By Clive Moleme

The Ford Transit Van has long been the workhorse of choice for businesses, and the 2024 iteration continues to uphold its reputation with enhanced practicality, advanced features, and versatility that caters to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re delivering goods or converting it into a mobile workspace, the Transit proves why it remains a benchmark in the commercial van segment.

The Transit is powered by a robust 2.0L diesel engine, delivering 100kW and 360Nm of torque. Paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, the Transit feels surprisingly nimble for its size, with power readily available for urban driving or highway cruising—even when fully loaded. Fuel consumption is competitive, with our test drive averaging 8.2L/100km, a solid figure for a vehicle designed to carry heavy payloads.

On the road, the Transit impresses with its composed ride and responsive handling, albeit with a hint of turbo lag. The steering is light enough for tight urban manoeuvres yet stable on long stretches of highway, making it a comfortable drive for daily business operations. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections, even when carrying substantial loads, ensuring the comfort of both driver and passengers.

Step inside, and the Transit’s cabin is designed with functionality in mind. Hard-wearing materials dominate, ensuring durability, while the ergonomic layout puts essential controls within easy reach. The 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen infotainment system is a welcome upgrade, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, making navigation and connectivity seamless. Storage options are plentiful, with smart compartments and cubbies scattered throughout the cabin, catering to busy professionals on the move.

The Transit also excels in load practicality. With multiple body configurations and a load capacity of up to 15 cubic meters, it’s adaptable to a variety of industries. The wide rear doors and low loading floor make cargo handling straightforward, while the sliding side door adds convenience in tight spaces, although we couldn’t help but think two sliding doors would have been better.

Safety is another key focus, and the 2024 Transit doesn’t disappoint. Standard features include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear view camera—ensuring confidence in navigating both city streets and highways. Parking sensors and a 360-degree camera further aid in manoeuvring this sizeable van with ease.

Pricing starts at R758,900, offering solid value for a vehicle that’s both capable and packed with features. Ford backs the Transit with a 4-year/120,000km warranty and a 4-year/60,000km service plan, with service intervals every 15,000km—providing peace of mind for fleet operators and individual owners alike.

For businesses looking for a versatile, reliable, and modern van, the 2024 Ford Transit is hard to beat. Whether it’s hauling cargo, ferrying passengers, or being customized into a bespoke solution, it delivers a blend of performance, practicality, and value that keeps it ahead in the commercial vehicle market.