Ford South Africa has commenced with the introduction of the new Transit Custom commercial vehicle range with the initial launch of the Base Long Wheelbase Van, with additional derivatives to follow later this year.
What’s new?
The new series might look like its predecessor, but it is a new design based on the Tourneo Custom passenger minibus and focused on a commercial application. Underpinning the Transit Custom is a new platform designed around optimum load carrying, access, performance and powertrain flexibility. The clean-sheet design is stiffer and 100 kg lighter than that of the previous-generation vehicle and features a lengthened wheelbase for optimum cargo capacity.
Exterior:
A larger side load door aperture enhances loading, and the side door features a new integrated access step to make entering the load compartment even easier. Optimised packaging of the chassis and body structure enables the vehicle’s load floor to be lower than that of the outgoing model to facilitate loading cargo and cab access.
As a large-capacity panel van, Transit Custom offers a total load volume of 5.8 cubic metres with the standard roof height, along with a payload of up to 1 269 kg and a maximum load length of 3 050 mm using the smart load-through feature under the passenger seats.
Interior:
Practical features are found throughout the load compartment, including a full-width metal bulkhead with a window and load-through hatch, six load area tie-down loops, partial rubber floor covering, twin 180-degree opening rear barn doors.
Buyers can also opt for an optional load area protection kit with full height walls and a moulded floor. The voluminous load compartment can accommodate up to three standard Euro pallets.
The Transit Custom is fitted with a large 13‑inch landscape touchscreen angled towards the driver for ease of use, supporting Ford’s latest SYNC 4 communication and information system. The advanced cockpit is rounded off by a 12-inch instrument cluster that incorporates a seven-inch configurable display.
To aid parking manoeuvres, the Transit Custom features front and rear parking sensors in combination with a 180-degree split view rear camera.
Engine:
The Transit Custom is powered by Ford’s 2-litre Single Turbo EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder engine, which produces 100 kW with 360 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
Price:
Transit Custom Base Long Wheelbase Van 2.0L SiT 6MT costs (R692 200).
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