FORD took the CV Show by surprise with the launch of the Fiesta Sport Van.
Ford had exited the car-derived van sector some 18 months ago leaving Corsavan with the market to itself.
But now Ford is back. And how.
The Sport specification is the launch model and it’s where Ford really sees the market for this van.
Owen Gregory, Ford Fleet Director, explained:
“When we were last selling the Fiesta Van the most popular choice was the Sport version. So it makes sense to make the Sport Van the launch vehicle.”
Gregory said that the Fiesta van’s return was prompted by customer demand. “Feedback from customers suggested that the Courier had proven a capable replacement but after living with it they told us they wanted a more style-led and car-like product.”
The Sport Van can be powered by either a 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine or a 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel.
There’s a 1.0cu m cargo bay with a load length of almost 1.3 metres. Payload is 500kg. The load space features a composite and mesh full bulkhead, durable sidewall trim, and a tough rubber floor covering with four tie-down hooks.
Gregory said he expected there to be two types of customer.
“I see the Fiesta Sport Van appealing to technical engineers in urban areas. What they will be carrying around is their tool kit, spare parts and their know-how. So what they need is something small and manoeuvrable.
Smart Ford Fiesta Sport Van offers 500kg payload and 1 cubic metre load area
“The second group is those signwriters and vehicle wrappers where what they are selling is the visual appeal of the wrapping – and want a stylish and attractive product to do that.”
The all-new Fiesta Sport Van’s cabin offers a comfortable working environment, with the latest interior technologies including Ford’s SYNC 3 entertainment system – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – as standard, and comes with a floating, tablet-inspired 8-inch colour touchscreen.
Business customers can also access the new FordPass Connect on-board modem for connectivity on the move.
Latest safety tech is also part of the Fiesta Sport Van offering to help urban van drivers overcome typical daily challenges, such as Cross Traffic Alert to support easy and safe parking, plus Traffic Sign Recognition and Adjustable Speed Limiter to help avoid speeding fines.
“We often think of LCVs as rational products. But looking great is an important for customers too. And that’s where the new Sport Van really scores,” added Gregory.
The new Ford Fiesta Sport Van goes on sale in July when prices will be announced. It will arrive late Q3/early Q4
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