Fords smallest van the Courier just got bigger, with a new model launched in the first half of 2024. Ford are banking on attracting more customers from the sector above, where currently the Transit Connect sits, many of whom need a larger van but not as big as the Connect as well as appealing to the ultra-compact van sector customers who may occasionally need more space.
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Engine wise it’s relatively straightforward, at least until the electric version arrives later in 2024. There’s a single diesel offered which is a 1.5-litre EcoBlue producing 99bhp with 250Nm of torque, the model we tested, plus a pair of 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrols with either 99bhp/170Nm or 123bhp/170Nm. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, with the higher-powered EcoBoost available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Model range
Fords Courier van range begins with entry model Leader which features a full bulkhead, an 8″ SYNC 4 touchscreen, Bluetooth & smartphone mirroring a 6-way driver & 4-way passenger front seats & Ford Co Pilot Assist with cyclist & pedestrian detection, a lane keeping aid & Adaptive Cruise Control with adjustable speed limiter.
Next up is Trend adding front fogs, a single sliding side door, driver seat lumbar & armrest, a heated windscreen & a heated driver & passenger seat. Limiteds up next & this comes with 16″ alloys, a rear view camera & front parking aid, keyless start, a wireless phone charger, one touch windows, body coloured door handles, black painted mirrors & a Sensico wrapped steering wheel.
The range topper is Active is equipped with all of the above plus 17″ alloys, front & rear skid plates, roof rails, wheel arch mouldings & a honeycomb grille.
Practicality
The latest Courier Van comes in just one body style that offers up to 2.9cubic metres of loadspace which is 25% more than the outgoing model, an 820kg payload & a load length of 1,802mm. With the optional load-though bulkhead this extends to 2.667mm. An additional 200mm between the rear wheel arches means that the vehicle will now take two Euro pallets.
Access to the cargo area is via twin rear barn doors & a single sliding side door although a second door on the opposite side is available as an option.
The cargo area measures 1,253mm high, the rear door opening measures 1,235mm wide by 1,120mm high, while the sliding door has a gap measuring 528mm wide & 1,069mm high. The load lip is a low 602mm.
Up front there are two seats with all versions coming with a full steel bulkhead. There’s actually decent seat adjustment backward even with the bulkhead fitted, something thats not great in plenty of the Couriers competitors.
Inside
The Courier Van has been built on the same platform as the Ford, Puma, so utilises much of the same tech inside too. There’s a digital instrument cluster, an 8″ infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity & steering wheel controls for the audio & cruise control functions. A start button is engaged with a press whilst your foots on the clutch. Some separate control buttons sit underneath the screen for the de-misters, A/C & parking camera.
We were in the an EcoBlue 6-speed manual diesel Active. The fixtures & fittings are of high quality & feel built to last. The seat fabric’s good too with the Sensico -wrapped steering wheel another nice touch.
Cabin practicality
Small it may be but there are plenty of useful storage areas. There’s an overhead cross-cabin storage shelf, a central bin for A4-sized folders, large door pockets big enough to hold 1.5-litre bottles, a space for a phone holder, two front USB’s, a wireless charging pad & a deep area in front of the passenger on the dash top.
There’s a wide range of adjustment for the driver’s seat, so it’s easy to get comfortable. The switchgear is shared with Ford passenger cars so is of good quality as well. There’s a Ford Pass Connect Modem built in & the Courier therefore has the connectivity to allow it to be managed by the owner or fleet manager via Fords Pro Digital fleet ecosystem.
Fuel economy
The diesel has a WLTP figure of 55.4mpg when fitted to the Leader model which reduces to 51.2mpg for the Active version. The petrols not quite as good with either 43.5-42.8mpg for the manual versions or 42.8-41.5mpg for the Powershift auto models.
Safety
High on all versions. ABS, stability control, traction control, roll stability control, tyre pressure monitors, driver & passenger airbags, lane assist, driver alertness warning, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, cruise control with intelligent speed limiter & a wrong-way assist. Options include rear cross traffic alert, a rear-view camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, blind-spot warning & lane-change assist.
Driving
The shortish dimensions & squat wheel base make the Courier an enjoyable van to drive. There’s massive amounts of headroom & with just two front seats the cabin feels very spacious. The driving position is A1 & the large windows & windscreen give the driver excellent forwards & sideways visibility.
We were testing the 1.5 diesel manual & it offers plenty of power, with 250Nm of torque available low down at just 2000 rpm. In town this small vans an easy companion, with the light steering & clutch & gearbox working well in tandem. Its an easy van to handle & is great for nipping in & out of traffic in town. The reversing camera displayed on the screen is very useful as are the two large wing mirrors.
If you accelerate hard into the higher revs things can get noisy, with the vans upright stance also adding some wind noise in the cabin. The wireless connectivity worked quickly & the wireless phone chargers is a plus as well.
A 200 mile round trip to Stratford Upon Avon & back meant an almost 180 mile motorway drive & here too the Courier performed admirably. On the Active Adaptive Cruise Control is offered so we took advantage of this & let the van do the hard work. After a few hours, some press vehicles can leave me with backache, but not the Courier, so kudos to Ford for the comfortable & easily adjustable seats.
Pros
Increased carrying capacity is very useful. The car-like cabin & controls, make daily driving enjoyable & not a chore. Long journeys are comfortable & relaxing & in town it’s a competent performer.
Cons
It’s more expensive than the outgoing model. Only one length & just two front seats.
Verdict
If you need a small van that will take two Euro pallets & drives very much like a small car, then the Courier Van ticks all the right boxes. Build quality is very good, whilst the on-board tech, connectivity & safety are all first rate. Whilst it’s not quite as practical as the Kangoo, Townstar or Citan trio, or the Stellantis built Berlingo, Doblo Cargo, Partner,Combo Cargo or Proace City, plus the Volkswagen Caddy which do offer two load lengths, it’s a better van to drive than almost all of these & it’s cheaper too. And, with it’s increased carrying capacity it’s almost as practical as the larger Transit Connect. Furthermore out test van came in a fetching metallic Bursting Green an additional £600 which really made it stand out.
Our new favourite small van 4.75/5
