By Otsile Kadiege

Ford South Africa has added yet another new model to the brand’s ever-growing local lineup. The latest addition to the Blue Oval stable is the new Transit Custom commercial vehicle range with the launch of the Base Long Wheelbase Van initially, with additional derivatives to follow later this year.

Enhanced practicality

As a large-capacity panel van, Transit Custom offers a total load volume of 5.8m3 with the standard roof height, along with a payload up to 1 269kg and a maximum load length of
3 050mm using the load-through feature.

Practical features are found throughout the load compartment, including eight load area tie-down loops, partial rubber floor covering, twin 180-degree opening rear barn doors and ultra-bright LED interior lighting. Buyers can select a range of optional features to suit their requirements, including dual sliding side doors, a close assist function for the side doors, a full-width metal bulkhead with a window, as well as a load area protection kit with full height walls and a moulded floor. Also available are an integrated and foldable roof rack, heavy duty battery, Mobile Office Pack, lockable glovebox lid, pre-fitted Trailer Tow Electrics, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated and power-folding mirrors, and the standard 55-litre fuel capacity can be extended to 70 litres.

The voluminous load compartment can accommodate up to three standard Euro pallets, while the vehicle’s maximum braked trailer weight is rated at 1 500kg should owners need to tow additional cargo. For the first time, the Transit Custom van is fitted with a new semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension design that contributes towards a 100mm lower floor height for improved ease of loading, while also aiding steering precision, handling and traction. 

Interior technology

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 that includes Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with optional wireless charging. The advanced cockpit is completed by a 12-inch instrument cluster that incorporates an eight-inch configurable display. The integrated 5G-capable FordPass Connect modem enables remote locking and unlocking via the FordPass app, along with the vehicle locator, health alerts and oil life status.

Safety, security and driver assistance systems

Safety equipment in the Transit Custom features ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as standard. This is complemented by Driver Alert with impairment monitor, Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Aid, Roll Over Mitigation, Intelligent Speed Assistance with Speed Sign Recognition, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Six airbags are fitted, comprising dual front and side and curtain airbags.

To aid parking manoeuvres, the Transit Custom features standard rear parking sensors, while front sensors and a 180-degree split view rear camera are available as options as part of a Driver Assistance Pack that also adds navigation and Intersection Assist. An optional LED lighting package can be specified, including LED headlights with daytime running lights and automatic headlight activation.

Vehicle security features comprise Keyless Entry and Start, shielded power door deadlocks, a two-step door unlocking system and a standard immobilizer. A Thatcham Category 1-specification alarm is optionally available too.

Powertrain

The Transit Custom is powered by Ford’s efficient and economical 2.0-litre Single Turbo EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder engine which produces 100kW of power at 3 500 r/min, along with 360Nm of torque between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min.The 2.0L diesel 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. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

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.

Pricing and warranty

Transit Custom Base Long Wheelbase Van  2.0L SiT 6MT – R692,200

Included as standard is a four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first. In addition, over the counter parts (OTC) and service parts warranty (SPW) are covered for two-year/unlimited distance.

Customers have the option of purchasing a Ford Protect Service or Maintenance plan upgrades up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.