Ford Transit and Transit Connect pick up two Arctic Van Test awards

Ford Transit and Transit Connect pick up two Arctic Van Test awards

The Ford Transit and Transit Connect came through the Arctic Van Test with flying colours, picking up two wins, the first time the van maker has claimed a double prize in its 23-year history.

Both vans finished first in their respective classes after competing in the punishing five-day ordeal, during which the vehicles and drivers are pushed to the extreme in ice, cold and snow, in Finland - where temperatures can drop as low as -50 degrees Celcius.

The test the models were put through included slaloming across a frozen airfield, tackling a 700km route covering icy, rutted roads.

Paul Randle, vehicle line director, global commercial vehicles, Ford of Europe, said: “Every one of our new Ford Transits is tested in the world’s toughest climates and driving conditions long before launch, so they are prepared for just this kind of challenge."

Expert drivers from six European commercial vehicle magazines sat behind the wheel of the models in the Arctic Van Test and rated the two Transits winners to deliver Ford’s first double victory in the event’s 23-year history.

The all-new Ford Transit was rated top or joint-top in nine out of 13 categories, while the more compact Ford Transit Connect was ranked top or joint-top in seven categories, impressing with its stability and handling in icy conditions.

Posted by Sebastian Turkenburg