The Dearborn-based automaker Tuesday said the 2014 model year vehicle -- available in five- and seven-passenger configurations -- ''drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup.''
DEARBORN, MI- Ford Motor Co. expects its all-new Transit Connect Wagon to achieve at least 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Dearborn-based automaker Tuesday said the 2014 model year vehicle – available in five- and seven-passenger configurations – “drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup.”
Officials expect the vehicle to compete against minivans, but say it is not a minivan.
“It has an extensive selection of comfort, convenience and connectivity options, and a full complement of safety features – making it a modern, family-friendly alternative to oversized minivans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford vice president of global engineering, global product development, in a statement.
The vehicle -- set to debut at the LA Auto Show later this month and be available in late-2013 -- will have two four-cylinder engine options, including an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost that is estimated to deliver 30 mpg-plus on the highway.
Both engines come mated to a convenient six-speed automatic transmission, geared for around-town responsiveness and low-rpm highway cruising. When properly equipped, this versatile wagon is approved to tow up to 2,000 pounds, 500 pounds more than a four-cylinder Toyota Highlander SUV, according to officials
“It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas. “Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.”
The new Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations, and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. No other wagon in the market today, according to Ford, offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-pound payload and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space. The seven-passenger vehicle features sliding doors on both sides.
The vehicle is based off of the five-passenger version of the Transit Connect van that Ford makes primarily for fleet customers. According to Ford, the vehicle sells at a pace of 35,000 units per year.
The LA Auto Show is open to the public from Nov. 30 through Dec. 19. More than 40 vehicles, including at least 17 worldwide unveilings, are expected to debut during the show’s press preview days from Nov. 28-29.
Continue to check back to MLive Autos for continuing coverage of the LA Auto Show, including all the best unveilings from Los Angeles during press preview days and the 2013 "Green Car of the Year."
Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland