The Transit Custom garnered 117 out of a possible 133 points, from the jury of 24 specialist journalists, more than the combined totals of the second-placed Dacia Dokker and third-placed Mercedes-Benz Citan.

It follows in the footsteps of the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003) and Transit (2007) to register a record-breaking fourth win for the Ford Transit family in the award’s 22-year history.

‘Transit Custom is a new kind of 1-tonne van – hard working and practical, but great to look at and great to drive,’ said Barb Samardzich (Inset), vice president of Product Development, Ford of Europe.

‘Combining legendary Transit toughness and economy with car-like design and features was a really tough task, but our engineers delivered,’ she added. ‘We are proud their efforts have been recognised by such a significant award.’

The 2013 trophy was presented following the first press day of the Hanover show. Ford is displaying at the show all-new Transit Custom, which represents a completely new generation of 1-tonne commercial vehicles, alongside the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect. Ford recently revealed it is harnessing its global platform strategy and completely redesigning its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe over the next two years.

Transit Custom offers class-leading load-carrying ability, including a number of innovative loadspace features such as the load-through hatch in the bulkhead for extra-long items, and the integrated roof rack which can be folded away when not in use. The driver also benefits from the latest Ford technologies like Lane Keeping Aid and Ford SYNC.

Class-leading fuel economy with CO2 emissions from 174 g/km is delivered by the improved 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel available with Auto-Start-Stop, while cost-of-ownership is further minimised by the longest service intervals in the class at two-years/50,000 km/30,000 miles.*

‘The new Transit sets new standards with regard to styling, drivability and load-carrying ability,’ said Pieter Wieman, chairman of the International Van of the Year jury. ‘Ford has succeeded in building a complete new light van on its global CV platform and with the use of proven driveline and chassis components.

‘The van has a car-like exterior and interior, driving dynamics which are very close to a passenger car, and notwithstanding that,is a very functional and practical vehicle. Ford has paid a lot of attention to the active and passive safety aspects of the new model, and to reducing the cost of ownership,’ he added.

The all-new Transit Custom is now starting to go on sale in major markets across Europe.