The Ford Transit Connect II, specifically the facelifted version introduced in 2018, represented a significant update to Ford’s compact commercial and passenger vehicle lineup. The Double Cab-in-Van L2 configuration with the 1.5 EcoBlue 100 horsepower engine, produced from 2018 through 2024, was a popular choice in the European market, and increasingly in North America, offering a balance of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. This variant occupied a mid-range position within the Transit Connect II lineup, slotting below the higher-powered diesel options and the gasoline-powered variants. It catered to businesses and families needing both passenger and cargo space, prioritizing economy over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Transit Connect |
| Generation | Transit Connect II (facelift 2018) Double Cab-in-Van L2 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 EcoBlue (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 155-169 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 5.1-5.6 l/100 km (46.1 – 42 US mpg, 55.4 – 50.4 UK mpg, 19.6 – 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 4.4-4.8 l/100 km (53.5 – 49 US mpg, 64.2 – 58.9 UK mpg, 22.7 – 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 4.7-5.1 l/100 km (50 – 46.1 US mpg, 60.1 – 55.4 UK mpg, 21.3 – 19.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 123-134 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16.6 kg/Hp, 60.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 144.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 100 Hp |
| Power per litre | 66.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm (177.01 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z2GA |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.8 mm (3.34 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1659-1666 kg (3657.47 – 3672.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2400-2405 kg (5291.09 – 5302.12 lbs.) |
| Max load | 739-741 kg (1629.22 – 1633.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1600 l (56.5 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 17 l (4.49 US gal | 3.74 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1495 kg (3295.91 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4825 mm (189.96 in.) |
| Width | 1835 mm (72.24 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1967 mm (77.44 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2137 mm (84.13 in.) |
| Height | 1820-1847 mm (71.65 – 72.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3062 mm (120.55 in.) |
| Front track | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1582 mm (62.28 in.) |
| Front overhang | 885 mm (34.84 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 878 mm (34.57 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 144-160 mm (5.67 – 6.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.5 m (41.01 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer lateral stability |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16; 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
INTRODUCTION
The Ford Transit Connect II, launched in 2013 and facelifted in 2018, is a compact panel van and five-passenger wagon built on the Ford global C/B platform, also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform. The 2018 facelift brought updated styling, improved technology, and a new engine lineup, including the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engine. The Double Cab-in-Van L2 variant, signifying the longer wheelbase, offered a versatile layout with seating for five and a substantial cargo area behind the second row. The 1.5 EcoBlue engine, in its 100 horsepower guise, was positioned as the entry-level diesel option, appealing to buyers prioritizing fuel economy and lower running costs.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Transit Connect variant is the 1.5-liter EcoBlue turbocharged diesel engine, designated with the engine code Z2GA. This engine is part of Ford’s EcoBlue family, known for its focus on efficiency and reduced emissions. The 1498cc inline-four cylinder engine utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. It features a single turbocharger with an intercooler to increase air density and improve power output. The engine employs a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and contributing to its relatively high power output for its size. The 100 horsepower and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque are delivered across a relatively narrow rev band. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, chosen for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. While an automatic transmission was offered on other Transit Connect trims, it wasn’t available with this specific 100 hp EcoBlue engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 EcoBlue 100 hp engine, coupled with the manual transmission, provides adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration is not brisk, with a 0-60 mph time estimated around 13-14 seconds. However, the engine delivers sufficient torque for comfortable highway cruising and carrying moderate loads. The six-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the higher-output diesel versions (typically 120 hp or more), this variant feels noticeably slower, particularly when fully loaded. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine can feel strained when climbing steep hills or accelerating quickly. The manual transmission provides more driver engagement than an automatic, but requires more effort in stop-and-go traffic.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 EcoBlue 100 hp Double Cab-in-Van L2 typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included features like air conditioning, power windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and a driver’s airbag. Safety features such as ABS and Electronic Stability Control were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically durable cloth. Optional extras included features like a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and upgraded interior trim. The Double Cab configuration offered a 60/40 split folding second-row seat, allowing for flexible cargo configurations. The L2 (long wheelbase) provided a significantly larger cargo area compared to the standard wheelbase model.
Chassis & Braking
The Transit Connect II utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent twist beam suspension at the rear. This setup provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front suspension incorporates a stabilizer bar to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering is rack-and-pinion with electric power assistance, providing light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.5 EcoBlue 100 hp Transit Connect was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical choice. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and versatile cargo configurations. However, some reviewers noted its lack of outright performance compared to the higher-powered diesel options. Compared to the 1.0 EcoBoost gasoline engine, the 1.5 EcoBlue offered significantly better fuel economy, particularly on longer journeys. The 1.5 EcoBlue was also generally considered more reliable than some of the earlier diesel engines offered in the Transit Connect. Its main competitors included the Volkswagen Caddy, Citroën Berlingo, and Renault Kangoo.
Legacy
The 1.5 EcoBlue engine proved to be a relatively reliable powertrain, with few widespread issues reported. The Transit Connect II, in general, has a good reputation for durability and low running costs. On the used car market, the 1.5 EcoBlue 100 hp variant represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a practical and economical van. While not the fastest or most luxurious option, it offers a compelling combination of space, efficiency, and affordability. Its simplicity, compared to more complex engine and transmission combinations, often translates to lower maintenance costs over the long term.
