FORD’S smallest van in its Transit range — the Courier — is back and as well as being more practical than ever, it’s loaded with the latest tech.

For 2024 it has been completely redesigned around a larger and more flexible cargo area that delivers 25 per cent more load volume than the outgoing model.

The cargo length has been increased by 181mm to 1,802mm, while Ford has reworked the rear suspension and angled the shocks to increase the load width between the wheel arches to 1,220mm.

This means the little Courier can swallow two Euro pallets and the total cargo volume is 2.9m3 — 25 per cent more than the outgoing model.

And Ford fitted a new load-through bulkhead that cleverly allows you to carry items over 2,600mm long, so you can easily fit in something large such as a ladder.

There’s even a high payload version fitted with dual-rate springs so it can handle up to 854kg, while the maximum towing weight for all Courier variants is 1,100kg.

All panel vans feature 180-degree opening rear cargo doors and six floor tie-down points as standard.

There’s LED lighting in the back, rubber or wooden floor covers, and half-height cargo stowage rails are available to use the load area more efficiently.

If you need to transport workers and their gear to worksite as well as carry cargo then the Courier has you covered with the double-cab-in-van.

And if you thought the load-through bulkhead was clever, check out what the double-cab-in-vans rear seat can do.

It’s a three-seat second row with 60/40 split that can fold and tumble, so when the rear seats are not being used they can be folded up and there is space in the load area for a Euro pallet.

You may be thinking then that the Courier could double up as a family car too — drop the kids off in the morning, slide the rear seat up for using it as a van by day, then at the weekend, pop a couple of mountain bikes in the back and go off exploring.

Well, Ford have beaten you to it as they produce a version called the Tourneo Courier.

It’s more family friendly and car-like, but actually both models are based on the Ford Puma.

This means all the Courier variants are fun to drive, like all Ford models, and you can chose from three engine options — petrol, diesel and an all-electric that will arrive later this year.

The petrol range consists of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, offered in 100bhp or 125bhp variants with both available with a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

The 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel produces 100bhp and 250Nm of torque and is good for 45mpg and it’s available on the Courier van and double-cab-in-van models and comes with a six-speed manual.

It performs really well and the extra torque a diesel provides means it will have enough grunt for hauling and towing loads.

As mentioned, the Courier comes fully loaded with tech, featuring a ‘digiboard’ instrument panel containing a digital cluster and eight-inch touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 connectivity system and wireless smartphone compatibility.

The on-board connectivity is powered by a built-in modem that links you directly to Ford Pro.

And the mobile app enables customers to remotely lock and unlock their van, check its location, track fuel spending and receive health alerts for fluid levels, tyre pressures, oil life and brake condition.

The all-new Transit Courier starts from £16,200 (excl. VAT)