Ford makes version of Transit Connect for the people

2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon – Click above for high-res image gallery

Rejoice, America! The Ford Transit Connect is no longer just for plumbers and electricians. The Blue Oval has announced it will produce a civilian version of its hardcore work van. Called the Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon, the vehicle will boast roomy seating for five and massive amounts of cargo area. Out back, those hefty panes of glass actually pop open for easy-breathing ventilation, and tricks like blind-spot awareness and a rear-view camera make piloting this machine a cinch. Other visual changes like larger alloy wheels, a painted grille and front foglamps give this Transit Connect a bit more personality, as well.

Ford showed off the Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon at this year's LA Auto Show, but so far, we don't know exactly how much the van will cost when it shows up next year. We do know that buyers will be able to expect the same 26 mpg highway as the bare bones models on sale right now. Follow the jump to have a look at the full press release.


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[Source: Ford]
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FORD TRANSIT CONNECT XLT PREMIUM WAGON DEBUTS WITH ADDED COMFORT, CONVENIENCE FEATURES

Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon

* Ford Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – is expanding its lineup with the addition of a Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon offering
* Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon offers seating for five passengers with enhanced interior appointments and visibility from integrated blind-spot mirrors, a rear view camera and flip-open rear quarter windows

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2010 – A new personal-use package for the 2011 Ford Transit Connect debuted today at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The XLT Premium Wagon offers more comfort and visibility for second-row passengers, something customers have been asking for since the small, fuel-efficient van went on sale in the United States in 2009.

"Since Transit Connect arrived here as the 'ultimate tool' for small business proprietors, we've heard requests from potential personal-use customers," said Rob Stevens, chief nameplate engineer for Commercial Vehicles. "Buyers looking for a taller wagon with seating for five passengers and generous cargo space have shown significant interest in Transit Connect."

XLT Premium Wagon offers enhanced second-row passenger comfort, including cargo space surface trim, wheelhouse covers and flip-open rear quarter windows for draft-free ventilation.

This personal-use package gives owners and drivers additional confidence with blind-spot sideview mirrors, rear view camera, rear cargo door windows and privacy glass.

Transit Connect was named North American Truck of the Year in January 2010, selected by journalist jurors for its unique combination of car-like ride, 135 cubic feet of cargo space, 1,600-pound payload capacity and unmatched fuel efficiency – up to an EPA-rated 26 mpg highway.

All Transit Connect models – including XLT Premium Wagon – are assembled at the Ford Otosan joint-venture production facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, and are available at North American Ford dealerships.

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