Features

21/07/17

Ford unveils new Transit Custom with lower running costs with zero emission model to follow

The Ford Transit Custom, the king of all vans, gets a major revamp for 2018. Builders, plumbers, electricians, movers who need something fast, reliable and spacious to carry the load will tell you the Transit is the best of them all.

The new Transit Custom one tonne van which hits the market in 2018 promises improved fuel efficiency a bold new design and fresh interior. The absolute stalwart of the British van market cleans up its act with a zero emission model soon to follow. From 2019 there will be a new  plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model allowing the van to run solely on electric power for city trips. Ford hasn't released any details on range or economy for the hybrid, but trials on prototypes will begin trials with fleets in London later this year.

As well as improved economy, the 2018 Transit Custom will be offered with new driver assistance packages, including the Cross Traffic Alert system and an intelligent speed limiter.

Hans Schep, general manager, commercial vehicles, said: “Transit Custom has been a runaway success since it was introduced, and this new version raises the game once more. We have listened carefully to our customers, and delivered a one-tonne van that is even more stylish, even more productive, and packed with smart features.”

Engines

The latest Transit Custom is powered by the Dagenham, U.K.-built Ford EcoBlue 2.0L diesel engine, with 104, 128 or 168bhp on offer. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, while a SelectShift automatic gearbox is available on the 128 and 168bhp models.

An EcoNetic version of the 104bhp engine features stop-start technology, an ‘acceleration control’ feature and a 62mph speed limiter to increase fuel economy to 49.6mpg. CO2 emissions are reduced, too, to 148g/km. This technology is available on short-wheelbase 300 models.

Styling

The restyled exterior takes inspiration from the new Ford Fiesta with a bold new front grille treatment flanked by trapezoidal headlamps with LED daytime running lights and xenon headlamps available.

Interior and technology

The latest Transit Custom has an all-new interior, too, following the style of the latest Ford Fiesta. Ford claims that comfort and ergonomics are much improved, while interior storage is now best-in-class, with 25 litres available including three bins for clipboard and smartphones, a generous glove box and a fold-out cupholder under the gear lever. An optional infotainment system incorporates an eight-inch touchscreen that responds to pinch and swipe gestures in the manner of a smartphone, controlling Ford’s SYNC 3 Bluetooth phone integration. Where the infotainment system isn’t fitted, Transit Custom drivers can use their own smartphone via a MyFord dock, which is provided with a USB and 12v power socket located nearby.

Intelligent Speed Limiter and Traffic Sign Recognition will be introduced alongside a blind spot warning system for the first time. Ford claims the Transit Custom is the first commercial vehicle to be offered with an intelligent speed limiter that automatically adjusts road speed when speed-limit signs are recognised. Blind-spot monitoring is available, including cross-traffic alert to assist when reversing out of parking spaces on busy roads.

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