Ford launches new ‘off-road’ Trail and Active Transit models

Ford has announced new Trail and Active Transit models, complete with all-wheel drive (Trail) or rear-wheel drive (Trail & Custom Trail) with limited slip differential.

The new vans feature rugged looks with plastic bumpers and wheelarch trims and come complete with an all-wheel drive option for the Transit Trail, or a mechanical limited-slip differential for Transit Custom and rear-wheel drive Transit Trail to make the Transits live up to their appearances.

Front-wheel-drive Transit and Transit Custom Trail models are fitted with an mLSD as standard to more comfortably tackle unpaved roads, gravel tracks and challenging surfaces, and Transit Trail is available with all-wheel drive for progress in more challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Transit Trail’s all-wheel drive features ‘Slippery’ and ‘Mud/Rut’ selectable drive modes, selected using the Drive Mode controller on the dashboard. In addition, these models come with an enhanced full leather interior as standard. Air conditioning, power-foldable door mirrors and auto lighting are also standard, as is Ford’s Quickclear heated windscreen, which allows an easy departure in freezing conditions.

All Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models are available in panel van and double-cab-in-van body styles, and are powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with a choice of 130hp, 170hp or 185hp.

Transit Custom Trail models can also be specified with 48-volt mild hybrid engines with 130hp, 170hp and 185hp.

New Transit and Tourneo Custom Active models get SUV styling, similar to the treatment given to the Ford Fiesta and Focus Active. For these models, the mLSD is an optional extra (£550). Active series are available with power outputs of 130hp, 170hp and 185hp depending on model and specification. Automatic and manual gearboxes are available across the range.

Customers can choose from a wide range of variants and body styles to find a vehicle that best suits their needs and lifestyle including: Tourneo Custom Active in SWB, seating up to eight people including driver; Transit Custom Active panel van in SWB and LWB, with 3,000kg GVM; and Transit Custom Active double-cab-in-van in SWB and LWB, with 3,200kg GVM.

The range of Active vehicles will be further expanded later in 2020, with the introduction of the smaller Transit Connect Active and Tourneo Connect Active models. More details will be provided closer to launch.

Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models are priced from £35,685 and £29,250, respectively, while the Transit Custom Active starts at £30,000 and Tourneo Custom Active from £37,950.