The light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment may make up for a small part of the local market, but its importance could hardly be called minimal. 

An LCV can ultimately help provide a business owner the funds for their children's education, for house payments, or for any other life essentials. Simply put, LCVs are the lifeblood of any enterprise. 

The Ford Transit and the Hyundai H350 are two of the vehicles included in that small segment. And their exterior dimensions are nothing but miniscule, as they contain as many seats as a small plane, or as much cargo area as one. 

But what are the differences of the Transit and H350? Let's find out. 

Power and size

Powering the Transit is a 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine that can dish out 133hp and 385Nm torque. The mill is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. 

The Transit’s overall dimensions are 5,981mm in length, 2,474mm in width, and 2,517mm in height. The van’s wheelbase measures 3,750mm.

Propelling the H350 is a 2.5-liter direct injection diesel engine that generates 168hp and 422Nm, linked to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Hyundai measures 6,195mm long, 2,436mm wide, and 2,856 mm tall. 

Trims, kit, and price

For P2 million, the Transit comes in three paint options: Frozen White, Moondust Silver, and Magnetic Metal. 

The Ford's list of convenience features include power folding side mirrors, rearview camera, grab rails on the doors easy ingress and egress, rear cargo doors with 180-degree wide opening capacity, non-slip rubber flooring, and power side step.

For safety, the Transit comes with 15 three-point seatbelts, electronic stability system, hill launch assist, load stabilization, and Isofix child fixing anchors, as well as an emergency escape hatch at the rear. 

From P2.69 to P2.73 million, the H350 keeps it simple with color choices consisting of just black and white. 

The H350 is made from a body shell that features 75 percent advanced high-tensile steel, which aim for an efficient  impact distribution and absorption during a crash.

As for the van’s onboard safety systems, these include vehicle dynamic control, roll-over mitigation, engine drag control, hill-start assist, and hydraulic brake assist. 

Space

With seating for 15 occupants, the Transit also offers plenty of storage options including 21 storage bins, 12 cup holders, and multiple power sockets.

Despite its bigger exterior dimensions, the H350 seats one less person at 14. And to continue the aforementioned airplane analogy, this van features overhead storage bins above the passengers' seats, which look big enough for a backpack. 

Verdict

It all boils down to one's preference, really. If one wants more spec, safety kit, and seats for his or her money, then the Transit is the top choice. If it's more power from a diesel engine one is after, they should have the H350. 

Photos from Hyundai, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. and Ford Philippines

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