Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-3-1000x667.png" alt="Fran Pacey drives the Ford Connect Hybrid" class="wp-image-45813" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-3-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-3-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-3-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-3.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When our Commercial Manager Fran first hopped behind the wheel of the <a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/cars/what-a-van-muddy-drives-the-ford-e-transit-custom/">Ford E-Transit Custom</a>, we assumed it would be a one-off van fling. But nope — she’s officially a convert. This time, Fran slipped into the Ford Connect Hybrid (heels still firmly on, thank you very much) and headed out for a spin, dropping in on some local Muddy friends along the way.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-impressions">FIRST IMPRESSIONS</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-4-1000x667.png" alt="Muddy Stilettos drives the Ford Connect Hybrid van" class="wp-image-45814" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-4-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-4-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-4-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-4.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There I was, bracing myself for full-on van life — sensible flats at the ready — but honestly? The Ford Connect Hybrid feels more like a car than a van. Turns out the stilettos can stay after all. Smooth steering, light to the touch, and a drive that’s actually more elegant than my SUV (yes, I said it).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-the-road">ON THE ROAD</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-5-1000x667.png" alt="Ford Connect John Grose" class="wp-image-45815" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-5-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-5-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-5-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-5.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Forget clunky gear shifts and heavy braking — this hybrid glides like Torvill &amp; Dean across the A14. Automatic, responsive, and blissfully quiet. No noisy diesel rumble, just effortless cruising. And when you need to move? She’s super-nippy at junctions and roundabouts. No hanging about, thank you very much.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-amp-tech">SAFETY &amp; TECH</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-1000x667.png" alt="John Grose Ford Connect Hybrid" class="wp-image-45810" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Assisted cruise control gives peace of mind, especially in something bigger than your usual runaround. Add in parking sensors, cameras (the holy grail for tricky manoeuvres), blind-spot mirrors (or vanity mirrors for a quick lipstick check), and a dash that’s so clear even I couldn’t get lost in the menus. Bonus points for cup holders and bag hooks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-amp-practicality">SPACE &amp; PRACTICALITY</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-6-1000x667.png" alt="Infinite Potential Fitness and John Grose" class="wp-image-45816" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-6-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-6-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-6-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-6.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sliding doors on both sides — an absolute win for busy car parks or loading heavy kit. Compact enough to squeeze into small spaces, yet roomy enough for florists, PTs, caterers, beauticians, or wedding stylists (speaking from experience as an ex-wedding business owner — oh, how I wish I’d had this van instead of cramming stock into my poor SUV). Secure hooks, flexible layouts, and endless space make it a total business partner.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-road-test">LOCAL ROAD TEST</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-1-1000x667.png" alt="Infinite Potential Fitness" class="wp-image-45811" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-1-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-1-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-1-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-1.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We zipped down the A14 to see Muddy Award-winning fitness gurus Sam &amp; Beth at Infinite Potential Fitness in Stowmarket. Verdict? They loved it. The double sliding doors were a revelation for hauling gym equipment to and from their classes and retreats, and they were so impressed they headed straight to John Grose Ipswich for a test drive.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-2-1000x667.png" alt="Ford Connect Hybrid Van" class="wp-image-45812" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-2-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-2-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-2-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/john-grose-van-2.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Small business owners who need van practicality but want car-like driveability. Perfect for city driving, school runs, and squeezing into tight spots without breaking a sweat.<br><strong>Not for:</strong> Anyone still clinging to the idea that vans are just for blokes in hi-vis. This one proves otherwise.<br><strong>The damage:</strong> Prices start at £23,600 +VAT. Go short wheelbase for a £2,500 Government grant, or long wheelbase for £5,000. Options include diesel (manual or auto) or petrol plug-in hybrid (auto only). Choose from panel van or flex cab, depending on your load-lugging needs.</p>



<p><strong>Book a test drive today at <a href="https://www.johngrose.co.uk/ford/new-vans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Grose Ipswich</a>,<em>The Ford Centre, Ransomes Industrial Estate, Ipswich, IP3 9BE</em>. <em>Tel: 01473 270707</em>.</strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-before-you-go-we-think-you-ll-love-these">Before you go, we think you&#8217;ll love these&#8230;</h4>



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