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).
Korean automaker Hyundai has been an unmitigated success in the SA new car space. The relative newcomer to the market has been a consistent top-five feature on the new-car sales charts. There are many reasons for this, including good, reliable products at competitive prices. In part, the success is also driven by innovation.
South Africa's automotive sector is set for a significant transformation as Chinese and Indian vehicle manufacturers prepare to shift from basic assembly operations to full-scale local production.
Lightstone Auto has rolled out a cutting-edge integration designed to transform how alternative lenders, rent-to-own providers and niche finance firms engage with dealerships.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
Nissan Egypt is redefining sustainable mobility in Africa with the introduction of its third-generation e-Power technology used on the Nissan Qashqai and the opportunity to test drive the iconic new Patrol for the first time in Africa.
Nissan’s new Navara bakkie has been unveiled in Australia, and not in the cards for South Africa.
Following the introduction of the C5 Luxury X and Elegance X trims earlier this year, OMODA & JAECOO South Africa are now enhancing the Style and Street derivatives with a series of upgrades.
