Ford Transit XXL: the lowdown
White van man has a new toy, and it’s a big one: Ford’s Transit XXL. Stretching the tape measure to 7.4m long, it’s as long as two regular Transit Tourneo models and has limo-style legroom for seven builders. There are a few more creature comforts than in most Transits, too: captain’s armchairs with individual DVD screens and games consoles, and leather trim throughout. Sadly, there are no plans to build the XXL, which was created to celebrate the Transit’s status as International Van of the Year 2007. Read on to see what happens when a Focus RS meets its smaller brother, the Transit Connect.
An RS version of a Ford van? Are they mad?
Quite possibly, yes. Ford’s celebrations continued with the Transit Connect X-Press – which has dipped into the Blue Oval’s parts bin and run off with the running gear of the previous-generation Focus RS. That means a 212bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine, the Quaife limited slip diff and some petrifying performance claims for the builder’s special: 0-60mph in less than seven seconds and a motorway barging speed of 130mph. It’s also 70mm lower, with chunky 18in OZ alloys and – bizarrely – a roll cage. Other motorists are surely breathing a sigh of relief that neither van will reach showrooms.