Work gloves on as Ford prices cargo hauling new Transit Custom

With its local market arrival confirmed at its 100^th anniversary celebration in November last year, Ford has divulged the price and specification details of the new Transit Custom panel van.

Load lugging details

Due to being joined at a later stage by the people hauling Tourneo Custom, the Transit arrives in long wheelbase guise solely with the standard height roof and seating for three up front.

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Also set to be joined at a later stage by the standard wheelbase variant, the extended length translates to a payload of 1 269 kg, a braked trailer tow rating of 2 500 kg and a total load volume behind the metal bulkhead of 5.8m³.

Its loading area measuring 3 050 mm long, enough for three Euro pallets, according to Ford. The Transit Custom also receives six tie-down hooks integrated into the floor, along with a partial rubber covering and an LED light.

Also included are dual sliding side doors, access steps to aid entry, and barn-style rear doors that open 180 degrees.

Anything but van-spec tech

Equipped with a semi-trailing arm rear suspension – a model first – the Transit Custom’s interior receives a touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster in yet another first for the moniker.

Measuring 12-inches, the former offers customisation depending on preference, while the latter comes in the shape of the 13-inch SYNC 4A system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Fitted with a number of storage areas and slots, additional standard features comprise auto on/off LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist, keyless entry, push-button start, a multi-function steering wheel and satellite navigation.

While a wireless smartphone charger remains a cost option, included safety and driver assistance systems are six airbags, a 180-degree reverse camera, Driver Attention Alert, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and Forward Collision Warning Assist, as well as;

• Rollover Mitigation;
• Lane Keep Assist;
• Evasive Steering Assist;
• Traffic Sign Recognition;
• Dynamic Stability Control

Single-turbo grunt

Providing motivation, the single turbo 2.0-litre Panther diesel engine from the Ranger resides up front, albeit with reduced power and torque from 125kW/405Nm to 100kW/360Nm.

Entrusted with sending the amount of twist to the front axle is a six-speed manual gearbox, complete with a Tow/Haul function and an Eco setting.

Price

Now available, pricing for the Transit Custom starts at R692 000 and includes a four-year/120 000 km warranty, with a service plan being optional as per the Right to Repair guidelines.

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