-drive configuration. But in many ways, it's also as conservative as any Transit was, and it must be said that the sales figures show there is still a big market for conservative.
Many of the Transit's test results are unduly flattering. Raw performance is good, but its Duratorq 16-valve charge-cooled engine never lets you forget that it's working hard. Although the Transit's actual recorded noise levels are not the highest, the quality of the engine noise caused some concern. Under power, in particular. there was a level of induction roar not heard since the days of boy-racer Minis with no air cleaner Overall, it was really the general lack of refine
ment that was the Transit's downfall.
One of the Transit's strongest points, and a pretty important one for a van, is load handling. The optional 270 rear door hinges give access to the largest door aperture and the widest load floor of all the vans in our test. Being the second smallest of the Transit range, the 280 SWB's payload is near the lower end of the spectrum, but being a Transit, there's the widest choice of ratings waiting for you. Mao important for the van driver is the seat, and Transit's is one of the best, including the armrest which Giles Margerison swears is a significant turn-on for many of his customers.
The Transit left us with the impression of a van that a fleet manager would definitely buy, but only if he didn't have to drive it himself too often.