Unusual "Truck of the Year" Is Easy on Gas
Tonic, the "
good news" site
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 1:21 PM ET
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It looks more like a tall hearse or a flower delivery van than the heavy-duty pick-up you would expect to take an award like "North American Truck of the Year" (like last year's winner, the Ford F-150.)
It should come as no surprise then to learn that the winner of the prize — the odd, front-wheel-drive Ford Transit Connect — has been sold in 55 countries before it recently made it to our shores. Those who have traveled in Europe might recognize this as a typical delivery and police van.
With double the cargo room of other boxy van/trucks, the Transit Connect makes a perfect delivery van for small businesses or super versatile recreation-mobile for those who want to make the most of their wheels.
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Not only that, but the vehicle gets good gas mileage for a car of its type: 22 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. That's twice the efficiency of a regular big-ol' Ford delivery van. The best part of the deal is that the Transit Connect doesn't bust the wallet, a valuable feature in today's down economy. The manufacturer's suggested retail price starts at $21,830 for a basic model.
Ford also snatched up the coveted "North American Car of the Year" award with its cute, hybrid Fusion. With the economic outlook in the dirt, it's no wonder that jury of 49 journalists, writers and editors selected these practical, affordable and environmentally-sensitive selections to represent North America's best vehicular efforts.
Photo courtesy of didbygraham via flickr.