Built on a completely new platform designed specifically for load carrying, the new Ford Transit Custom also provides improved driver comfort and convenience and launches locally as the long wheelbase 2.0L SiT 6MT at R692 200.
“The Ford Transit Custom is designed and developed in Europe, where it is the top-selling van and the best-selling vehicle overall in the UK, so it has a proven pedigree of being trusted by business owners to enhance their productivity,” says Doreen Mashinini, general manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
“Ford pulled out all the stops to deliver another huge leap forward for our customers and the new generation Ford Transit Custom’s ground-up customer-led design will set a new benchmark for what small and medium businesses can expect from a commercial vehicle.”
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The new design is stiffer and 100 kg lighter than previously and features a lengthened wheelbase for optimum cargo capacity as well as having a CdA 13% lower than the previous-generation model and an overall height under two metres, to improve access in height-restricted areas such as multi-storey car parks, garages and underground loading bays.
The side load door aperture has been enlarged and now features a new integrated access step to make entering the load compartment even easier, while the chassis and body structure design allow for a lower load floor, improving cargo and cab access.
The Ford Transit Custom offers a total load volume of 5,8 cu/m with the standard roof height, along with a payload up to 1 269 kg and a maximum load length of 3 050 mm using the smart load-through feature under the passenger seats.
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Inside the load compartment is 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 and ultra-bright LED interior lighting.
The load compartment can accommodate up to three standard Euro pallets, while the vehicle’s maximum braked trailer weight is rated at 2 500 kg should owners need to tow additional cargo.
Also new on the Fordf Transit Custom van is a semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension design that contributes towards the lower floor height and improved steering precision, handling and traction. The front wheels and strut towers have also been repositioned further forward, resulting in better cross-cab access, improved foot space and footrests for occupants in the front, as well as a shorter front overhang improving parking and manoeuvring.
The cab is fitted with a large 13?inch landscape touchscreen angled towards the driver, supporting Ford’s SYNC 4 communication and information system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with optional wireless charging, along with embedded satellite navigation. The cockpit is completed by a 12-inch instrument cluster that incorporates a 7-inch configurable display.
The redesign of the Ford Transit Custom also results in a more car-like driving position and it features a roof-mounted passenger crash bag that frees up dashboard storage space large enough for a laptop of A4 file.
The integrated 5G-capable FordPass Connect modem enables Transit Custom to receive Ford Power-Up updates for more than 30 separate vehicle modules. These can help improve vehicle performance, deliver quality upgrades, update existing features and add new functions and capabilities.
Power for the Ford Transit Custom come from a 2,0-litre single turbo EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder engine, which produces 100 kW of power at 3 500 r/min, along with 360 Nm of torque between 1 750 r/min and 2 500 r/min.
The engine uses AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid to transform nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and water, significantly reducing the impact of its exhaust emissions. A 20-litre AdBlue tank is standard. Additionally, the Transit Custom features Auto Stop/Start, which further reduces emissions in busy city environments.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with Selectable Drive Modes, including Eco and Tow/Haul, enabling drivers to easily tune Transit Custom’s performance to suit different operating requirements and driving conditions.
Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as standard. This is complemented by Driver Alert with impairment monitor, Evasive Steering Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Roll Over Mitigation and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Six crash bags are fitted, comprising dual front, side and curtain bags.
Included as standard is a 4-year/120 000 km Ford warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
Colin Windell
Proudly CHANGECARS
