2016 Ford Transit Connect

Ford's commercial vehicle line begins with the Transit Connect, a compact van available in a box-on-wheels cargo van configuration or as a five- or seven-passenger wagon.

Ford was first in North America in the small van class with a previous generation Transit Connect, and has since attracted a handful of competitors from Nissan, Chevrolet and Ram. For what it's worth, we think the Ford is most handsome of the group. It's also offers more choice: There are two four-cylinder engines available -- a 2.5L four-cylinder that makes 169 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6L turbocharged "EcoBoost" motor, with 178 hp and 184 lb-ft -- and it can be specified in two wheelbase lengths.

A six-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox available. Fuel consumption estimates are 10.8/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 1.6L engine, and 12.4/8.7 for the 2.5L.

Introduced in 2014, this second-gen model moves into 2016 with no notable changes compared to last year. Trim levels are XL and XLT for versions, and XL, XLT and Titanium for the wagon.

All models come standard with electric power steering, emergency brake assist, hill start assist, 16-inch wheel wheels with covers, four-way manual front seats with fold-flat front passenger seat, AM/FM stereo, 12-volt power outlet in front console, overhead storage shelf, keyless entry, vinyl cargo area floor covering, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, 180-degree swing-out rear doors, capless fuel filling, manual adjust side mirrors with integrated spotter mirrors, variable-speed front wipers, dual sliding side doors, power front windows and tire pressure monitoring.

XL wagon models get a split-folding three-place second-row seat, and a two-place flat-folding third row bench and rear-seat climate control.

XLT van trim adds a six-way driver's seat, 4.2-inch LCD display, CD player, 12-volt power outlet in cargo area, cruise control, driver and front passenger visor-mounted vanity mirrors, MyKey, message centre, fog lights, body-colour front bumper, power mirrors, rear privacy glass,

XLT wagon models add a second-row armrest, body coloured door handles and body side mouldings and power second-row windows.

Titanium wagons come with 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather seats with driver power adjustment and lumbar, dual-zone automatic climate control, SYNC, stereo with USB input, backup camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cornering fog lights, heated side mirrors and rain sensing wipers.

Prices range from $27,299 to $34,299.