Ford has reinvented the van for Baby Boomers whose idea of rocking doesn’t involve a chair.
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> Ford unveiled the redesigned Transit Connect Wagon at the Chicago Auto Show. The last Transit Connect Wagon won over Boomers-born from 1946 to 1964 that grew up driving vans-with its unique combination of affordable, fun and easy-to-use people mover attributes and cargo hauling capabilities. The new Transit Connect Wagon features new driver-assist features, including standard Automatic Emergency Braking. The feature is included with segment-exclusive Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection.
Adaptive Cruise Control is also available. The system makes highway driving easier by automatically slowing the vehicle when radar detects traffic slowing ahead. Available Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert also uses radar to detect surrounding vehicles – providing alerts if vehicles approach unseen from either side. To help avoid lane drift while driving, available Lane Keeping System vibrates the steering wheel and can apply extra steering wheel torque to help you keep the vehicle centered on the road.
Available in two wheelbases to accommodate five or seven passengers and in three trim levels, XL, XLT and Titanium, Transit Connect Wagon can be built to meet the needs of any customer. The new 2019 Transit Connect with all-new 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine is targeted to return an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of at least 30 mpg highway. The diesel engine is paired with an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection comes with Auto Start-Stop as standard equipment. It too comes mated to the all-new 8-speed automatic.
Transit Connect Wagon’s new instrument panel is centered on features that are both useful and straightforward – an available 6.5-inch floating touch screen, a digital driver information center in the cluster, and available wireless charging for your mobile device. Staying connected is easy thanks to the standard embedded 4G LTE modem providing Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices and available SYNC 3 with Ford+Alexa personal assistant functionality. ■
