The Ford Transit Connect II Panel Van L2 2.5 (169 Hp) SelectShift represents a significant iteration in Ford’s commercial vehicle lineup, produced from 2013 to 2018. This variant, built on the global Ford C2 platform, aimed to provide a practical and efficient solution for small businesses and tradespeople in the North American market. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the L2 (long wheelbase) Transit Connect series, it bridged the gap between the base engine options and the more specialized configurations. The L2 designation indicates an extended wheelbase, offering increased cargo capacity compared to the standard-length model.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Transit Connect |
| Generation | Transit Connect II Panel Van L2 |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 (169 Hp) SelectShift |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 4-5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 8.4-8.7 l/100 km (28 – 27 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (EPA) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 169 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 232 Nm @ 4500 rpm (171.11 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Duratec 25 |
| Engine displacement | 2488 cm3 (151.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, i-VCT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 3220 l (113.71 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 4400 l (155.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 907 kg (1999.59 lbs.) |
| Length | 4818 mm (189.69 in.) |
| Width | 1834 mm (72.2 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1966 mm (77.4 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2137 mm (84.13 in.) |
| Height | 1849 mm (72.8 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3062 mm (120.55 in.) |
| Front track | 1560 mm (61.42 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1567 mm (61.69 in.) |
| Front overhang | 878 mm (34.57 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 878 mm (34.57 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, automatic transmission SelectShift |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
| 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 | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Transit Connect L2 2.5 SelectShift is the Duratec 25 engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, part of Ford’s Duratec family, utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with intake variable camshaft timing (i-VCT). The i-VCT system optimizes valve timing for improved performance and fuel efficiency. The engine produces 169 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 171 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. Paired with this engine is Ford’s SelectShift 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission offered a balance between smooth operation and fuel economy, featuring a conventional torque converter and electronically controlled shifting. The SelectShift name indicated the inclusion of a manual shift mode, allowing drivers some control over gear selection.
Driving Characteristics
The 169 hp engine and 6-speed automatic transmission combination provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance for typical commercial use. Acceleration was reasonable when unladen, but loading the vehicle significantly impacted responsiveness. The automatic transmission was tuned for efficiency, resulting in relatively conservative shift points. Compared to the manual transmission option, the SelectShift automatic offered greater convenience in stop-and-go traffic, but at the expense of some fuel economy and driver engagement. The gear ratios were optimized for highway cruising, making it a comfortable vehicle for longer distances, but the lower gears weren’t particularly geared for heavy hauling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Transit Connect L2 2.5 SelectShift typically came standard with features geared towards commercial users, including a durable interior, a configurable cargo area, and basic infotainment options. Standard equipment often included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as a more advanced infotainment system with touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and upgraded interior materials. Optional extras included features like rear parking sensors, cruise control, and various cargo area configurations. The interior was generally utilitarian, focusing on durability and ease of cleaning rather than luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Transit Connect II utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The suspension was tuned to prioritize load-carrying capacity over sporty handling. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering effort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Transit Connect L2 2.5 SelectShift was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option for small businesses. Its fuel economy of around 23 mpg combined was competitive within its class. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded. Compared to the base 1.6L engine, the 2.5L offered a significant performance boost, making it a more suitable choice for those who frequently carried heavy loads or drove on hilly terrain. Compared to diesel-powered competitors, the gasoline engine offered lower initial cost but potentially higher fuel costs over the long term. Reliability was generally good, with few widespread issues reported.
Legacy
The Ford Transit Connect II, including the 2.5L SelectShift variant, established itself as a popular choice in the compact commercial van segment. The Duratec 25 engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be a reliable and durable powerplant. In the used car market, these Transit Connects are often sought after for their practicality, affordability, and relatively low maintenance costs. The SelectShift automatic transmission, while not as fuel-efficient as a manual, remains a popular choice for drivers who prioritize convenience. The Transit Connect’s success paved the way for the current generation Transit Connect, continuing Ford’s presence in the compact van market.
