Ford is continuing to develop its Transit Custom line-up with the introduction of five ECOnetic models and a range-topping Sport Van. Where previously the fuel-efficient ECOnetic specification was simply available on one short and one long wheelbase model, there are now three short Customs and two long panel vans on offer, at three gross weights.
The Transit Custom ECOnetic delivers what Ford claims are best-in-class fuel economy and emission levels, with up to 46.3mpg and 162g/km of CO2 possible. This is achieved through the use of specific calibration of the 100hp version of the 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine, with a coolant bypass valve for faster warm-up, a switchable 70mph speed limiter, a 6% longer final drive ratio, low rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic wheel trims. Customers can also choose to have fixed speed limiters set at 56mph, 62mph or 70mph if preferred.
The ECOnetic pack also comes with Auto-Start-Stop and an Acceleration Control system, that limits acceleration to the levels achieved by a fully laden van, even when part or completely unladen.
On the road the ECOnetic van is noticeably more relaxed when accelerating than the standard van, though progress is smooth and you don’t feel left behind by traffic. The van drives much like any
other Custom, though the higher final drive ratio does mean that drivers will often require a lower gear than usual for urban driving situations. Even at 50mph on a country road the van sometimes calls for fifth gear rather than sixth.
The ECOnetic Custom is only available as a standard panel van and Ford expects to sell around 1,000 a year in the UK. However, customers can order much of the additional technology, including Auto-Start-Stop, cruise control and speed limiters on any Transit Custom model to boost efficiency.
‘The Transit Custom ECOnetic is packed with advanced fuel-saving technologies that help businesses keep running costs to a minimum and reduce their carbon footprint,’ said Barb Samardzich, vice president of product development at Ford of Europe.
For those fleets more concerned with image than fuel consumption, Ford has also introduced a Sport Van version of Transit Custom. Based on the 290 short wheelbase model, the Sport Van boasts the most powerful 155hp version of the 2.2-litre engine, though it still returns a claimed 42mph when fitted with Auto-Start-Stop and 178g/km of CO2.
The van gets a full body kit of lower front bumper spoiler, side skirts, rear bumper skirt and front and rear wheelarch extensions. These are required to cover the 18” alloys and low profile tyres that come as part of the package. Inside you get part leather seats, a DAB radio and Ford’s SYNC voice-activation technology on top of the range-topping Limited trim level.
Ford expects to sell up to 500 Sport Vans a year in the UK, and judging by past performance it should have little trouble meeting this target, as the Sport Van remains a popular addition to the range.
Verdict
Ford continues to broaden the appeal of its Transit Custom range, with best-in-class economy and emissions for fleets and sporty styling for the image conscious owner, driver or small business.
Specification
MODEL: Transit Custom ECOnetic 290 SWB
BASIC PRICE: £19,195
ENGINE: 4-cyl/2,179cc
FUEL INJECTION: Common-rail
POWER: 100hp @ 3,500rpm
TORQUE: 310Nm @ 1,300rpm
Weights (kg)
GVW: 2,900
KERB WEIGHT: 1,805
PAYLOAD: 1,095
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT: 1,550
Dimensions (mm)
LOAD SPACE LENGTH: 2,555
LOAD SPACE WIDTH: 1,775
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT: 1,406
LOAD HEIGHT (unladen): 583
LOAD VOLUME: 5.95m3
Cost considerations
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 80 litres
COMBINED MPG & CO2: 44.8mpg/166g/km
OIL CHANGE: 2 yr/30,000 miles
WARRANTY: 3 yr/100,000 miles