Mercedes-Benz Vans USA is gearing up to give the Transit Connect the toughest challenge so far in US markets

Ford Transit is facing a tough new challenge from Mercedes-Benz vans in the US and European markets. Mercedes-Benz has decided to show off a mini commercial van which will be a direct competitor to Ford Transit Connect.

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Metris, a mid-sized cargo van. Mercedes offers it at a starting price of $29,945 in US markets, while a passenger version is available from $34,000.

On other hand, Ford Transit is still the leader in the market. Ford sold almost 43,210 Connects in 2014, which is up 9.0 percent from 2013. In the coming years, market experts are forecasting a high competition in small van segment because of new entries from Ram, Chevrolet and Nissan.

It is the small van segment where Transit Connect rules, but Mercedes Metris is not that small. Metris’s wheelbase is 13 inches longer than a Connect and is entitled as largest Euro style small-van. Metris is powered by a 280bhp petrol engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. It will arrive at dealerships in October this year with a list of safety features and six airbags. Passenger version will offer eight airbags. In global markets, Mercedes-Benz will sell the Metris as Vito.

Transit Connect is powered by leading Ford EcoBoost engines for utmost fuel efficiency and power. The short wheelbase has benefits in congested city areas whereas larger vans cannot make easy manoeuvres and use small parking spaces. Fuel efficient 1.6L EcoBoost engine is capable of cranking out 178hp of power and 184 lb-ft of torque. It returns 30mpg on average.