Ford has launched its biggest ever minibus, seating 17 passengers plus the driver, Europe-wide. The new minibus comes in a three-vehicle line-up (including 12- and 15-seater models) with fuel-efficiency improved up to 6 per cent compared to previous models.

New comfort features include reclining seats with armrests rear air conditioning plus improved access and visibility. It breaks new ground with advanced safety and driver assistance technologies unique to Ford: Electronic Stability Control with Curve Control and Roll Stability Control features, Driver Alert, and voice-controlled Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance

Ford’s latest 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers 7.4 l/100 km (38.2 mpg)* and 196 g/km CO2 on all models. This ultra-low-emission Stage VI HDT engine is available in a choice of 125 PS and 155 PS ratings and is fitted with Auto-Start-Stop as standard.

 Rear seating is a completely new, more comfortable design thanks to an improved seat foam construction, with height-adjustable padded head restraints on all seats.

“The all-new Transit Minibus really is the ultimate people mover, and the new 18-seat layout makes sure no-one is left behind,” says David Gregory, Transit chief program engineer, Ford of Europe. “With added luxury features and flexible space these new Transit Minibuses provide a more comfortable solution for everything from city shuttles to tourist buses.”

 The Transit Minibus will be built at Ford’s Transit manufacturing plant in Kocaeli, Turkey.