- Responsive turbo-diesel engines
- Refined manual transmissions
- Comfortable, supportive driver’s seat
- Comfortable ride
- Light, accurate steering
- Noise from turbo-diesel engines
- Steering wheel lacks height adjustment
- Variable interior trim fit
Review: Ford VM.I Transit bus (2006-11)
Overview
Released in September 2006, the Ford VM Series I (VM.I) Transit bus was a twelve seat bus that was powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel (‘TDCi’) engine and had a six-speed manual transmission.
The VM Transit Bus was 5680 mm long, 1974 mm wide, 2369 mm tall and had a 3750 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the VM Transit Bus had MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs.
| Variant | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 TDCi | RWD | 2.4-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man. | 103 kW at 3500 rpm | 375 Nm at 2000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VM.I Transit bus included a driver’s airbag, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and a driver’s seatbelt pretensioner; from March 2008, the Transit bus was also fitted with a front seat passenger airbag.
Features
Standard features for the VM.I Transit bus included a two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning (front and rear), remote central locking, power front windows, power mirrors, a 12 volt power outlet and immobiliser. From March 2008, the Transit bus was fitted with a four speaker sound system.
Review: Ford VM.II Transit bus (2012-13)
Overview
Released in January 2012, the VM Series II (VM.II) Transit bus introduced a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine.
| Variant | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 TDCi | RWD | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man. | 114 kW at 3500 rpm | 385 Nm at 1600-2300 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VM.II Transit bus included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and a driver’s seatbelt pretensioner.
The optional Professional Pack included electronic stability control, traction control and hill launch assist.
Features
Standard features for the VM.II Transit bus included a four speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/iPod), air conditioning (front and rear), a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and four-way adjustable front passenger seat, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.
The optional Professional Pack also included cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
December 2012: Transit bus update
In December 2012, standard features were extended to include front fog lights, a trip computer and Bluetooth connectivity with Voice Control. Visually, the post-December 2012 models could be identified by their body-coloured grilles.
Related links
- Brochure: Ford VM.II Transit (October 2012)
- Specifications: Ford VM.II Transit (October 2012)
- Wikipedia.org: Ford Transit (Fifth generation)
