Ford’s Transit Custom has quite rightly been receiving universal acclaim; it is a big step forward and takes Ford straight to the top of the one-tonne van sector. But what if you need to carry more than materials and parcels in the rear; what if you need the added versatility of additional seating?
Ford sells a double-cab-in-van Custom, with a second row of seating behind the driver. However, while this provides a personnel and materials carrying capability, it does restrict the van element when you need full load volume, as there is a fixed steel bulkhead behind that second row of seats.
One option is to go for the Custom Kombi, which offers nine seats in three rows of three. In long wheelbase 310 format, as we have here, this still leaves plenty of room for bags, or a load behind the third row of seats, making the Kombi ideal as a hotel pick-up bus or construction site transport.
If you need ultimate load carrying ability, the second and third rows of seats fold, tilt or can be removed completely, revealing the full load volume of the Transit on which the Kombi is based. With the rows having single and double seat units, there are 30 different seating combinations, offering various load space.
The only downside for a business is that Ford has classified the Kombi as an M1 car, so there is no option to reclaim the VAT on the vehicle. With the 310 long wheelbase Kombi in Trend trim, that results in a hefty list price of £29,415.
The good news however is that if anything the Kombi drives even better than the Transit Custom van, having a full headlining and sound-insulating floor covering throughout. Equipped with the mid-range 125hp engine, the Kombi accelerates well and cruises smoothly with motorway traffic. Our test van had been equipped with the optional ECOnetic Technology pack that includes Auto-Start-Stop, smart regenerative charging, cruise control and a switchable 70mph speed limiter.
Ford claims that this should result in combined fuel economy of around 42.2mpg, with a CO2 output of just 177g/km. In mixed use we’ve been achieving closer to 35mpg, though our test van has few miles on the clock.
The mid-level Trend specification includes front fog lights and projector-style halogen headlights with a cornering function and courtesy delay, power adjustable and heated mirrors, Ford’s excellent heated front windscreen, auto headlights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, a radio/CD with Ford SYNC, Bluetooth and audio streaming, a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear lever.
The only item missing is air conditioning, which comes as part of the higher Limited trim or can be had for £600 as an option, or £975 if you want rear climate control as well. Given the amount of glass in the Kombi body it is a box that we would tick – no doubt rear seat passengers would applaud the choice too, as none of the rear windows can be opened in the Kombi.
From the driver’s seat however there is little to complain about. The Transit Custom drives well, is comfortable and well equipped. With 30,000 miles/two year service intervals, relatively low fuel consumption, a five-star Euro NCAP rating and the promise of increased residual values for the Custom versus previous Transits, the Kombi has a lot to offer. Add in the versatility of the removable seating and the Custom is far more than a site minibus.
Verdict
The Kombi delivers jack-of-all-trades versatility, with the driver and ownership benefits of the new Transit Custom range.
It’s easy to see why the Custom is winning awards.
Specifications
MODEL Ford Transit Custom Kombi 310 LWB Trend
BASIC PRICE £29,415
ENGINE 4-cyl/2,179cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 123hp @ 3,500rpm
TORQUE 350Nm @ 1,500–2,000rpm
GVW 3,100 kg
KERB WEIGHT 2,187kg
PAYLOAD 913kg
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,500kg
LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,917mm
LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,775mm
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,406mm
LOAD VOLUME 6.8m3
Cost considerations
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80 litres
COMBINED MPG 45.6mpg
CO2 177g/km
OIL CHANGE 2 yr/30,00 miles
WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles