Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Transit crowned van king of the Arctic in sub-zero test

The Ford Transit and Transit Connect vans earned a double win after battling severe winter conditions in Finland van endurance test

The tough Ford Transit van has proven why it’s amongst the best in its class after enduring one of the coldest and most grueling van performance tests on the planet.

Both the new Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect were placed under heavy pressure in the punishing five-day Arctic Van Test that took place in icy Finland – where temperatures can plummet to -50 degrees Celsius.

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Best small van 2014

Their fuel efficiency, load carrying and handling abilities were rigorously tested with slaloms across a frozen airfield and unnerving drives through 700 kilometres of frozen road. They were also left outside in sub-freezing temperatures overnight to see whether their engines and heating could function properly the day after.

In the end, the Ford vans prevailed and the expert drivers who tested them named them overall winners: Ford’s first double victory in the event’s 23-year history.

The Ford Transit was rated top or joint-top in nine out of 13 categories against rival models from Mercedes, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. The Ford Transit Connect’s handling and stability particularly impressed the judges and it ranked top or joint-top in seven categories against Citroen, Renault and Volkswagen.

“Every one of our new Ford Transits is tested in the world’s toughest climates and driving conditions long before launch, so they are prepared for just this kind of challenge,” said Paul Randle, Ford Europe’s vehicle line director. “Our customers depend on their Transits to get the job done, and we have made sure they are ready for work, whatever the weather.”

The video below shows a recap of the tough challenges both vans had to go through.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best large panel vans 2025
Best large vans - header image

Best large panel vans 2025

Pick the right large panel van and you'll have a machine that can do all sorts of jobs
Best cars & vans
13 Jan 2025
Best electric vans 2025
Best electric vans - header image

Best electric vans 2025

We reveal the best electric vans to buy or lease in the UK right now
Best cars & vans
8 Jan 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025