Ford's Transit Connect vans, the mid-range vans in the range have had some success on the Irish market but not the level of success that has been achieved by the other models in the range. Roll-on a van upgrade in an attempt by Ford to make the van more attractive to look at as well as being better to drive. That was what brought me to southern Germany recently as Ford was keen to showcase its new look Connect range.

Ford has improved the comfort and manufacturing finish in the new Transit Connect van. Its load carrying ability and performance remains unchanged relative to the new model which will be phased out in the coming weeks. Prices have yet to be confirmed.

The overall styling remains the same; the van retains its dimensions, engine power and base features. What's new is a refreshed design which is at its best in the car-like people carrier version called the mouthful of the Transit Connect Tourneo.

Out on the road and you instantly recognise that the 1.8 litre turbo-diesel engine is retained in the range. There are three power output options to choose from just as before all with similar and unchanged torque output figures too.

What are changed are the economy figures. Ford claims that the new Transit Connect is more fuel efficient than before and they have lower levels of CO2 emissions. These changes may well be enough to make the Transit Connect Tourneo, a fresh new contender for a family run about.

Ford needs to freshen up the van as it has failed to achieve the fleet success of other similar vans such as the Citroen Berlingo or Volkswagen Caddy. Ford contends that existing Transit Connect owner operators have been loud in its praise, just not enough of them.

The styling changes include a fresh front bumper and grille design. The headlights get a new design style as do the rear lights to compliment fresh body mouldings.

The refreshed interior design comes from the S-Max range with a new instrument cluster and steering wheel. The interior needed improvement to match the standard of the upgraded Citroen Berlingo and Volkswagen Caddy, both of which are available as attractive passenger vehicles.

The new Transit Connect Tourneo has more storage areas than before. The improved dashboard and centre stack area as well as the overhead full-width shelf offer generous storage space for driver and passenger.

There's a centre fascia-mounted clipboard holder supports the daily delivery routine. Ford claims that the quality of material now used in the dash is more durable. The safety package also got more features. All of the latest models, when they land to the Irish market later this summer will come with safety features such Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with ABS brakes. The options list includes Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) as well as Active Yaw Control (AYC), Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and Roll Movement Intervention (RMI).

Ford has now fitted ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear for all versions. This should give better braking in all load conditions. And there are now emergency hazard lights as standard, which operate automatically in conditions of extreme braking to warn following motorists.

On the passive safety side, all new Transit Connect Tourneo models get twin airbags up front as standard, with side airbags on the optional list. The package includes electric windows and a remote double locking system on all models from the entry one up. As the Transit Connect Tourneo is based on a van, Ford claims that this provides the basis for a tough and durable people carrier. The passenger versions get a softer suspension treatment but retain MacPherson struts at the front and single leaf springs at the rear.

After a one day test drive of the Transit Connect Tourneo in southern Germany I'm impressed with its car-like ability. The new model is easy and pleasing to drive with loads of headroom and an airy feeling all the time.

This sector of the market is small. The car versions of these mid-range vans are not the most popular driving choice. They are hugely practical and expect them to be value for money.

I was more impressed with the Transit Connect Tourneo. The quality of finish on this spacious and cost competitive family runabout is good. Compared with the Ford Focus C-Max it has comparable power, acceleration and CO2 rating and it's more spacious with its two sliding rear doors.

Ford expects to have an ECOnetic version available later this year to give even greater economy than the current rated figure of 6.3 litres/100km (44.8mpg). That's just a short hop away from Connect Electric, with a range of up to 160 km (100 miles) and a top speed of 113 km/h (70 mph). Connect could be Ford's mass entry to the electric market doubling as a car and van with similar base technology could them volume and next generation drivers new value.

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