SECTOR Medium van PRICE from €21,900 approx FUEL 6.691lit/100km CO2 178g/km (average for range)

Ford is launching its sixth generation Transit, the Transit Custom. This will be the first time that Ford has created two distinct models for the ‘1-tonne’ and ‘2-tonne’ van markets, with the Custom covering the lighter sector, against the likes of the Mercedes Vito and VW Transporter. A heavier Transit model, that was unveiled at the Hanover Show in September (see news on p.05), will take on the might of the Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter and Iveco Daily.

Although handling the 1-tonne market, the Transit Custom is still available as both a short wheelbase van, with a 6.0m3 load volume, and a long wheelbase model, carrying 6.8m3. A high roof version will also be available next year.

The Transit Custom drives through the front wheels only, whereas the larger model will have front and rear drive versions, along with a 4×4 option.

Power is delivered by Ford’s Euro5 compliant 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. The base model gets 100hp and 310Nm of torque, with the middle version packing 125hp and 350Nm. The top of the range vans, and next year’s SportVan, come with 155hp and 385Nm.

All three engines drive through an easy to use six-speed manual gearbox and Ford is claiming an average 6% reduction in fuel use across the board, with average CO2 levels now set at 178g/km. There are three trims at launch – Base, Trend and Limited – with a 100bhp ECOnetic model and the SportVan to follow next year. All Customs come with an ECO switch, which controls both the Start/Stop function and a 70mph speed limiter. Fleet buyers can have a fixed limiter set by the dealer if preferred.

The vans all get a fixed full height steel bulkhead too, with a load-through flap to allow longer loads to extend beneath the passenger seat. An innovative integrated roof rack is available as an option, with the cross bars folding flat to the roof when not in use to cut fuel consumption.

Transit Custom will be available as a panel van, the increasingly popular double-cab-in-van, which retains enough payload and load area for customers to reclaim VAT if registered. There is also a Kombi or the Transit Custom can be ordered as a full Tourneo people-carrier. The Tourneo has moved well beyond merely being a minibus version of the van. It is virtually a separate model now, much like Transporter and Caravelle for Volkswagen, offering a very comfortable people-carrying option.

All models come with ESP, ABS, Hill Start Assist and daytime running lights, while Bluetooth and USB connectivity will be standard from February.

Service intervals have been extended to 48,000km/2 years, while the warranty stays at 160,000km/three years. The perforation warranty has been extended to 12 years.

The new van’s structure is 30% more rigid, which contributes to the improved ride and handling. It does increase the basic weight of the van though, so Ford has lifted the gross weights to keep payloads comparable, so for instance the popular 280SWB becomes a 290SWB with a similar carrying capacity.

Despite that increase in weight Ford remains confident that customers will benefit from improved fuel consumption and reduced ownership costs, thanks to greater efficiency in the running gear. Certainly customers will have no concerns about the driving experience, as the Transit Custom leaps straight to the top of the class.

Verdict Offering an impressive, well-rounded driving experience and the capacity to handle three Euro pallets, Ford is ticking a lot of boxes with the Transit Custom.

Verdict

Offering an impressive, well-rounded driving experience and the capacity to handle three Euro pallets, Ford is ticking a lot of boxes with the Transit Custom.