FORD has trounced the opposition in terms of van power with the introduction of a blistering 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel powerplant pumping out 197bhp and 345lb-ft of torque.

The new engine will be available on larger rear wheel drive models and will be the most powerful large panel van on the market.

The new engine was revealed at the CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham last week, along with a new 4.6-tonne gross vehicle weight Transit in both van and chassis-cab formats.

On the stand at the show, Ford commercial vehicle director Steve Kimber was joined by professional driver Sabine Scmidtz to unveil the new Transit Sportvan, complete with 18in alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, leather seats, spoilers and a 130bhp diesel powerplant.

Only 500 of these vans will be built, priced at £18,750 ex-VAT.

There was also a Transit Connect Sportvan concept, which Mr Kimber said could be on sale by the end of the year if there was sufficient interest.