Ford Transit Connect Diesel Engine DEAD, Gas Only Instead

Ford has confirmed the 1.5-liter EcoBlue Diesel it had planned to offer in the 2020 Ford Transit Connect van will not happen. They are also planning on killing off a short wheelbase version of the van as well. Why? Poor demand.

The diesel Ford Transit Connect was expected to return 30 mpg and was going to be in the van this fall according to AutoNews.com.

Ford was planning on importing the engine from its Dagenham Engine Plant in Europe and a spokeswoman told the publication, the location was not a factor in the decision. The plant will continue to build other engines for Ford.

While the diesel is dead, the gasoline engine is no slouch. The spokeswoman touted the 2.0L gasoline engine as best-in-class highway and combined MPG ratings. The combined MPG rating is the best among small vans in the U.S.

A spokeswoman on Wednesday noted the vehicle’s 2.0-liter gasoline engine gets best-in-class highway and combined fuel-economy ratings, and the highest overall fuel-economy ratings among small vans in the U.S.

According to Ford.com, the van gets 29 MPG highway and 24 MPG city with the 2.0L inline 4 gas engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.