Published: Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Updated: Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Ford trucks

Hot news for 2010: Who knew that there was a totally untapped category, that place in between pickup trucks, minivans and delivery vehicles. That’s where you’ll find the new Transit Connect. Ÿ Wild SVT Raptor takes the term “off road” very seriously . . . but in a fun way.

Carryover: Edge; Escape; Expedition; Explorer; Explorer Sport Trac; F-series,

F-series Super Duty; Ranger

Off life support: Ranger will stick it out through 2011

Starting line

n So far, the new model year has been a busy one on the car side of Ford’s ledger. It’s a little quieter on the truck/sport ute end this year, however, with most of the current models receiving only minor fine-tuning and extra features such as trailer sway control.

The Transit Connect is an attractively styled van that provides a compelling alternative for small-business owners, including trades people, service-industry workers and delivery personnel. Previously, these groups and others had to choose between full-size cargo vans, pickup trucks or modified minivans.

The Transit Connect makes perfect sense, being a super-efficient platform that’s ready to be decked out for a multitude of tasks. Its 180.6-inch length is more than 31 inches shorter than the smallest of Ford’s full-size E-series vans and the Transit is also about 10.5 inches narrower.

The van can be ordered in two versions: cargo, with or without side and/or rear windows; or configured as a wagon (with side and rear glass included) with a second-row, two-person folding bench seat, or optional split-folding rear seat that can fit three passengers.

While the Transit Connect is all about getting down to business at work, the new F-150 SVT Raptor 4x4 is all about getting down to the business of off-roading. Inspired by Ford’s participation in off-road desert racing, the Raptor is built to go where no other pickup dares to tread. Standard gear includes a 320-horsepower version of the 5.4-liter V8, special shock absorbers that stiffen as they compress to keep the truck from bottoming out or becoming too tippy while cornering. That’s a good idea, since there’s more than 11 inches of suspension travel in front and about 13.5 inches in back.