2020 Transit debuts as Ford Philippines’ newest people-hauler

Ford Philippines launched its very first minibus into the country, the Ford Transit. The platform is used for both commercial- and consumer-oriented tasks with a large body and capable motor being the main draws of the nameplate for many buyers all over the world. 

It’s currently one of the largest models in the Ford lineup for the Philippines, coming in at 5,981mm, 2,474mm with mirrors, and 2,517mm tall. It seats up to 15 people at once and has enough space and ground clearance for one to stretch their legs and brave through most road conditions in the city. 

The engine in the Transit is a 2.2L Duratorq TDCi unit, which is the same engine that can be found in the 2.2L Ford Everest and Ranger. This diesel motor produces 133 hp and 385 Nm of torque that outputs power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. 

The front suspension has independent MacPherson struts, while the rear has load-bearing leaf springs with gas-pressurized shock absorbers. The Transit rides on 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps with disk brakes on all four corners. 

It’s even bigger than a full-size van with exorbitant amounts of legroom and several seats clad in cloth. Every passenger gets a 3-point seatbelt and the seating area is laid out in a 3, 2, 2+1, 2+1, 1+2+1 configuration, adding to a total seating capacity of 15 individuals. Ingress and egress are made easy through a motorized step board which tucks into the body when the manual sliding door is closed. 

Ford Philippines is introducing only one variant of the Transit to the Philippines, and it will cost a grand total of P2,300,000, a par figure for a vehicle of this category. The new model is available starting today for both consumers and businesses looking for a large-scale mobility solution from Ford Motor Company. To sweeten the deal, Ford Philippines is including a 5-year free preventative maintenance service plan for all customers looking to invest in the Transit.