Toyota and Transit Get a Racy Revamp!

By David Whinyates

VANS are getting racier by the day as major manufacturers try to outdo each other with new, more sporty and eye-catching versions of their workhorse models.

The year’s CV Show saw the unveiling of a sporty limited edition version of Britain’s most popular van, the Ford Transit, while Toyota revealed its own "muscle" LCV in the shape of a 200bhp concept version of the acclaimed Hilux pick-up.

But while Toyota stresses that there are no plans yet to put the macho Hilux Sport Concept into production, the new Ford Transit SportVan is a production reality – right down to its Le Mans style racing stripes.

Produced as a limited edition, the Transit SportVan has been created, says Ford, for those who want to make a bold statement.

Based on the 260, short wheelbase, front wheel drive, 130PS model, it features the same performance blue paintwork as used on Ford’s high-powered ST models, twin exhausts, 18-inch ‘snowflake’ pattern alloys, low profile 235/45 tyres, body colour grilleand front bumper, white bonnet stripes, front and rear spoilers, side skirts, extended wheel arches and mudflaps all round.

Inside the cab the features are just as impressive with the driver cosseted by leather seats, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote steering column-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, power and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel,tinted glass and leather gearshift knob.

Steve Kimber, Ford’s commercial vehicles director, says: "I think this stunning new van will appeal to a part of the British market we’ve not seriously courted before – the single or small operator. Transit SportVan is all about style and individuality.It’s for people who love Transit and want to be a bit different – and there’s plenty of our customers who feel that way!"

But while Ford has been content to go for eye-candy and left the mechanical spec of the Transit unchanged, Toyota has worked some motorsport magic on the Hilux pick-up to create a special concept that’s big on both looks and performance.

Created by Toyota (GB), its three-litre D-4D diesel engine has a Toyota Motorsport power upgrade that increases output from 169 to around 200bhp.

And with the addition of monster 22-inch alloy wheels, a sport trucktop, chrome-finished grille and B-pillars, tinted windows and lights and a special-design front guard, this unique Double Cab model has macho looks to match its grunt.

(c) 2007 Coventry Evening Telegraph. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.