The Ford Transit Connect II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2018, represented Ford’s entry into the compact commercial and passenger van segment in Europe and, to a lesser extent, North America. The Wagon L2 variant, equipped with the 1.5 EcoBlue 100 horsepower automatic powertrain, occupied a middle ground within the Transit Connect lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. Production of this specific configuration ran from 2018 through 2024. This model aimed to appeal to families and businesses needing a versatile vehicle for both cargo and passenger transport, bridging the gap between larger vans and traditional station wagons.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Transit Connect |
| Generation | Transit Connect II (facelift 2018) Wagon L2 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 EcoBlue (100 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 172 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 5-5.9 l/100 km (47 – 39.9 US mpg, 56.5 – 47.9 UK mpg, 20 – 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 4.4-4.9 l/100 km (53.5 – 48 US mpg, 64.2 – 57.6 UK mpg, 22.7 – 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 4.6-5.3 l/100 km (51.1 – 44.4 US mpg, 61.4 – 53.3 UK mpg, 21.7 – 18.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 122-138 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16.6 kg/Hp, 60.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 144.3 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 | 1663-1845 kg (3666.29 – 4067.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2280-2445 kg (5026.54 – 5390.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600-617 kg (1322.77 – 1360.25 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 300 l (10.59 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2800 l (98.88 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%) | 1350 kg (2976.24 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) | 144-153 mm (5.67 – 6.02 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 | 8 gears, automatic 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Transit Connect variant is the 1.5-liter EcoBlue turbocharged diesel engine, specifically the Z2GA engine code. This engine is part of Ford’s EcoBlue family, designed for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The 1.5L engine utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the cylinders at high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine features a single turbocharger with an intercooler to increase air density and power output. The valvetrain employs a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration with four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and overall engine performance. Paired with this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and contributing to the vehicle’s ease of driving. This transmission was chosen to broaden the appeal of the Transit Connect, offering a more convenient alternative to the standard manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 100 horsepower and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 1.5 EcoBlue engine, when coupled with the eight-speed automatic transmission, resulted in adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was sufficient for everyday driving, but the van wasn’t designed for rapid overtaking or spirited driving. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and smooth operation, prioritizing comfort over outright speed. Compared to the higher-output versions of the 1.5 EcoBlue or the earlier 1.6-liter engines, this variant felt noticeably less powerful, especially when fully loaded with passengers or cargo. However, the automatic transmission made it significantly easier to drive in congested urban environments than the manual versions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Wagon L2 1.5 EcoBlue Automatic typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and stability control. Higher trim levels, often denoted by ‘Trend’ or ‘Limited’ designations, added features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. The L2 designation refers to the long wheelbase, providing increased cargo space behind the rear seats. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and advanced driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
Chassis & Braking
The Transit Connect II utilized 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 provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and precise control. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort and practicality, rather than sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.5 EcoBlue 100 horsepower automatic variant of the Transit Connect was generally well-received as a practical and fuel-efficient option. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and ease of driving, particularly in urban environments. However, some reviewers noted its lack of outright performance compared to higher-powered versions. In terms of fuel economy, it offered competitive figures within its class, typically achieving around 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers (36.2 US mpg) in combined driving. Compared to the manual transmission versions, the automatic offered slightly lower fuel economy but greater convenience. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Caddy and Citroën Berlingo, the Transit Connect offered a compelling package of practicality, affordability, and fuel efficiency.
Legacy
The 1.5 EcoBlue engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit occasional issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), particularly in vehicles used primarily for short trips. Regular maintenance, including ensuring the DPF is regenerated properly, is crucial for long-term reliability. The eight-speed automatic transmission has also proven to be generally durable, but fluid changes should be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. On the used car market, the Transit Connect II 1.5 EcoBlue Automatic remains a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and economical van. Its practicality, fuel efficiency, and relatively low running costs make it an attractive option for families and small businesses alike.
