Ford today confirmed EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2010 Ford Transit Connect at 22 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

“It’s a unique package, offering a 1,600-pound payload, 135 cubic feet of cargo space and superior fuel economy,” said Rob Stevens, chief engineer.

To deliver a more fuel-efficient commercial vehicle, Ford is tapping its global portfolio of products to meet the unique needs of American small business owners with the 2010 Transit Connect. It represents a spacious new alternative to larger commercial vehicles and is ideal for navigating congested cities.

Transit Connect arrives with a global reputation for durability and toughness dating back to its 2003 launch, when an expert jury of European commercial vehicle journalists named it International Van of the Year.

Transit Connect: It’s Durable

Ford Transit Connect is a purpose-built commercial vehicle, built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform in an exclusive commercial vehicle production facility. It is designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe to beat tough, light commercial vehicle durability standards.

The Transit Connect is powered by a proven Duratec® 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 engine, featuring four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block and head. Sequential multiport electronic fuel injection provides precise fuel metering for smooth and economical performance. This engine, delivers 136 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 128 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm, has proven American market durability.

This efficient engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle with overdrive. A final-drive ratio of 4.20 to 1 is specified to give Transit Connect pulling power for the long haul and 15-inch steel wheels with P205/65R-15 black sidewall tires put it in contact with the road.

The Transit Connect was developed at the outset to be durable, with a boron steel front crossmember, a high-strength steel reinforced body shell, twin-side crossmembers and side-impact protection. Several areas of the body structure are double-skinned for additional strength, increasing resistance to the minor scrapes inherent to urban delivery situations.

“Transit Connect will be a useful small business tool,” said Chief Engineer Stevens. “It drives like a car, works like a van and is engineered to be as tough as a truck.”

You can find more information on the Transit Connect at fordvehicles.com, or visit our new trucks section to determine which one is the best truck for you.