Ford has launched the new Transit Custom in South Africa retailing for R692,200, which includes a 4-year/120,000km warranty with roadside assistance.
The rollout of the commercial van kicks off with the entry-level long-wheelbase (LWB) model with “additional derivatives to follow later this year,” said Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
The new passenger-focused Ford Tourneo should be hot on the Transit Custom’s heels as the automaker announced back in November 2023 that both would go on sale in the country within the first half of 2024.
Setting a new benchmark
Ford says the new Transit Custom was redesigned from the ground up based on feedback from the manufacturer’s customers, the end result being that it sets “a new benchmark for what small and medium businesses can expect from a commercial vehicle.”
The van is underpinned by a new platform that is stiffer and 100kg lighter than that of the previous Transit Custom while simultaneously offering enhanced load-carrying capacity, access, performance, and powertrain flexibility.
The exterior was penned with a reduced frontal area and more streamlined silhouette that achieves a drag coefficient 13% lower than before, which in turn maximises fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, Ford has kept the roofline below two metres to improve access to heigh-restricted areas, and installed a larger side load door accompanied by a new integrated access step that simplifies loading and unloading of goods.
For the first time, the commercial vehicle is equipped with a new semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension contributing 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 much better cross-cab access, improved foot space and footrests for occupants in the front, as well as a shorter front overhang for more confident parking and manoeuvring.
Other practical enhancements include 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 Transit Custom LWB subsequently offers a total load volume of 5.8m³, a payload of up to 1,269kg, and a maximum load length of 3,050mm using the smart load-through feature under the passenger seat.
The van’s 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine generates 100kW and 360Nm which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Eco and Tow/Haul drive modes are available through a dial inside the passenger compartment, and a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,500kg is on the cards.
Additionally, the motor uses AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid to transform nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and water, and it features an Auto Stop/Start function, which together significantly reduces the impact of the Ford’s exhaust emissions.
Inside, the Transit Custom is equipped with a 13‑inch landscape touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as integrated navigation, a 7-inch configurable driver’s display, and an electronic parking brake.
The integrated 5G-capable FordPass Connect modem enables the van to receive over-the-air software updates for more than 30 separate vehicle modules, which can help improve vehicle performance, update existing features, and add new functions and capabilities.
Safety and assistance equipment encompasses automatic LED lights with high-beam control, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, ABS with emergency brake assist, dynamic stability control, a driver impairment monitor, evasive steering assist, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping aid, rollover mitigation, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, and six airbags with a segment-first roof-mounted passenger airbag.
“Changing from the traditional dashboard location creates storage space large enough for a laptop or A4 file, and increases flexibility for upfit panels and devices that can now be fitted closer to the driver using industry-standard AMPS mountings,” said Mashinini.
It also features shielded power door deadlocks and a two-step door unlocking system as standard for enhanced security.
As options, buyers can get a wireless charger for the cabin, a load area protection kit with full-height walls and a moulded floor, and a Thatcham Category 1-specification alarm and immobiliser.
Ford Transit Custom
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